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Easy Air Fryer Orange Chicken (Better Than Takeout, Ready in 20 Minutes)

Easy Air Fryer Orange Chicken (Better Than Takeout, Ready in 20 Minutes)
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This easy air fryer orange chicken is a healthier homemade version of the popular takeout favorite. The chicken turns out lightly crispy on the outside and tender inside, then gets coated in a sweet, tangy orange sauce that’s full of fresh citrus flavor. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Orange Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 2-inch pieces

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch

  • Olive oil spray

Orange Sauce

  • Zest of 1 orange

  • ½ cup fresh orange juice

  • 5 tablespoons brown sugar substitute

  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon grated garlic

  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 tablespoon cold water

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

Orange Chicken

  1. Preheat the air fryer
    Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.

  2. Season the chicken
    Place the chicken pieces in a bowl. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss until evenly coated.

  3. Coat with cornstarch
    Add the cornstarch and toss again until all pieces are lightly coated.

  4. Air fry
    Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray lightly with olive oil.
    Cook for 3–4 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Orange Sauce

  1. Prepare the sauce
    In a small saucepan, combine orange zest, orange juice, brown sugar substitute, maple syrup, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, garlic, ginger, and onion powder.

  2. Cook the sauce
    Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced.

  3. Thicken
    Whisk the cold water and cornstarch together. Add to the sauce and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until thickened.

  4. Combine
    Remove the sauce from heat and transfer to a large bowl. Add the cooked chicken and toss until evenly coated.

Serve

Transfer the orange chicken to a serving platter and serve warm with rice or steamed vegetables.

Notes

  • Cut chicken into even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.

  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed.

  • Fresh orange juice and zest give the sauce the best flavor.

  • For extra crispiness, spray the chicken lightly with oil before air frying.

Find it online: https://chocotune.com/easy-air-fryer-orange-chicken-better-than-takeout-ready-in-20-minutes/