Air Fryer Magic: Trader Joe's Orange Chicken

Trader Joe's Orange Chicken is a quick and easy meal that can be cooked in an air fryer. The chicken is cooked straight from frozen, with no need to thaw it out. The air fryer basket should be lined with a single layer of chicken pieces, making sure not to overlap or crowd them. The chicken is then cooked for around 13 minutes, being flipped halfway through. Once cooked, the chicken is tossed with the orange sauce and can be served with rice, green onions, and sesame seeds.

How to prepare the chicken

To prepare the chicken, start by removing the orange sauce package and placing it in a bowl of hot water. Next, place the frozen chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overlap or crowd the pieces. It is important to leave space between the pieces so that they cook evenly and get crispy. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the chicken for 13 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the thawed orange sauce on top. Toss the chicken and sauce together until they are well combined.

You can serve the chicken on a bed of rice, topped with green onions and sesame seeds. If you're short on time, Trader Joe's microwavable frozen Jasmine Rice is a great shortcut. For extra flavour, sprinkle some freshly chopped green onions on top of the chicken before serving. Sesame seeds add a nice crunch and bring out the flavour of the orange chicken. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables.

How to prepare the sauce

To prepare the sauce, first remove the orange sauce package from the Trader Joe's Orange Chicken and place it in a bowl of hot water. This will allow the sauce to thaw while you cook the chicken. Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the thawed orange sauce on top. Toss the chicken and sauce together until well combined.

You can also add extra flavour to the sauce by serving the chicken with rice and toppings. For example, you could serve the chicken on a bed of fluffy rice with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds. This will add a crunchy texture and bring out the flavour of the orange chicken.

If you are using leftover chicken, place it in the air fryer basket and cook for 2-3 minutes until thoroughly warmed through. You can also preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the chicken pieces in a single layer for 13 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and that the outside is crispy.

How long to cook the chicken for

To cook Trader Joe's orange chicken in an air fryer, you should first place the frozen pieces of chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overlap or crowd the pieces. Then, air fry at 400°F for 13 minutes, flipping halfway through. It is important to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F and that the chicken is crispy on the outside.

If you are cooking leftover chicken, you should place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook the nuggets for 2 to 3 minutes until thoroughly warmed.

How to serve the chicken

To serve the chicken, place it on a bed of fluffy rice for a complete meal. You can use a microwavable frozen jasmine rice from Trader Joe's for a quick option. Top the dish with freshly chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavour and crunch. If you don't want to use rice, you can serve the chicken with roasted vegetables.

How to clean up afterwards

To clean up after cooking Trader Joe's orange chicken in an air fryer, follow these steps:

• Unplug the air fryer and allow it to cool down completely.
• Remove the air fryer basket or pan and any other removable parts, such as the crisper plate or drip tray.
• Scrape off any excess food residue from the basket or pan and other parts using a soft-bristled brush or sponge. Be gentle to avoid scratching the coating.
• Fill the sink with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap.
• Soak the basket or pan and other parts in the soapy water for a few minutes to loosen any remaining residue.
• Use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe down the inside of the air fryer, paying attention to any nooks and crannies where food may have splattered.
• Rinse the basket or pan and other parts with clean water and dry them thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel.
• Reassemble the air fryer and wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth to remove any fingerprints or splatters.
• Dispose of any food waste or packaging in the trash, ensuring that all sauce packets are properly sealed before discarding.
• Wash any utensils, plates, or bowls used during the cooking process with warm soapy water, and dry them with a clean cloth.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your air fryer is clean and ready for your next cooking adventure.

Frequently asked questions