Air Fryer Orange Chicken | Better Than Takeout in 15 Minutes

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I make this Air Fryer Orange Chicken whenever we’re craving takeout but I don’t want the extra cost or wait. Bite-sized pieces of chicken cook up golden and crispy in the air fryer before getting tossed in a sticky, sweet, and tangy orange sauce that’s packed with fresh citrus flavor. One of my favorite air fryer meals.

Better Than Takeout

It’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels like a real treat without much effort. If you’re a fan of Panda Express Orange Chicken, you’ll love this homemade version. It delivers sweet and savory flavors you crave, using simple ingredients and a lot less oil.

And if you love takeout classic here are a few more options to cover those cravings. We love this honey sesame chicken, but check out our list of easy dinner ideas when we are stretched for time or undecided but want something good!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Orange Chicken Recipe

This is my go-to method as it works perfectly every single time.

• Better than takeout for a fraction of the cost.
• Ready in less than 20 minutes.
• Uses simple pantry staples you already own.
• Get super crispy chicken without deep frying.
• Easy to customize for mild or spicy tastes.
• Great for meal prep and lunch boxes.

Key Ingredient Notes and Tips

All simple everyday ingredients, you probably already own. Get complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card further below. 

• Chicken: I used boneless skinless chicken breasts as they’re easy and cook quickly. But I prefer chicken thighs as they stay extra juicy and add more flavor.
• Orange juice: Freshly squeezed gives the best flavor, but you can use bottled.
• Rice wine vinegar: Get some from Asian stores. If I don’t have any on hand, I use apple cider vinegar, dry white wine or sake.
• Snap Peas: I love to serve this with snap peas, but use your favorite veggies like green beans, broccoli, or carrots.
• To make this gluten free: Use cornstarch instead of flour to coat the chicken and tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

How To Make This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Get complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card further below. 

1. Coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, dip it into the egg, then coat it again in the flour mixture. Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece. Spritz chicken pieces with oil so that the coating is wet. Cook in 2 batches if needed. Cook at 400 degrees F / 200 degrees C for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through until golden brown and fully cooked.
2. While the chicken is cooking, mix the sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
3. Once the chicken is done, add it to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
4. Garnish with sesame seeds, and serve with steamed snap peas and white rice.

Note: Check for doneness with a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C before consuming. 

Bintu’s Recipe Tips

• Make sure all chicken pieces are about the same size for even cooking.
• Use a paper towel to dry the chicken pieces before coating them with egg and flour to help the coating stick better.
• The air fryer must be fully preheated before placing the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket. You want them to cook evenly.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C so you know it is cooked.
• Whisk the cornstarch into the sauce ingredients before heating to prevent lumps.
• A trick is to let the sauce sit for a few minutes after cooking. It helps it to thicken slightly.
• Also check out how to make crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast.

Prep And Storage

• Prep ahead: Prepare the sauce and cut the chicken ahead of time to save time on busy nights. If you want to cook the chicken earlier, then keep the sauce and cooked chicken separate until ready to serve.
• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days
• Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing as the sauce may separate when reheated.

Serve With:

I love serving t with this tasty fried rice or Instant Pot rice and easy quinoa. These crispy egg rolls and Air Fryer wontons always go down well with it. For veggies serve with Air Fryer green beans, or Air Fryer carrots and Air Fryer brussel sprouts.

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FAQs

Weight Watchers Points

There are 5 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Thank you for reading my Air fryer orange chicken recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.

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