Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Skip the takeout and make this easy Air Fryer Orange Chicken at home! Crispy chicken bites are tossed in a homemade sweet and tangy orange sauce for a family-friendly dinner packed with flavor. Serve with brown rice and steamed broccoli for an easy weeknight meal.

Course Dinner, Lunch

Keyword healthy dinner, chicken, easy dinner, lunch, dinner, chicken dinner, air fryer, orange chicken

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Servings

Calories 250

Equipment

Air fryer

Ingredients

1 ½ lb. chicken breasts or thighs (cubed in 1 ½” bites)
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. black pepper
1 ½ Tbsp. olive oil
¾ cup orange juice (no sugar added)
1 tsp. orange zest
2 Tbsp. low sodium soy sauce
1 Tbsp. rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
2 tsp. jarred minced garlic
½ tsp. ground ginger
2 Tbsp. honey
1 Tbsp. cornstarch

Optional toppings:

toasted sesame oil
sliced green onions
roasted sesame seeds
red pepper flakes

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
Add the chicken, flour, salt and pepper to a large bowl. Toss until evenly coated. Add the olive oil and toss again.
the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Cook in batches if needed. The chicken is done when golden and fully cooked.
While the chicken cooks, add the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger and honey to a small bowl. Stir to combine.
Pour the sauce into a skillet and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cook for 3–5 minutes.
In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and 1 tsp. cold water until smooth. Stir it into the sauce and cook for 1–2 more minutes, or until the sauce slightly thickens. Remove from heat.
Place the cooked chicken in a large bowl. Pour half of the orange sauce over the chicken and gently toss to coat.
Drizzle with more orange sauce and add your favorite toppings, if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Make it a meal! Serve with brown rice and steamed broccoli for an easy weeknight dinner.
No air fryer? Bake the chicken at 425°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, flip and bake another 8-12 minutes, or until golden and fully cooked.
Short on time? Look for pre-cut chicken at the grocery store to save on prep.

Nutrition