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- Chicken - 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - Coatings - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 2 large eggs, beaten - Sauce Ingredients - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice - 1/4 cup honey - Zest of 1 large orange - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) The chicken thighs give this dish a juicy base. I love using thighs because they stay tender and full of flavor. The coatings mix together flour, cornstarch, and spices. This creates a crispy layer when cooked. The combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and seasonings adds a nice touch. For the sauce, I use fresh orange juice, honey, and zest. This gives the chicken a sweet and tangy burst. The soy sauce adds depth, while sesame oil brings a nutty flavor. These ingredients work well together, making each bite delightful. You can adjust the seasonings if you want a different taste. This recipe is fun and easy to customize. Mixing dry ingredients Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. In it, combine 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Whisk these together well. This mix gives your chicken a fantastic crunch and flavor. Creating the wet mixture In another bowl, beat 2 large eggs until smooth. Then, add 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, 1/4 cup of honey, the zest of 1 large orange, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. Mix this until everything blends perfectly. The honey should dissolve nicely into the mixture. Dipping in egg mixture Take your chicken thighs, which you cut into bite-sized pieces. Dip each piece into the egg mixture. Let any extra egg drip back into the bowl. This step helps the dry coating stick better. Rolling in flour mixture Next, roll the chicken piece in the dry flour mixture. Press lightly to coat it well. Make sure each piece is covered evenly. Repeat this for all the chicken pieces. Preheating the air fryer Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheat it for about 5 minutes. This step is key for getting that crispy texture. Cooking instructions Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding. Cook for 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to help with even cooking. The chicken should turn golden brown and feel crispy when done. Ingredients for the sauce While the chicken cooks, gather your sauce ingredients. You need 1/4 cup of orange juice, 1/4 cup of honey, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. These flavors work well together. Cooking and thickening the sauce In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Heat over medium heat. Stir gently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Once thickened, remove it from the heat. Tossing for even coating When the chicken is done, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the orange sauce over the hot chicken. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly. This step makes sure every bite is full of flavor. Serving suggestions Serve the orange chicken on a bright plate. You can garnish it with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. A side of steamed broccoli or jasmine rice pairs well with this dish. Enjoy the deliciousness! To get that crunch you crave, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This high heat ensures your chicken cooks fast and evenly. It’s key for that golden look. Remember not to overcrowd the basket. If you pack too much chicken in, it steams instead of crisps. Cook in batches if needed to keep that crunch. Want a kick in your dish? Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the wet mixture. This gives your orange chicken a nice heat. You can also mix in some fresh lime juice for an extra citrus pop. If you want to switch up the sauce, try using teriyaki sauce or even a sweet chili sauce. Both options add a unique twist. A great dish looks as good as it tastes. To make your orange chicken shine, garnish it with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This adds color and texture. Serve your chicken on a bright plate. Pair it with steamed broccoli or jasmine rice. These sides not only taste great but also make your meal visually appealing. {{image_4}} For a healthier twist on Air Fryer Orange Chicken, consider using alternative proteins. You can swap out chicken thighs for lean turkey or even tofu. Both options provide great taste and texture. If you need gluten-free adjustments, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also replace soy sauce with tamari. This keeps the dish tasty and safe for those with gluten allergies. To mix things up, try sweet and spicy adaptations. Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the orange sauce. This will give your dish a nice kick. You can also enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs or zest. Try cilantro, basil, or mint for a fresh burst. A bit of lime zest can also brighten the dish. If you prefer oven-baking, you can still achieve a crispy texture. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet, using parchment paper for easy cleanup. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For stovetop sautéing, heat some oil in a large pan. Cook the coated chicken over medium heat. Ensure you cook it until golden brown and crispy, about 10-12 minutes. This method will give you a different but equally delicious result. Store any leftover orange chicken in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. This helps maintain flavor and texture. Consume leftovers within three days for the best taste. To reheat, the air fryer works best. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps the chicken crispy. If using a microwave, place the chicken on a plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, checking often, to avoid drying it out. You can freeze orange chicken for meal prep. Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out air to prevent freezer burn. It will last up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave as mentioned above. Enjoy that tasty flavor again! It takes about 15 minutes to prep the chicken. Cooking it in the air fryer takes about 10 to 12 minutes. So, in total, you need around 30 minutes to make this dish. This makes it a quick option for dinner. Yes, you can use chicken breast. Chicken thighs add more flavor and moisture. They stay tender when cooked. Chicken breast is leaner but may dry out faster. If you prefer chicken breast, marinate it well to keep it juicy. I love serving orange chicken with jasmine rice or steamed broccoli. These sides balance the sweet and tangy flavors. You can also add a fresh salad for a crisp contrast. Try serving with fried rice for added flavor. This recipe is great for meal prep. You can cook a larger batch and store it. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays tasty for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer to keep it crispy. Air fryer orange chicken is a tasty meal with simple steps and ingredients. You learned how to prepare the chicken and make a yummy orange sauce. I shared tips for getting crispy chicken and different flavor ideas. You can even try healthier substitutes and other cooking methods. As you enjoy making this dish, let your creativity shine. Adjust ingredients to suit your taste. After all, cooking should be fun and flavorful!

Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Indulge in delightful flavors with this Crispy Air Fryer Orange Chicken recipe! Perfectly breaded and air-fried to golden perfection, this dish features tender chicken tossed in a zesty orange sauce that will make your taste buds dance. It’s easy to prepare in just 30 minutes and serves four, making it ideal for family dinners. Click through for the full recipe and bring this delicious meal to your table tonight! #AirFryerRecipes #OrangeChicken #HealthyEating #QuickDinnerIdeas
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

2 large eggs, beaten

1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

1/4 cup honey

Zest of 1 large orange

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 tablespoons sesame oil

2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Coatings: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined. This will create a flavorful coating for your chicken.

    Create the Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Then, add the freshly squeezed orange juice, honey, orange zest, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Whisk this mixture until thoroughly combined, ensuring the honey is well dissolved.

      Coat the Chicken: Take each piece of chicken and first dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Next, roll the chicken piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a thorough coating. Repeat for all chicken pieces.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for approximately 5 minutes, ensuring it’s ready for optimal crispiness.

          Air Fry the Chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even browning and crispiness. The chicken is done when it turns golden brown and crispy.

            Prepare the Orange Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, make the orange sauce. In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup of orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Heat over medium heat, stirring gently until the sauce starts to thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

              Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, transfer the crispy chicken to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared orange sauce over the chicken and toss gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated in that delightful glaze.

                Serve and Garnish: Dish out the orange chicken onto a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and color.

                  Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve your crispy orange chicken on a vibrant plate, arranging it artfully and drizzling any remaining sauce over the top. A side of steamed broccoli or jasmine rice can complement the meal beautifully. Enjoy!