Air Fryer Trader Joe's Orange Chicken: Quick And Easy!

Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken is a popular frozen food item that can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 15 minutes. The air fryer method is faster than the oven method and yields crispier and more delicious results. The chicken can be cooked straight from frozen and does not need to be defrosted first. The sauce can be heated in the microwave or on the stovetop while the chicken is cooking.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your Trader Joe's Orange Chicken cooks evenly and efficiently. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for preheating your air fryer to 400°F:

Firstly, it's important to consult your air fryer's manual for specific instructions and recommendations. Preheating times can vary between models, so it's good to refer to the manufacturer's guidelines. For example, some air fryers may take around 10 minutes to preheat to 400°F, while others may have different requirements.

When preheating, ensure your air fryer is set to 400°F. This temperature is ideal for cooking Trader Joe's Orange Chicken, as it will create a crispy exterior while thoroughly heating the chicken inside. The preheating process ensures that your air fryer reaches and maintains this temperature before you begin cooking.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the chicken pieces and lay them out in a single layer. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly. You can also use this time to prepare any side dishes or garnishes, such as rice, broccoli, or green onions.

It's important to note that you should not add the sauce to the chicken during the preheating stage. The sauce should be heated separately, either in the microwave or on the stovetop, and added to the chicken after it has been cooked.

By preheating your air fryer to 400°F, you create the optimal cooking environment for Trader Joe's Orange Chicken. This ensures that your chicken will be cooked thoroughly and efficiently, resulting in a delicious and convenient meal.

Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes

Cooking Trader Joe's Orange Chicken in an air fryer is a great way to get that crispy texture on the outside while keeping the chicken tender inside. It's also a convenient and quick option for a weeknight meal, taking less than 15 minutes to prepare. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Most air fryers will take around 10 minutes to reach this temperature, but it's always good to check your air fryer's manual for specific instructions. This step ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and efficiently.

Step 2: Arrange the Chicken in the Air Fryer Basket

Now, take your frozen Trader Joe's Orange Chicken and arrange the pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they don't overlap or crowd each other. This arrangement ensures even cooking and that crispy texture we're aiming for.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

With the air fryer preheated and the chicken pieces nicely arranged, it's time to start cooking. Set the timer for 10-12 minutes and let the air fryer work its magic.

Step 4: Flip and Cook Again

After the first 5-6 minutes, it's a good idea to flip the chicken pieces over. This ensures that both sides of the chicken get that beautiful golden color and crispy texture. So, give the basket a good shake or use tongs to turn the pieces over, then continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes.

Step 5: Check the Internal Temperature

To ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked, check its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should have reached 165°F. If it hasn't, you can give it a couple more minutes in the air fryer.

Step 6: Combine with Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the sauce. Remove the orange sauce packet from the Trader Joe's package and place it in a bowl of hot water to thaw and warm up slightly. This will make it easier to coat the chicken evenly. Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the sauce over it. Toss everything together until the chicken pieces are nicely coated.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Now, it's time to serve your delicious air-fried Trader Joe's Orange Chicken. You can serve it as-is or with a side of fluffy rice and some freshly chopped green onions for a flavorful garnish. Sesame seeds are also a great addition for a crunchy texture and enhanced flavor. Enjoy your homemade takeout!

Heat the sauce in the microwave

To heat the sauce in the microwave, first fill a medium-sized bowl with water and place the frozen sauce packet in it. The sauce will thaw while the chicken cooks, so there's no need to dirty a pot or pan.

If you're short on time, you can simply heat the sauce in a large bowl in the microwave for 45 seconds. However, if you want to ensure the sauce is thoroughly thawed, it's best to let it sit in hot water for a few minutes.

After heating the sauce, add the crispy chicken and toss to coat. This will ensure that the sauce is evenly distributed on the chicken.

Heating the sauce in the microwave is a convenient and quick way to prepare it while the chicken is cooking in the air fryer. It saves time and reduces the number of dishes that need to be washed.

Toss the chicken in the sauce

Once your chicken is cooked, it's time to toss it in the sauce. You can use the sauce that comes with the chicken, or you can make your own. If you're using the Trader Joe's sauce, simply heat it in the microwave for about 45 seconds to a minute. You can also heat it in a bowl of hot water while the chicken is cooking. If you're making your own sauce, try something like a simple soy sauce, fresh grated ginger, or black Chinese vinegar.

Once your sauce is ready, add the crispy chicken and toss to coat. Make sure all the pieces are evenly coated so that every bite is delicious. You can serve the chicken as-is or with some additional garnishes. Green onions, sesame seeds, and sweet chili sauce are great options.

If you're using the Trader Joe's sauce, you'll notice that it looks very watery at first. Don't worry, the battered chicken will absorb a lot of it. You can also add in some fresh orange zest, sesame seeds, or scallions to boost the flavor.

And that's it! You've now made delicious Trader Joe's orange chicken in an air fryer. It's a quick and easy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving takeout. Enjoy!

Serve with rice and vegetables

Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken is a popular choice for a quick and tasty meal, and it's even better when served with rice and vegetables. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and serve this delicious dish:

Preparing the Rice:

Before you start cooking the chicken, it's a good idea to get the rice ready. You can use your favourite variety of rice, such as jasmine rice or cauliflower rice. If you're short on time, Trader Joe's also offers convenient frozen rice options that can be quickly prepared in the microwave.

Preparing the Vegetables:

While the rice is cooking, you can start preparing your choice of vegetables. Some great options to pair with the orange chicken include broccoli, cauliflower, edamame, green beans, snap peas, or stir-fried Asian vegetables. You can cook the vegetables in a variety of ways, including steaming, stir-frying, or air frying.

Cooking the Chicken in the Air Fryer:

Now, let's move on to the star of the dish – the Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken. This product is typically found in the frozen aisle, and it comes with battered chicken chunks and packets of mandarin orange sauce. Here's how to cook it in the air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Most air fryers will take around 10 minutes to preheat, but always refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions.
• While the air fryer is preheating, remove the sauce packets from the chicken and set them aside. You don't want to sauce the chicken just yet.
• Place the frozen chicken pieces into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are spread out evenly and not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
• Air fry the chicken for about 8-10 minutes at 400°F. Halfway through the cooking time, give the air fryer basket a good shake to toss the chicken pieces and ensure even cooking.
• While the chicken is cooking, you can heat up the sauce. You can do this by placing the sauce packet in a bowl of hot water or heating it in the microwave for about 45 seconds to 2 minutes.
• Once the chicken is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the heated sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.

Serving the Dish:

Now it's time to bring everything together! Here are some tips for serving the orange chicken with rice and vegetables:

• Place a bed of rice on a serving plate or bowl. You can use a scoop of rice or shape it into a mould for a more aesthetic presentation.
• Arrange the cooked vegetables on the side or around the rice. You can keep them separate or mix them with the rice for a colourful and nutritious blend.
• Place the crispy orange chicken pieces on top of the rice and vegetables. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the chicken or serve it on the side for dipping.
• For an extra touch of freshness and flavour, garnish the dish with chopped green onions or scallions. You can also add sesame seeds for a crunchy texture and enhanced flavour.

And there you have it! A delicious and convenient meal of Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken served with rice and vegetables. Enjoy your homemade take-out experience!

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