If you’re craving that classic takeout treat with a lighter twist, you’re in for a real treat with Air Fried Orange Chicken. This dish brings you all the crispy goodness and bold citrus flavor you love, but without the excess oil of deep frying. It’s zesty, sweet, and just the right amount of sticky, with a perfectly golden coating that will leave you reaching for seconds. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or impressing friends, Air Fried Orange Chicken strikes the ultimate balance between comfort food and smart cooking.

Air Fried Orange Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With only a handful of pantry and fridge staples, every one of these ingredients plays a special role in building the vibrant flavor, juicy chicken, and irresistible orange glaze that sets Air Fried Orange Chicken apart. Take a peek below for some tips and substitutions along the way!

Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Go with boneless, skinless pieces for juicy, tender bites that crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Cornstarch: This light coating creates that signature crisp crust without a heavy batter.
Soy Sauce: Adds savory depth to both the marinade and sauce, balancing out the sweetness.
Fresh Orange Juice: Squeeze it yourself for the brightest citrusy kick in the glaze.
Orange Zest: Just a touch of zest intensifies the aroma and flavor—don’t skip this step!
Honey or Sugar: Sweetens the sauce, helping it caramelize and stick to the chicken pieces.
Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced, these add a punch of warmth and zing to the orange sauce.
Rice Vinegar: Just a splash creates subtle tang that balances out the sweet and savory notes.
Sesame Oil: Rounds out the flavors with a hint of toasty nuttiness.
Green Onions and Sesame Seeds: For garnish, they add a bright, fresh pop to finish off your Air Fried Orange Chicken.

How to Make Air Fried Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-size pieces, making sure they’re all about the same size so they cook evenly. Toss them in a bowl with a dash of soy sauce, a drizzle of sesame oil, and just a touch of cornstarch. Let this mixture sit for at least 10 minutes; marinating infuses flavor and helps that coating stick later, giving every mouthful of Air Fried Orange Chicken a boost of deliciousness.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

After your chicken has marinated, dredge each piece in more cornstarch for an ultra-thin, even coating. This step is crucial—the magic of cornstarch ensures a golden, crackly crust without any greasiness. Shake off any extra cornstarch before placing the pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket.

Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook the chicken for about 10–12 minutes, turning or shaking halfway through so every piece crisps up evenly. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are just starting to brown and the chicken is cooked through—no need for oil spray, but a light mist can help extra browning.

Step 4: Make the Orange Sauce

While the chicken is in the air fryer, whisk together your fresh orange juice, zest, honey (or sugar), soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, usually about 5 minutes. Stir constantly to avoid burning and let those incredible citrusy aromas fill your kitchen.

Step 5: Toss and Finish

As soon as the chicken is out of the air fryer, transfer it into a large bowl and pour the hot orange sauce all over. Gently toss to coat every piece—the heat of the chicken will help the sauce cling and slightly caramelize, locking in all that rich, tangy flavor that makes Air Fried Orange Chicken so irresistible.

How to Serve Air Fried Orange Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds adds not just color, but a beautiful freshness and nutty crunch to your plate. Don’t be shy: a generous garnish helps every bite of Air Fried Orange Chicken feel restaurant-worthy and bursts with extra flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair your Air Fried Orange Chicken with fluffy steamed rice, simple fried rice, or even quinoa for a healthy twist. Steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side work wonders for soaking up extra sauce and balancing out the meal, while classic lo mein noodles deliver all-out comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

Switch things up by serving Air Fried Orange Chicken in lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held version, or stuff it into steamed bao buns for an unexpected treat. For party appetizers, skewer the chicken onto toothpicks and finish with just a drop of extra orange glaze.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Air Fried Orange Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors will continue to develop overnight, and the sauce keeps everything moist and delicious.

Freezing

To freeze, cool the chicken and sauce completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to two months; just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and taste.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, pop leftover Air Fried Orange Chicken back in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes. Alternatively, use a skillet over medium heat to warm it up so the sauce gets glossy and the chicken stays juicy. Avoid microwaving whenever possible to maintain the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both cuts work perfectly for Air Fried Orange Chicken. Chicken breast offers a leaner bite, while thighs tend to be a bit juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap out regular soy sauce for a gluten-free version or use tamari. Check any other condiments you add to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.

Can I make the orange sauce ahead of time?

The orange sauce can be prepared up to two days in advance—just store it in the fridge and heat gently before tossing with the freshly air fried chicken. This trick is perfect for speeding up dinner on a busy night!

What air fryer temperature works best for crispy chicken?

400°F is the sweet spot for achieving crispy, golden kernels of Air Fried Orange Chicken, but every appliance is a bit different. Keep an eye on the first batch and adjust slightly up or down as needed.

What’s the best way to zest an orange?

Use a microplane or fine grater, scraping only the bright orange surface and avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. Zesting directly over your sauce or chicken catches all those awesome fragrant oils.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a fun, healthy spin on a beloved classic, Air Fried Orange Chicken is simply a must-try. The crispy bites, zesty glaze, and easy preparation make it a new go-to for weeknights, gatherings, or whenever that takeout craving strikes. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a permanent spot on your family’s dinner rotation!

Air Fried Orange Chicken Recipe