Air-Fryer Orange Chicken: A Tasty, Healthy Treat

Air Fryer Orange Chicken is a tasty, healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version of the dish. The air-fried version is less oily and can be made gluten-free by using cornstarch or potato starch instead of flour for the chicken coating. The sauce is made with orange juice and zest, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and other seasonings, creating a sweet and savoury dish. The chicken is cooked in the air fryer for around 10-15 minutes, and the sauce is heated separately. This dish can be served with rice and vegetables, and leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

How to make a gluten-free version

For a gluten-free take on the classic orange chicken dish, you can easily adapt the recipe for an air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create a delicious, gluten-free version:

Firstly, source gluten-free alternatives for the breading. Instead of using regular flour, opt for gluten-free flour made from rice, corn, or a blend specifically designed for frying. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs, which are readily available in most supermarkets. Look for breadcrumbs that have a fine texture similar to panko breadcrumbs, as these will give your chicken that desirable crispy texture.

Prepare the chicken by cutting it into bite-sized pieces. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, ensuring they are trimmed of any fat and cut into uniform sizes for even cooking. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, and if you like a little kick, add some gluten-free chili powder or paprika to the mix.

Set up a standard breading station with three shallow dishes. Fill the first dish with gluten-free flour, the second with beaten eggs (you can use an egg substitute if preferred), and the third with your chosen gluten-free breadcrumbs. Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour, shaking off any excess, then into the egg, and finally, coat it generously with the breadcrumbs. Place the breaded chicken pieces on a plate and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help set the coating.

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket of your air fryer with gluten-free non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, being careful not to overcrowd. You may need to cook the chicken in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Fry for 8-10 minutes, then turn the chicken pieces over and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until the breading is golden brown and crispy.

While the chicken is cooking, prepare your orange sauce. For a gluten-free sauce, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, fresh orange juice and zest, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and a little cornstarch to thicken. Simply whisk these ingredients together in a saucepan and heat until the sauce boils and thickens. You can adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your taste.

Once the chicken is cooked through and crispy, transfer it to a bowl and pour over your homemade orange sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly, and serve immediately with your choice of gluten-free sides, such as steamed rice and roasted vegetables. Enjoy your delicious, gluten-free orange chicken!

By making these simple adaptations, you can create a mouth-watering gluten-free version of the popular orange chicken dish, all cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

What to serve with orange chicken

Orange chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to accompany your air-fried orange chicken:

Rice

Rice is a popular choice to serve with orange chicken. You can use jasmine rice, which adds an aromatic element to the dish, or try cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Noodles

A variety of noodles can accompany orange chicken, including zucchini noodles, Chinese egg noodles, and chow mein. These can be a great base for the dish and add texture to the meal.

Vegetables

Orange chicken goes well with a variety of vegetables. Broccoli with garlic sauce is a popular choice, as are stir-fried vegetables, green beans, and cucumber salad. You could also try oyster mushrooms or a vegetable medley for a colourful and nutritious addition to the meal.

Appetizers and Side Dishes

Spring rolls, fried wontons, and Chinese chicken dumplings are tasty additions to the meal. You could also try a spicy garlic edamame or crispy honey chilli cauliflower as a starter.

Salads

A garden salad is a refreshing option to balance the richer flavours of the orange chicken. You could also try a Thai mango salad for an explosion of fresh flavours and textures.

Soup

Hot and sour soup is a Chinese food staple that can be customised to your taste and is a great way to warm up on a cold day.

Meat

Boneless pork ribs can be a satisfying, meatier side dish to accompany orange chicken. Glaze them with a sauce that mirrors the sweet and tangy notes of the orange chicken for a cohesive flavour profile.

Nuts

Chinese walnuts are a unique and satisfying way to end the meal on a sweet note. These candied nuts are crunchy, sweet, and slightly bitter, making them a great dessert or palate cleanser.

How to store leftovers

Leftover orange chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four or five days. It can also be frozen for up to three months.

When you're ready to eat your leftovers, you can reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. If you're reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of water or orange juice to rehydrate the sauce.

Leftover orange chicken can get soggy, so if you're looking for a way to add some crunch, try making lettuce wraps. Chop up the chicken and add it to a cup of lettuce. You can also add some toasted cashews for a bit of extra texture.

How to make the sauce thicker

To make the sauce thicker, you can add a cornstarch slurry to the sauce as it cooks. This involves mixing cornstarch with cold water and stirring it into the sauce as it simmers. The cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce, and you can add more or less depending on your desired thickness.

Making the Sauce Thicker

While the sauce is boiling, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water. The general ratio is 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. You can adjust the amount of cornstarch depending on how much thicker you want the sauce to be.

Add the cornstarch slurry to the boiling sauce and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. It usually takes about 1 minute or so for the sauce to thicken.

Keep in mind that the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools down, so it's better to remove it from the heat when it's slightly thinner than your desired consistency.

If you accidentally make the sauce too thick, you can always thin it out by adding a little water or orange juice to adjust the consistency.

Tips for a Thicker Sauce

• Make sure to add the cornstarch slurry while the sauce is boiling.
• Stir the sauce constantly after adding the cornstarch slurry to prevent lumps and ensure even thickening.
• Remove the sauce from the heat when it's slightly thinner than your desired consistency, as it will continue to thicken as it cools.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce overall, you can double the amount of cornstarch in the coating for the chicken. This will result in a thicker sauce after tossing the chicken pieces with the sauce.

By following these steps and tips, you can easily adjust the thickness of the sauce for your Air Fryer Orange Chicken to suit your taste and preferences.

How to reheat the chicken

Reheating chicken in an air fryer is simple, but there is a trick to it so the chicken doesn't dry out. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat chicken in an air fryer:

Preparation

Before reheating the chicken, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is best to let the chicken come to room temperature before placing it in the air fryer. This will help it reheat more evenly and reduce the chances of drying out. However, it is important to note that leftover chicken should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to avoid food safety risks.

Additionally, if you want your chicken to have a crispy texture, you can brush the chicken pieces with a little oil or cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer. This step is optional but can enhance the crispiness of the chicken.

Air Frying

Now, let's get into the reheating process. Start by preheating your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and reduce the chances of drying out the chicken.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer, leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to reheat the chicken in batches.

Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through for even heating. For larger or bone-in chicken pieces, you may need to increase the cooking time to up to 20 minutes.

To check if the chicken is thoroughly reheated, use an internal read thermometer. Insert it into the centre of the thickest part of the chicken, and it should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit when fully heated.

Serving

Once the chicken is reheated, you can serve it as desired. You can enjoy it as is or add some sauce or seasoning for extra flavour.

Reheating chicken in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy leftovers without drying out the meat. By following these simple steps, you can have juicy and tender chicken that tastes just like freshly cooked.

Frequently asked questions