This healthy Air-Fryer Orange Chicken recipe just might replace your favorite Chinese takeout.
Orange chicken has always been one of my favorites. When I go to my local Chinese restaurants, it’s usually my top pick. I love it so much, I’ve made my own homemade version too many times to count! However, the truth is that orange chicken is not exactly a healthy option. It’s deep-fried, and the sauce is loaded with sugar.
Luckily, my trusted air fryer has come to the rescue. By tweaking the recipe slightly and cooking the chicken in an air fryer, orange chicken turns into a healthy meal. What’s more, it’s easy to prepare.
For me, the best part is that the air fryer doesn’t significantly alter the taste. Is it different? Of course—the chicken isn’t cooked in a pool of grease. However, you still have chicken that’s juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Plus, the chicken is covered in a deliciously sweet and tangy sauce. Naturally, the garlic, ginger, honey, and soy sauce also give the dish a savory quality, which is part of what makes me want to eat orange chicken again and again.
Finishing touches
The combination of juicy chicken and an orange juice-based sauce is great, but there are a few other flavors to consider adding to this dish. For example, white pepper is a favorite in Chinese cooking and adds a subtle heat. Mix a pinch or two in the cornstarch and flour.
For a finishing touch, drizzle a little sesame oil over the chicken right before serving. Chopped scallions (AKA green onions) add a sharp and pungent contrast to the sweet tang of the sauce. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention sesame seeds—they’re more for looks—unless you toast them first!
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container. They will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 6-8 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. If freezing, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Serving suggestions
My absolute favorite side dish to have with orange chicken is Steamed Broccoli. It’s simple, healthy, and the green and orange colors contrast beautifully. Naturally, other green vegetables will pair well with it, such as Bok Choy. I also enjoy serving Vegetable Fried Rice with orange chicken and other Chinese dishes. For something low carb, try Cauliflower Fried Rice—it’s tasty way to sneak in more veggies. Last but not least, homemade Egg Rolls are always a crowd-pleaser!
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with beaten egg. In another bowl, mix together cornstarch and flour. Dip egg-coated chicken into the flour mixture to coat evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- While chicken cooks, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and orange zest in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Toss the cooked chicken in the orange sauce until well coated. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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