Air Fryer Magic: Pf Chang's Frozen Meals

PF Chang's is a well-known name in Asian cuisine, with over 210 restaurants in the US and 95 more in 25+ countries. The restaurant chain offers a range of frozen meals, including beef and broccoli, and orange chicken, that can be cooked in an air fryer. Air fryers are a convenient, quick, and healthy way to cook frozen meals, as they require minimal oil and provide even cooking results. In this article, we will explore the steps to cook PF Chang's frozen meals in an air fryer, including preparation, cooking time, and temperature settings. We will also discuss the benefits of using an air fryer and provide tips for achieving the best results.

Cooking temperatures and timings for frozen orange chicken

Cooking frozen orange chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal at home. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the brand of frozen orange chicken you are using, as well as the size of your air fryer. Most brands of frozen orange chicken will work well in an air fryer, but cooking times may vary slightly depending on the brand. For example, the cooking time for a 24-ounce package of orange chicken will be different from that of a larger package.

To cook frozen orange chicken in an air fryer, first, place the frozen chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece. Do not overcrowd the basket as this will affect the cooking time and temperature. You may need to cook the chicken in multiple batches if you have a smaller air fryer. There is no need to thaw the chicken first.

Brush or spray the air fryer basket with a light layer of vegetable oil or avocado oil spray. You can also use an oil sprayer or parchment sheets to prevent the chicken from sticking to the basket. Shake or turn the chicken pieces as needed during cooking to ensure even cooking.

The cooking time for frozen orange chicken in an air fryer will vary depending on the brand and the size of the chicken pieces. However, on average, you can expect to cook the chicken for about 15-20 minutes at 170°C / 340 °F, or 8-10 minutes at 400°F (205°C). You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on your air fryer model and the desired level of crispiness.

To check if the chicken is done, look for a golden brown color and a crispy texture on the outside. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

While the chicken is cooking, heat the orange sauce that comes with the frozen chicken. You can do this in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, following the package instructions. You can also add fresh orange zest or juice to the sauce to enhance the citrus flavor.

Once the chicken is cooked, combine it with the sauce and serve immediately. Air fryer frozen orange chicken pairs well with steamed rice, vegetables, or noodles.

How to prepare the chicken before air frying

Preparing chicken for air frying is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Firstly, decide on the type of chicken you want to cook. Chicken breasts are a popular choice for air frying as they are lean, packed with protein, and can be cooked in around 10 minutes. However, chicken thighs are also a great option if you prefer darker meat with a juicy inside and crispy outside texture.

Once you've chosen your chicken, it's important to prepare the meat before cooking. If you're using frozen chicken, it's crucial to defrost it first. Leave the chicken in the fridge overnight or for at least 4 to 5 hours to ensure it's completely thawed. For the best texture and flavour, it's recommended to bring the chicken to room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes before seasoning.

The next step is to season the chicken. A simple seasoning blend of paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper can enhance the flavour of plain chicken. For a more versatile and spicy blend, you can add onion powder and black pepper, and even cayenne pepper for some heat. You can also soak the chicken in buttermilk before seasoning to give it that classic fried chicken tenderness. After seasoning, lightly pound the chicken to flatten the thicker side, ensuring even cooking.

Before placing the chicken in the air fryer, brush or spray the air fryer basket with a light layer of oil. This helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken and keeps it moist. It's now time to add the chicken to the air fryer. Place the chicken in a single layer, ensuring it's not overcrowded, as this can affect cooking.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to preparing delicious and juicy air-fried chicken.

Air fryer basket preparation

Preparing the air fryer basket is an important step in the cooking process. Firstly, ensure the air fryer basket is clean and dry before use. If your air fryer basket is not non-stick, it is important to lightly grease the basket to prevent the food from sticking. You can use cooking spray, vegetable oil, or avocado oil spray for this. Brush or spray the basket with a light layer of oil, ensuring that the entire surface is coated. Shake off any excess flour or seasoning from your food before placing it in the basket. This will ensure that the oil does not become too hot and smoke during cooking.

When arranging the food in the basket, place the food in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the amount of food you are cooking, you may need to cook in batches. Leave some space between each piece of food to allow for even cooking and air circulation. Shake the basket gently a few times during the cooking process to ensure the food cooks evenly on all sides.

For frozen foods, there is no need to thaw them before placing them in the air fryer basket. Simply arrange the frozen pieces in an even layer, following the instructions for your specific air fryer model. Some recipes may suggest slightly thawing the food before cooking to improve texture and reduce cooking time. However, this is optional, and you can cook frozen foods directly from the freezer.

If you are cooking a dish with a sauce, such as PF Chang's frozen orange chicken, place the sauce packet in a bowl of warm water to thaw while the chicken cooks. This will allow the sauce to reach a pourable consistency by the time the chicken is ready. Alternatively, you can heat the sauce in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop after the chicken is cooked.

How to make the sauce

While cooking P.F. Chang's frozen meals in an air fryer, the sauce can be prepared in a few simple steps. The exact method will depend on the specific meal you are preparing, but here is a general guide for making the sauce for P.F. Chang's frozen orange chicken:

Firstly, open the package of frozen orange chicken and remove the sauce packet. Set the sauce packet aside, still sealed, in a bowl of warm water to defrost while you prepare the chicken. This way, the sauce will be ready to use by the time your chicken is cooked.

If you prefer a homemade sauce, you can make your own orange peel chicken sauce. To do this, heat a pan to a medium level while the chicken is in the air fryer. Add all the desired orange juice sauce ingredients to the pan, such as orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, and any other seasonings you prefer. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 6-8 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Once your sauce is ready, whether it's the premade or homemade variety, simply mix it with the cooked chicken pieces in a large serving bowl. Serve your saucy chicken with a side of rice or noodles, and enjoy the flavours of P.F. Chang's right at home!

It is worth noting that P.F. Chang's offers other frozen meals, such as beef and broccoli, which can also be cooked in an air fryer. While the exact sauce-making instructions may vary, the basic principles remain the same. You can either use the provided sauce packet or create your own sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Other frozen meal options

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen meals and snacks, as they cook food evenly and quickly, and make it healthier and crispier than traditional frying methods. There are many different frozen foods that can be cooked in an air fryer, and some now even have instructions for using an air fryer right on the package.

• Chicken wings
• Chicken breasts
• Chicken tenders
• Chicken patties
• Steak
• Bacon
• Crab cakes
• Bagel bites
• Broccoli
• Dumplings
• Burritos
• Taquitos
• Meatball parmesan sub
• Egg rolls
• French fries
• Pizza
• Texas toast
• Onion rings
• Hash browns
• Waffle fries
• Chicken pot pie
• Chicken nuggets
• Corn dogs
• Shrimp
• Soft pretzel bites
• Pão de queijo

Frequently asked questions