Looking for a delicious and crispy chicken recipe to enjoy during the summer? Look no further than this air fryer orange chicken! With its crispy exterior and tangy orange sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Follow these simple steps to create a tasty and healthy meal that's perfect for summer.
Orange chicken is a popular dish that originated in China, and it has since become a beloved dish in many parts of the world. This recipe puts a healthy spin on the classic dish by using an air fryer instead of deep-frying the chicken. This not only makes the dish healthier but also gives it a crispy texture that's hard to resist. Plus, the orange sauce is made with fresh orange juice and honey, making it a healthier alternative to the traditional sweet and sour sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, egg, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
- Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through cooking, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- While the chicken is cooking, make the orange sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, honey, and soy sauce.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and whisk until well combined.
- Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and becomes glossy.
- Once the chicken is done cooking, transfer it to a large bowl.
- Pour the orange sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish the chicken with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.Can I use a different type of sauce for the chicken?
Yes, you can use a different type of sauce for the chicken if you prefer. However, the orange sauce in this recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional sweet and sour sauce.Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes, you can make this recipe without an air fryer by baking the chicken in the oven or frying it in a pan. However, using an air fryer will give the chicken a crispy texture without the need for excess oil.Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just make sure to reheat it in the air fryer or oven to maintain its crispy texture.Is this recipe a healthy option?
Yes, this recipe is a healthier option than traditional fried chicken and sweet and sour sauce. Using an air fryer instead of deep-frying the chicken reduces the amount of oil needed, and the orange sauce is made with fresh orange juice and honey instead of high-sugar ingredients.
This air fryer orange chicken is a delicious and healthy summer food recipe that's easy to make and hard to resist. With its crispy exterior and tangy orange sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Plus, it's a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken and sweet and sour sauce. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a tasty and healthy meal that's perfect for summer!