Air Fryer Orange Chicken Glazed
A healthier twist on a Chinese classic, this air fryer orange chicken features tender, crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs you can use panko for extra crunch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray for air fryer basket
For the Orange Sauce
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water for thickening
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by preparing the chicken. Place the cut chicken thighs in a large bowl. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure even coating.
- Set up a breading station. Place flour in one dish, lightly beat the eggs in another, and put breadcrumbs in a third.
- Dredge each chicken piece in flour, shaking off the excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it generously with breadcrumbs.
Cooking
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You might need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the chicken for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through.
Orange Sauce Preparation
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the orange sauce. In a saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), grated orange zest, minced ginger, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
Serving
- Once the chicken is done cooking, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the orange sauce over the chicken and toss until all pieces are well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Notes
To enhance the orange flavor, you can add a dash of orange extract to the sauce or double the amount of zest. These small adjustments can elevate the dish and customize it to your taste.