Print

Crispy Air Fryer Orange Chicken Recipe Easy Sweet Tangy Glaze

crispy air fryer orange chicken - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy air fryer orange chicken recipe featuring crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy homemade orange glaze. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner with less oil and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (substitute with gluten-free flour for GF option)
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 large egg, beaten (room temperature)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Cooking spray or a little oil for air fryer basket
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (use low sodium for a lighter taste)
  • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp minced fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water (to thicken glaze)
  • Zest of 1 medium orange
  • Optional garnishes: thinly sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, fresh chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. In one bowl, whisk the egg until smooth. In another bowl, combine flour and cornstarch evenly.
  3. Dip each chicken piece first into the egg, letting excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the flour-cornstarch mix. Lay coated pieces on a plate.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  5. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Arrange chicken in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook another 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy.
  6. While chicken cooks, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes.
  7. Stir the cornstarch slurry, then whisk it into the simmering sauce. Cook 1-2 minutes until the glaze thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and stir in orange zest.
  8. Transfer cooked chicken to a large bowl, pour glaze over, and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated.
  9. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately for best crunch and flavor.

Notes

Pat chicken dry to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. Preheat air fryer for best crust. Toss chicken in glaze immediately after cooking to maintain crispiness. For a spicy version, add chili paste or sriracha to the glaze. Glaze can be made ahead and reheated gently. Leftovers reheat best in air fryer to retain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer orange chicken, crispy orange chicken, sweet tangy glaze, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, healthy fried chicken, gluten-free orange chicken

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/crispy-air-fryer-orange-chicken-recipe-easy-sweet-tangy-glaze/