Tillie Doyle
Air Fryer Orange Chicken is a tasty, healthier alternative to the classic takeout option. It's easy to make, with very little mess, and can be prepared in about 30 minutes. The recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, and can be made extra sweet or spicy depending on your preference. The key to achieving the perfect crunch lies in the double frying method, where the chicken is cooked at a lower temperature for a longer period, followed by a higher temperature for a shorter duration. The air fryer's ability to circulate air ensures even cooking and the coveted crispy texture. This dish pairs well with rice and steamed broccoli, making it a delicious and convenient option for a hearty meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marinade | Soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, salt, pepper, garlic |
| Coating | Flour, cornstarch, potato starch, egg, breadcrumbs |
| Oil | Avocado oil spray, olive oil spray, vegetable oil spray |
| Sauce | Orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, ginger, red pepper flakes, chile paste, garlic, sesame oil |
| Cooking Time | 10-25 minutes |
| Cooking Temperature | 350-400°F |
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What You'll Learn
Marinating the chicken
- Prepare the chicken: Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces or cubes. You can use chicken breasts or thighs, but it is recommended to cut them into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Remove any excess fat or tendons from the chicken pieces.
- Make the marinade: In a separate bowl, combine the ingredients for the marinade. A simple marinade can be made using soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, salt, and pepper. You can also add other ingredients like honey, brown sugar, or spices to adjust the flavour to your preference. Mix the ingredients well to ensure they are combined.
- Combine the chicken and marinade: Place the chicken pieces into a bowl or a resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that all the pieces are well-coated. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix the chicken and marinade, making sure that the marinade gets into all the crevices of the chicken pieces.
- Refrigerate and marinate: Cover the bowl or seal the bag containing the chicken and marinade. Place it in the refrigerator to marinate. The marinating time can vary depending on your preference and how intense you want the flavour to be. You can marinate the chicken for a minimum of 20 minutes or up to 24 hours. The longer you marinate, the more pronounced the flavour will be.
- Dredge and coat the chicken: After the chicken has finished marinating, it's time to prepare it for frying. Set up a dredging station with a flour mixture (a combination of flour and cornstarch or just cornstarch) in one bowl and a beaten egg in another bowl. Dip each chicken piece first into the flour mixture, then into the egg, and finally back into the flour mixture. This double-coating process ensures a crispy and flavourful exterior.
- Air fryer preparation: Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically around 350-400°F (180-200°C). While the air fryer is preheating, you can arrange the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer with a little space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation. Brush or spray the chicken pieces with oil to help with the crisping process.
Remember, the marinating process is a great opportunity to infuse your chicken with flavours that complement the orange sauce. Experiment with different ingredients and spices in your marinade to create your own unique twist on Air Fryer Orange Chicken.
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Coating the chicken
Marinating the Chicken:
Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces or cubes. The key to even cooking and browning is to ensure the chicken pieces are of uniform size. Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and add your choice of marinade. A simple marinade can be made by combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, salt, and pepper. You can also add other ingredients like garlic or tamari for extra flavour. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly, and then cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 24 hours. The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavour will be.
Dredging and Dunking:
In one bowl, prepare a flour mixture by combining flour and cornstarch (or using all-purpose flour or cornstarch). You can also use potato starch instead of cornstarch for an extra crispy texture. In a separate bowl, beat an egg. Now, it's time to dredge and dunk! First, dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, ensuring it's well coated. Then, dunk the floured chicken into the egg, making sure it's thoroughly coated. Finally, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture once again. Repeat this process for all chicken pieces.
Oil Spray or Brushing:
Arrange the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space between them. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. The key to a crispy coating is to allow air to circulate around each piece. Now, it's time to oil the chicken. You can either spritz the chicken with a neutral oil spray (avocado oil or vegetable oil) or brush the chicken pieces with oil. Make sure all the flour is moistened by the oil. This step is crucial to achieving a crispy coating.
Double Frying for Maximum Crispiness:
To achieve the ultimate crispiness, it's time for the "double frying" method. First, air fry at a lower temperature (around 350°F) for about 10 minutes. Then, shake the basket to loosen any pieces that might be sticking and air fry again at a higher temperature (400°F) for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Don't forget to flip the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides.
By following these detailed steps for coating the chicken, you'll be well on your way to creating mouth-watering air fryer orange chicken with a crispy, crunchy coating that's full of flavour!
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Air frying the chicken
Once the chicken is coated, tap off any excess starch or flour, and place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not touching each other, with a little space in between. Brush or spray the chicken with oil and cook for 5-10 minutes. Shake the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking and to avoid the chicken sticking to the basket. Then, flip the chicken pieces, spray with more oil, and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F when it is done.
Some recipes suggest a "double frying" method, where you cook the chicken twice in the air fryer for maximum crispiness. This involves cooking the chicken at a lower temperature for longer, and then a second time at a higher temperature for a shorter period.
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Making the sauce
First, prepare your ingredients. The exact measurements of the ingredients can be adjusted to your taste, but a good starting point is: 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 2 teaspoons of ginger, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. You will also need orange juice, orange zest, and some form of sweetener such as honey or brown sugar. If you want to add spice to your sauce, include red pepper flakes or chilli paste.
Next, combine all the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes. If you want a thicker sauce, create a slurry by mixing cornstarch and water separately, then add this mixture to the sauce. Continue to simmer for an additional minute, then remove from the heat. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so keep that in mind when adjusting the consistency.
Finally, once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, it is ready to be combined with the cooked chicken. It is best to serve the dish immediately to maintain the crispiness of the chicken. However, if you have extra sauce, it can be stored in the refrigerator for later use.
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Serving suggestions
Air Fryer Orange Chicken is best served immediately to maintain its crispiness. It pairs well with rice, steamed broccoli, and roasted broccoli. It can also be served with gluten-free fried rice, jasmine rice, or cauliflower rice for a lighter or paleo-friendly option.
For a healthier version of the classic Chinese dish, you can cook the chicken in the air fryer and make your own sauce. This way, you can control the ingredients and avoid processed ingredients and artificial flavorings.
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken on the stove, as microwaving it will make the chicken soggy and ruin its texture.
You can also freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight, then follow the reheating instructions above.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 20 minutes to cook orange chicken in an air fryer, but this may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
You should cook your orange chicken at 350-400°F in an air fryer.
To make the sauce, combine orange juice, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, red pepper flakes, and orange zest in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
