Easy Air Fryer Orange Chicken Recipe

Preparation: Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Aromatics [00:07]

• Zest the two oranges to get 1 tbsp of orange zest.
• Juice the two oranges to obtain 1/2 cup of fresh juice.
• Peel and mince the ginger. Mince the 3 garlic cloves. Slice the 4 stalks of green onions.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken [03:17]

• Cut the 1 lb of chicken into 1 inch cubes.
• Place the chicken in a large bowl. Add 1 large egg and 1/4 tsp of salt. Combine well.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken [04:39]

• Add 1 cup of cornstarch to a shallow dish.
• Working in batches that fit your air fryer, dredge the chicken pieces in the cornstarch, ensuring they are fully coated.

Step 4: Air Fry [04:56]

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray. Transfer the coated chicken to the basket in a single layer, leaving space for air circulation.
• Spray the chicken liberally with cooking oil.
• Cook for 6 minutes. Then, flip the chicken pieces, spray again, and cook for another 6 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Step 5: Make the Sauce [07:13]

• While the chicken cooks, combine the orange juice, orange zest, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp ginger, 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes, and 3 minced garlic cloves in a small saucepan.
• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved.
• In a separate small bowl, whisk 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water to make a slurry.
• Add the slurry to the boiling sauce while whisking. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens and becomes clear.

Step 6: Assemble [11:35]

• Place the cooked chicken in a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss until well coated.
• Serve immediately over rice, garnished with the sliced green onions and some sesame seeds (optional).