Marianne Martinez
Air Fryer Orange Chicken is a tasty, healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. It is also a great way to cook frozen chicken, with some claiming it tastes even better than the deep-fried version. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of spices and sauces, dredged in flour and cornstarch, and then cooked in an air fryer for 10-15 minutes, or until slightly browned and cooked through. The sauce, which includes orange juice, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, and red pepper flakes, is cooked separately and then poured over the chicken. The dish is best served immediately, as it loses its crispiness over time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marinade ingredients | 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tsp ginger, 3/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper |
| Marinade time | 15-20 minutes or up to 24 hours |
| Preheat temperature | 350-380°F |
| Chicken coating | Cornstarch, flour, breadcrumbs, egg |
| Cooking temperature | 375-400°F |
| Cooking time | 7-15 minutes |
| Sauce ingredients | Orange juice, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, red pepper flakes, orange zest |
| Sauce preparation | Simmer for 5 minutes, add cornstarch and water to thicken, simmer for 1-3 minutes |
| Storage | Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Marinating the chicken
Firstly, prepare the marinade. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the marinade ingredients. A typical marinade for Air Fryer Orange Chicken includes soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, salt, and pepper. You can also add other ingredients like honey, brown sugar, or sriracha if you prefer a sweeter or spicier flavour. Adjust the measurements of these additional ingredients according to your taste preferences. It is important to note that the soy sauce will provide enough saltiness to the dish, so be mindful of this when adding extra salt.
Next, cut the chicken into bite-sized or 1-inch cubes. Try to keep the size of the chicken pieces as consistent as possible to ensure even cooking. Place the cubed chicken into the bowl with the marinade and stir well to coat all the chicken pieces evenly. Alternatively, you can use a large plastic bag to combine the chicken and marinade. Simply add the chicken pieces to the bag, pour in the marinade, seal the bag, and shake until the chicken is fully coated.
Once the chicken is coated in the marinade, it is ready to be set aside to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat. You can marinate the chicken for as little as 15 to 20 minutes, but for more intense flavour, it is recommended to marinate for longer, even up to 24 hours. If you choose to marinate for longer than 20 minutes, be sure to refrigerate the chicken to prevent any spoilage. The longer you can marinate the chicken, the more flavourful it will be, so feel free to prepare the marinade and chicken the night before you plan to cook it.
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Preparing the coating
Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess egg to drip off before moving on to the cornstarch mixture. Ensure that each piece is fully coated in cornstarch before placing them on a plate or pan. Some recipes suggest double-dipping the chicken, where you repeat the process of dipping the chicken in the egg and cornstarch mixtures for a thicker coating.
Before placing the chicken in the air fryer, tap off any excess starch. You can also coat the chicken with cooking spray, which will help with the coating and browning.
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Cooking the chicken
To cook orange chicken in an air fryer, start by cutting the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubed chicken into a bowl and add whisked egg until all the chicken is coated. Next, add cornstarch to a large plastic bag. Using tongs, take the chicken pieces out of the egg mixture, allowing any excess egg to drip off, and add them to the bag. Close the bag and shake until the chicken pieces are fully coated in cornstarch. Remove the pieces from the bag and place them on a cutting board, then coat the side of the chicken facing up with cooking spray. Add the chicken to the air fryer basket, sprayed side down, and then spray the side facing up so that all sides of the chicken are coated.
Preheat your air fryer to 375F. Air fry the chicken for 10-15 minutes, or until it is slightly browned and cooked through. You can also cook it at 380F for 10-14 minutes, tossing halfway. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165F. If you are cooking a larger quantity of chicken, such as 1.5 pounds, it may take longer to cook through.
Some recipes suggest coating the chicken in flour and cornstarch, then dunking it in egg, and then coating it in flour and cornstarch again before placing it in the air fryer. This will create a thicker coating on the chicken. You can also add breadcrumbs to the cornstarch for a different texture.
Be sure to cut into the largest piece of chicken to ensure it is cooked all the way through. When the chicken is done, add it to a bowl and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, pour half of the sauce on top and toss to combine. Serve immediately to maintain the crispiness of the chicken.
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Making the sauce
While the chicken is cooking, you can start making the sauce. The sauce is what makes the dish, with its sweet and tangy flavour. The ingredients you will need are:
- Orange juice
- Brown sugar
- Rice wine vinegar
- Soy sauce
- Ginger
- Red pepper flakes
- Orange zest
- Cornstarch
- Water
Combine the orange juice, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, red pepper flakes, and orange zest into a small saucepan on medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce so it’s not too thin. Mix the cornstarch and water mixture into the sauce and simmer for one additional minute, then remove from the heat. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. You can also add extra honey or brown sugar to make the sauce extra sweet, or add more chilli paste or red pepper flakes to make it extra spicy.
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Storing and reheating
When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat the chicken on the stove. Unfortunately, the dish won't have the same crispy texture as when it was freshly cooked, but it will still taste delicious. If you want to freeze your orange chicken, you can do so for up to three months. Just make sure to defrost it in the refrigerator before reheating and eating it.
If you're preparing the dish ahead of time, you can also freeze the uncooked chicken. To do this, place the chicken on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the chicken pieces to a freezer bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to cook, there's no need to defrost; simply follow the cooking instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure the chicken is heated through.
Additionally, if you're using frozen chicken, it's important to note that you should not refreeze it after thawing. So, make sure to only take out the amount of chicken you plan to cook and eat.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the quantity and size of the chicken pieces, but on average, it takes 10-15 minutes to cook orange chicken in an air fryer.
Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F.
Marinate the chicken for at least 15-20 minutes, or for as long as 24 hours. The longer you marinate it, the more flavor will penetrate the chicken pieces.
Use the double frying method, cooking the chicken at a lower temperature for a longer period first, and then at a higher temperature for a shorter period to achieve the desired crispiness.
