Air Fryer Orange Chicken Recipe (Better Than Takeout)
This Air Fryer Orange Chicken is crispy, sticky, sweet, and better than takeout! Ready in 20 minutes with a homemade orange sauce. Healthy, easy, and foolproof.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Small saucepan For sauce
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooking spray
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1½ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- Cooking spray
- For the Orange Sauce:
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ tsp grated ginger
- Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
- For Serving:
- Cooked rice
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Dry Brine the Chicken
- Sprinkle the chicken pieces with salt and toss to coat. Let them sit for 10 minutes. This quick rest helps the chicken stay juicy while improving the final texture.
- Step 2: Coat the Chicken
- Sprinkle cornstarch over the chicken and toss until evenly coated. The cornstarch creates the light crisp layer that helps the chicken brown well in the air fryer.
- Step 3: Air Fry
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the chicken in a single layer and spray lightly with oil. Air fry for 7-9 minutes, shaking halfway through, until the pieces are golden and cooked through.
- Step 4: Make the Sauce
- While the chicken cooks, whisk together the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until thickened and glossy. Alternatively, simmer on the stovetop for 3-4 minutes.
- Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Toss the cooked chicken in the warm sauce until coated. Serve over rice and finish with sesame seeds and green onions.