Main Dish

Easy Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Craving takeout but want to keep it simple and healthier? This Air Fryer Orange Chicken delivers crispy, tender chicken coated in a vibrant, tangy orange sauce, all made with minimal effort. Your air fryer does most of the work, making this a perfect weeknight meal that's ready faster than delivery!

Easy Air Fryer Orange Chicken
Prep time
15 min
Cook time
25 min
Total time
40 min
Servings:
4
persons

1Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbsBoneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tbspCornstarch
  • 1 tbspVegetable oil
  • 0.8 cupOrange juice
  • 0.3 cupSoy sauce
  • 2 tbspRice vinegar
  • 3 tbspBrown sugar
  • 1 tspFresh ginger, grated
  • 2 clovesGarlic, minced
  • 0.3 tspRed pepper flakes
  • 1 tbspCornstarch (for sauce)
  • 2 tbspWater (for slurry)
  • 2 stalksGreen onions, sliced
  • 1 tspSesame seeds

2Instructions

  1. 1

    Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch until evenly coated. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and toss again to ensure all pieces are lightly coated.

    5 min
  2. 2

    Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Place half of the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and repeat with the remaining chicken.

    20 min
  3. 3

    While the chicken cooks, prepare the orange sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.

    5 min
  4. 4

    In a small separate bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Once the sauce is simmering, slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to simmer and stir for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

    3 min
  5. 5

    Once all the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the thickened orange sauce over the crispy chicken and toss gently until every piece is evenly coated.

    2 min
  6. 6

    Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy immediately with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables.

    1 min

Nutrition

420kcal
Calories
35g
Protein
40g
Carbs
16g
Fat