How Long to Cook Orange Chicken in Air Fryer: A Step-by-Step Guide to Crispy Perfection
I’ve always been a huge fan of orange chicken, but never really got around to making it myself. I assumed it would be too difficult or time-consuming. But then I got an air fryer, and everything changed. The crowd was amazed at how easy it is to make orange chicken in an air fryer. Not to mention, it comes out crispy, juicy, and flavorful every time.
What is Orange Chicken?
Orange chicken is a popular dish that can be found in many Chinese restaurants. Crispy fried chicken is coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. It is often served over rice or noodles.
How is Orange Chicken Made?
The key to making great orange chicken is to get the sauce just right. The sauce should be sweet, tangy, and slightly sticky.
To make the sauce, you will need:
- Orange juice
- Orange zest
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Honey
- Cornstarch
- Water
How Long to Cook Orange Chicken in Air Fryer?
The cooking time for orange chicken in an air fryer will vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the model of your air fryer. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can cook orange chicken.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- While the chicken is cooking, make the sauce.
- In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, cornstarch, and water.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and place it in a serving bowl.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately.
Tips for Making the Best Orange Chicken in an Air Fryer
Here are a few tips for making the best orange chicken in an air fryer:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces so that they cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
- Cook the chicken for the full 10-12 minutes, or until it is cooked through. Undercooked chicken is not safe to eat.
- Make sure the sauce is hot and bubbly before pouring it over the chicken. This will help the sauce to adhere to the chicken.
- Serve the orange chicken immediately with your favorite sides.
Expert Advice for Making Orange Chicken in an Air Fryer
Here are a few expert tips for making orange chicken in an air fryer:
- To make the chicken extra crispy, double the cooking time.
- To make the sauce less sweet, reduce the amount of brown sugar and honey.
- Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little bit of heat.
- Serve the orange chicken over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
FAQs About Making Orange Chicken in an Air Fryer
Here are a few frequently asked questions about making orange chicken in an air fryer:
Q: Can I use frozen chicken to make orange chicken in an air fryer?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken to make orange chicken in an air fryer. However, you will need to increase the cooking time by about 5 minutes.
Q: What is the best way to store leftover orange chicken?
A: Leftover orange chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I make orange chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make orange chicken ahead of time. Simply cook the chicken and make the sauce, then store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the air fryer and then add the sauce.
Conclusion
Orange chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. If you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, give orange chicken a try. You won’t be disappointed.
Are you interested in learning more about cooking orange chicken in an air fryer? Let me know in the comments below!
