Description
Air Fryer Orange Chicken is a crispy, flavorful dish made with bite-sized chicken pieces cooked in the air fryer and tossed in a sweet, tangy orange sauce. This homemade version is lighter than traditional takeout because it uses less oil but still delivers the same delicious Panda Express–style flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner served with rice or vegetables.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken:
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
Cooking spray or light oil spray
For the Orange Sauce:
¾ cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
⅓ cup brown sugar or honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
1 teaspoon orange zest
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Optional Garnish:
Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds
Orange zest
Instructions
📝 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
Season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Set up three bowls:
Flour mixed with cornstarch
Beaten eggs
Panko breadcrumbs
Dip each chicken piece in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
Place chicken pieces in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Step 4: Make the Orange Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine:
orange juice
soy sauce
brown sugar
vinegar
garlic
ginger
Bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook 2–3 minutes until thickened.
Add orange zest and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Place cooked chicken in a large bowl.
Pour warm orange sauce over the chicken and toss until evenly coated.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve immediately.
Notes
- Extra Crispy Tip: Spray the breaded chicken lightly with oil before air frying.
- Chicken Options: Chicken thighs make the dish juicier, while chicken breast keeps it leaner.
- Healthy Version: Use whole wheat flour and reduce sugar in the sauce or replace it with honey.
- Without Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder or potato starch works well as a substitute.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / American Chinese