Better than take-out, this air fryer orange chicken ticks all the boxes! The chicken is golden brown and crispy, the sauce is sweet and sticky, and the recipe is quick and easy! You’ll love this healthier version of orange chicken!
You guys, this orange chicken is simply the best! It’s been on repeat in our house and I’m not one bit mad about it!
Orange chicken is one of our favs to get when we have takeout so I’m happy to be sharing this one today because it tastes better than take-out and it’s healthier! We're also pretty big fans of this air fryer sesame chicken and air fryer general tso's chicken!
We’ve been enjoying it with coconut jasmine rice, but plain rice or this Chinese sausage fried rice would also be amazing with it.
Why this air fryer orange chicken recipe works
- The coated chicken pieces turn out super crispy with very little oil. Traditional orange chicken is fried in oil, but we’re only using a light spritz of oil for this recipe. The hot air circulating in the air fryer creates the signature crispy texture for this orange chicken!
- There’s very little refined sugar used to make this recipe. The sweet and sticky orange sauce is sweetened with honey instead of granulated sugar or brown sugar.
- It comes together in less than an hour (you will need to cook each batch for 9 minutes)! And that includes time to air fry 3 batches of chicken and make the sauce. It’s the perfect dinner for busy weeknights and better than takeout!
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Ingredients
For the full list and quantities of ingredients, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
You’ll need 1 pound of chicken thighs, cut into 1-2 inch pieces. I prefer to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe as they’re easier to cut into pieces than bone-in and skin-on thighs.
For the sauce, you'll need ½ a cup of orange juice. For convenience, you can use store-bought orange juice. You can also use freshly squeezed if you prefer.
Don't forget the fresh orange zest. It’s only a teaspoon but it really adds a pop of orange flavor to the sauce.
Substitutions and variations
- Substitute maple syrup or agave syrup for the honey.
- Use ginger paste instead of freshly grated ginger to make this easier. I do not recommend dry ground ginger.
- Substitute chicken breast for the chicken thighs. The results won't be quite as juicy, but it will still be delicious!
- Substitute rice flour or sweet potato starch for the cornstarch. I do not recommend using regular flour as it does not crisp as well.
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the orange sauce.
- Substitute tamari for the soy sauce for a gluten free version.
Step by step instructions
- Mix the cornstarch and salt together and toss to coat the chicken pieces evenly. Tap off any extra cornstarch before adding it to the air fryer.
- Spray the air fryer basket lightly with an oil sprayer and place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket (the chicken will be cooked in 3 batches). Spray the chicken lightly with spray oil.
- Use the air fryer function and cook the chicken at 400°F for 9 minutes, shaking 2-3 times while cooking to flip the chicken. It will be golden brown and crispy on the outside when done. Place the cooked chicken in a bowl and repeat with the other 2 batches.
- Toss the chicken with the orange sauce, sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with green onions and serve with rice.
It's okay if some of the pieces are a touch white from the cornstarch. It'll fall off and mix into the sauce.
How to make orange chicken sauce
- While the chicken is cooking, combine all the ingredients except the cornstarch slurry in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, until it starts to thicken.
- Slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch and water mixed), whisking while pouring and simmer until the sauce is thickened and coats the back of a spoon (about 3 minutes).
We also love this orange chicken in an air fryer serve with instant pot steamed broccoli or this stir fry baby bok choy.
Expert tips to make air fryer orange chicken
- Use a good quality spray oil (not PAM or equivalent) to avoid damaging the air fryer. I like to use this oil sprayer and fill with my favorite oil.
- If your air fryer model requires it, you should preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken.
- To ensure even cooking, cut your chicken into roughly even pieces (about 1-2 inches in size).
- Be sure to air fry the chicken in a single layer. If you overcrowd the air fryer, pieces of chicken may be undercooked.
- Depending on the size of your air fryer, you will need to air fry the chicken in at least 3 batches.
- Shake the basket a few times while the chicken cooks to make sure it browns evenly on all sides.
- Each air fryer cooks a little differently, so you may need to adjust the temperature and air frying time slightly.
- If your sauce is too thin, just add more cornstarch slurry. If it’s too thick, stir in a couple of teaspoons of water.
Frequently asked questions
This orange chicken is best eaten immediately to avoid it getting soggy. It will lose it's crispness if it is made too far in advance.
At 400°F, it will take about 9 minutes to cook each batch of air fryer chicken. Chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F degrees. If you’re not sure, it’s best to use a meat thermometer.
If your orange sauce isn’t thick enough for you, just stir in a little more cornstarch slurry until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. If it gets too thick, just stir in a little bit of water to thin it out.
You can serve this crispy chicken over steamed white rice, Instant Pot sushi rice, Chinese sausage fried rice, instant pot jasmine rice or any rice of your choice. We love to add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onion on top.
Store any leftover orange chicken in the fridge for 3-4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s in a freezer safe container and cooled completely before placing it in the freezer.
If you know you’re going to have leftovers, I suggest storing the chicken and the orange sauce separately.
To reheat leftovers, you have a few options. For the chicken in the sauce, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop in a skillet.
If the chicken and sauce have been stored separately, you can reheat the chicken in the air fryer or in the oven to get it crispy again, and heat the sauce on the stovetop. Combine and enjoy!
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Recipe
Air Fryer Orange Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs cut in 1-2" pieces
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
Orange Chicken Sauce
- ½ cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons of water cornstarch slurry
- green onions garnish
- sesame seeds garnish
Instructions
- Mix the cornstarch and salt together and toss the chicken so it's coated evenly.
- Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil and place the chicken in a single layer inside (the chicken will be cooked in 3 batches). Tap off any extra cornstarch before adding it to the air fryer.
- Spray the chicken lightly with spray oil.
- Use the air fryer function and cook at 400°F for 9 minutes, shaking 2-3 times while cooking. The chicken will be golden brown and crispy on the outside when done. (It's okay if some of the pieces are a touch white from the cornstarch. It'll fall off and mix into the sauce).
- Place the cooked chicken in a bowl and repeat with the other 2 batches.
- While the chicken is air frying, make the orange sauce.
- Combine all the sauce ingredients except the cornstarch slurry in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, until it starts to thicken.
- Slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry, whisking while pouring and simmer until the sauce is thickened and coats the back of a spoon (about 3 minutes).
- Toss the chicken with the orange sauce, sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with green onions. Serve with rice.
Expert Tips:
- Use a good quality spray oil (not PAM or equivalent) to avoid damaging the air fryer. I like to use this oil sprayer and fill with my favorite oil.
- If your air fryer model requires preheating, you should do so before adding the chicken.
- To ensure even cooking, cut your chicken into roughly even pieces (about 1-2 inches in size).
- Be sure to air fry the chicken in a single layer. If you overcrowd the air fryer, pieces of chicken may be undercooked.
- Depending on the size of your air fryer, you will need to air fry the chicken in at least 3 batches.
- Shake the basket a few times while the chicken cooks to make sure it browns evenly on all sides.
- Each air fryer cooks a little differently, so you may need to adjust the temperature and air frying time slightly.
- If your sauce is too thin, just add more cornstarch slurry. If it’s too thick, stir in a couple of teaspoons of water.
Nutrition
MaryJo says
Ok, not trying to sound ‘dippy’ but what’s a good quality oil spray? With the price of Pam I thought that was the best. Your recipe sounds delicious! I’m just learning how to use my air fryer. Yup, that’s me always late to the party!
Danielle says
From what I understand as a non sciency person, there are chemicals in sprays like Pam that can damage the lining of the air fryer over time. I recommened using an oil sprayer (you can buy one on Amazon) and filling it with your own oil. I like to use avocado oil because of it's health benefits, but any oil works. Here is the one I use: Misto oil sprayer. Full disclosure, it's not a perfect sprayer and can be annoying to use at times. The sprayer on Pam works a lot better, but that's why I recommend use an oil sprayer.
Mindee Taylor says
Exactly what I was looking for! I love orange chicken but hate deep frying because of all the oil! Thanks!
Danielle says
It's so much healthier and less messy!
Gina says
Love orange chicken and love my air fryer so this is a match made in heaven! Delicious and makes this recipe even easier!
Danielle says
I'm so glad you liked it!
Beth says
Yummy! Air fryer recipes are my favorite to make and I know my family will absolutely love this orange chicken! Excited to make this for lunch!
Danielle says
Yay! I hope you guys enjoy it!
Natalie says
Oh yum, this chicken looks sticky, flavorful, and delicious. I'm going to make this for dinner. Thanks!
Danielle says
I hope you love it!
Beth Sachs says
Such a delicious sticky-sweet orange sauce. A great family-friendly meal!
Danielle says
Thanks!