Orange chicken is a popular Chinese takeout dish that consists of breaded, fried chicken tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. While traditionally deep fried, orange chicken can also be made in an air fryer for a healthier version with less oil. Air frying helps make crispy orange chicken with significantly fewer calories compared to deep frying. However, to get the best results when air frying orange chicken, there are some things to keep in mind regarding cook times and temperatures.
Air Fryer Cooking Process for Orange Chicken
Here is a summary of the basic process for making air fryer orange chicken:
Cut Chicken and Toss in Marinade
The first step is to cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into 1-inch cubes. Toss the chicken in a marinade consisting of soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, garlic, and cornstarch. This will help flavor and tenderize the chicken. Allow to marinate for 15-30 minutes.
Coat Chicken in Batter
After marinating, coat the chicken pieces in a batter consisting of flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and spices like ginger, garlic, and white pepper. The batter should coat each piece evenly.
Air Fry the Chicken
Transfer the battered chicken pieces to the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The high heat will make the outside extra crispy.
Toss Chicken in Orange Sauce
While air frying, prepare the orange sauce. Whisk together orange juice concentrate, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and cornstarch. Once chicken is done, toss in the sauce until evenly coated. Serve over rice.
How Long to Air Fry Orange Chicken
The total cook time for air fryer orange chicken is around 15-18 minutes at 375°F. However, exactly how long depends on a few factors:
Size of Chicken Pieces
Smaller chicken pieces will cook faster than larger pieces. Cubes that are around 1-inch will take 12-15 minutes. Larger chunks may need closer to 18 minutes. Monitor smaller pieces so they do not overcook.
Amount Being Cooked
Cooking a larger batch of chicken will increase cook time. Aim to not overload the air fryer basket. Cook chicken in batches for the fastest, most even cooking.
Type of Air Fryer
Times can vary slightly based on the power and capacity of your particular model. Get to know your air fryer and adjust cook times as needed.
Doneness Preference
If you prefer very well done chicken, you may want to air fry for closer to 18 minutes. For tender, juicy pieces, stick to the lower end of the time range.
Tips for the Best Air Fried Orange Chicken
Here are some top tips for crispy, flavorful orange chicken made in the air fryer:
Pat Chicken Dry Before Battering
Make sure chicken pieces are dried thoroughly before dredging in the batter. Any moisture on the surface can make the batter soggy instead of crispy.
Use a Light Coating of Batter
Too much thick batter can make the chicken bready rather than crispy. Use a light, even coating for optimal texture.
Preheat Air Fryer Properly
Allow the air fryer to fully preheat before adding chicken. This helps ensure it air fries rather than steams.
Don’t Overcrowd Air Fryer Basket
Leave space between pieces for air circulation. Overcrowding causes uneven cooking.
Flip Chicken Halfway Through
Flipping the chicken prevents one side from overcooking. Carefully toss or flip each piece.
Check for Doneness
Cut into a piece of chicken to confirm it is fully cooked through. If needed, air fry 2-3 minutes longer.
Toss Well in Sauce
The sauce should coat each piece without being soggy. Toss gently but thoroughly for the best flavor.
Common Questions
Can you make orange chicken batter ahead of time?
Yes, the chicken batter can be made up to a day ahead. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to use. Allow it to come back to room temperature before dredging the chicken.
Should orange chicken sauce be thick or thin?
The classic orange chicken sauce should have a glossy, thick consistency that clings to the chicken. If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 Tbsp water and whisk into the sauce to thicken.
Is orange chicken spicy?
Authentic restaurant-style orange chicken is sweet rather than spicy. However, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce if you prefer a little kick of heat.
Can you freeze leftover orange chicken?
Cooked orange chicken freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool fully before transferring to freezer bags or containers. Reheat frozen orange chicken in the oven or air fryer until hot and crispy.
What sides go with orange chicken?
Steamed rice or lo mein noodles are classic sides for orange chicken. You can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, sugar snap peas, or bok choy.
Orange Chicken Air Fryer Cooking Chart
| Amount of Chicken | Cook Time at 375°F |
|---|---|
| 1 pound, cut into 1-inch pieces | 12-15 minutes |
| 1.5 pounds, cut into 1-inch pieces | 15-18 minutes |
| 2 pounds, cut into 1-inch pieces | 17-20 minutes |
*Flip chicken halfway through and check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Recipe for Air Fryer Orange Chicken
This deliciously crispy orange chicken is much healthier and easier to make than takeout!
Ingredients
- 1 1⁄2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1⁄2 cup cornstarch
- 1⁄4 cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1⁄4 cup orange juice concentrate
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons cornstarch
- Sesame seeds, green onions, and orange slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes and place in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Toss to coat and marinate for 15-30 minutes.
- In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and white pepper. Place egg in a separate shallow bowl. Dip chicken pieces in egg, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Spray air fryer basket with oil.
- Working in batches, place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 6 minutes.
- Remove basket and flip chicken pieces. Air fry 6-9 minutes more until golden brown and crispy.
- Meanwhile, whisk together orange juice concentrate, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and cornstarch for the sauce. Set aside.
- Once chicken is cooked, toss immediately in the orange sauce until coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve over rice with orange slices if desired. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Air fried orange chicken is a quick and easy dinner that requires only 15-18 minutes of cook time at 375°F. Cut the chicken uniformly for even cooking. A light batter and properly preheated air fryer are keys to achieving the crispiest texture. Remember to toss the cooked chicken in the signature sweet and tangy orange sauce. With the right techniques, you can make restaurant-quality orange chicken easily at home in your air fryer any night of the week.