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- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1 large egg, beaten - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon green onion, finely chopped - Sesame seeds Gathering these ingredients is a key step to making this dish shine. Boneless chicken thighs give you juicy bites. The dry coating mix, made from flour and cornstarch, adds crunch. Seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and pepper bring out great flavors. You need a wet marinade too. This includes a beaten egg, fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and sesame oil. Together, they form a flavorful base that coats the chicken, making it taste amazing. For garnishing, green onion and sesame seeds add a pop of color and extra crunch. With these ingredients ready, you are set to create a dish full of bold flavors. In a medium bowl, I whisk together the dry ingredients. I use 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Make sure it is all mixed well. This dry mixture helps the chicken get that crispy texture we all love. Next, I grab another bowl to prepare the wet mixture. I mix 1 large beaten egg, 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. I stir until it is smooth. This blend adds flavor and juiciness to the chicken. Now, I add the diced chicken thighs to the wet mixture. I make sure each piece is fully coated in the marinade. Then, I sprinkle the dry mixture over the chicken. I use my hands to toss the chicken. I want each piece to be well-covered, forming a thick, crunchy layer. I preheat my air fryer to 400°F. This takes about 5 minutes. After preheating, I place the coated chicken in the air fryer basket. It is important not to overcrowd it. I cook the chicken in batches if needed. I air fry the chicken for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy outside. While the chicken cooks, I prepare the orange sauce. I simmer the remaining orange juice, soy sauce, and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. I let it cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens a bit. This sauce gives the chicken its signature flavor. Once the chicken is done, I transfer it to a large bowl. I drizzle the thickened sauce over the hot chicken. I toss it gently to coat each piece. For serving, I plate the chicken and garnish it with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. It looks vibrant and delicious! To get the best crunch, cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding the air fryer can trap steam. This makes the chicken soggy instead of crispy. Spread the chicken pieces out in a single layer. This allows hot air to flow around each piece, giving you that perfect crisp. Want to jazz up the flavor? Try adding spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for heat. You can also switch up the sauce. Use teriyaki or sweet chili for a new twist. If you like a tangy taste, squeeze in more orange juice or add lime juice. These swaps can bring a fun twist to your meal. Cook the chicken for 12 to 15 minutes. Halfway through, flip the pieces to ensure even cooking. Check the doneness by cutting a piece in half. If the center is still pink, cook for a few more minutes. Adjust the time based on your air fryer’s heat level. Each fryer is a bit different, so keep an eye on it! {{image_4}} You can switch out chicken for other proteins. Chicken breast works well, but tofu is a great choice for a plant-based meal. Tofu absorbs flavors nicely. Shrimp also adds a nice touch. Simply adjust the cooking time as needed. Shrimp cooks faster, so watch it closely. For tofu, press it first to remove excess moisture. This helps it crisp up better in the air fryer. If you want to change the flavor, try using lemon or lime. Lemon juice gives a bright, zesty taste. Lime adds a nice tropical twist. Both citrus fruits work well with the soy sauce and honey. You can use the same amount as orange juice in the recipe. This keeps the balance of flavors intact. Making this recipe gluten-free is easy. Just replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Also, use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. Cornstarch is already gluten-free, so you can use that as is. These simple swaps will keep your dish tasty while meeting dietary needs. Enjoy the same crispy texture without worry! To keep your leftover crispy orange chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing it. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This will help maintain its flavor and texture. Your chicken should stay good for about three days. If you want to enjoy it later, follow these steps for best results. To keep the chicken crispy when reheating, use your air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a single layer and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps to revive that crunchy outside. You can also use an oven if you don’t have an air fryer. Just make sure to cover it loosely with foil to avoid drying it out. If you want to save your crispy orange chicken for later, freezing is a good choice. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. This method keeps the chicken tasty and ready for your next meal. To get crispy chicken, follow these key tips: - Use cornstarch: This helps make the chicken crunchier. - Don't overcrowd: Cook in batches for better air flow. - Flip halfway: This ensures even cooking and crispiness. - Preheat the air fryer: This helps achieve that golden brown color. - Use dry coating: A thick layer of the dry mixture gives the chicken a great crunch. Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Here’s how: - Thaw first: Let the chicken thaw in the fridge overnight. - Pat dry: Make sure to dry the chicken with paper towels before coating. - Adjust cooking time: Frozen chicken may need a few extra minutes to cook. Here are some tasty side dishes to pair with your chicken: - Steamed rice: A classic choice that soaks up the sauce. - Stir-fried veggies: Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas add color and crunch. - Noodles: Soy sauce or sesame noodles work well. - Salad: A light green salad adds freshness and balance. Crispy orange chicken stays fresh for about: - 3 to 4 days in the fridge. - Store in an airtight container to keep it tasty. - Reheat in the air fryer for best crispiness. You learned how to make crispy orange chicken with easy steps and tasty ingredients. We covered the right mixtures and cooking tips to ensure perfect crunch. Remember to store leftovers correctly and reheat them to keep that crispiness. Feel free to try different proteins and flavors to suit your taste. Cooking should be fun and rewarding. Enjoy your meal, share it with friends, and explore new recipes!

Air Fryer Crispy Orange Chicken

Indulge in the ultimate Crispy Orange Chicken in the Air Fryer for a delicious twist on a classic! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create perfectly crispy chicken coated in a tangy orange sauce that’s bursting with flavor. This quick recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Ready to wow your taste buds? Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this tasty dish to your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 large egg, beaten

1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (for the best flavor)

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon green onion, finely chopped (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dry Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.

    Prepare the Wet Mixture: In another bowl, mix together the beaten egg, freshly squeezed orange juice, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, and sesame oil until smooth.

      Combine the Chicken and Marinade: Add the diced chicken thighs to the wet mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated to infuse the flavors.

        Coat the Chicken: Gradually sprinkle the dry flour mixture over the chicken, using your hands or a spatula to toss and coat the chicken evenly until it forms a thick batter-like layer.

          Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.

            Air Fry the Chicken: Place a single layer of the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded (cook in batches if necessary for maximum crispiness).

              Cook the Chicken: Air fry the chicken for 12-15 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

                Make the Orange Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, create a quick sauce by simmering the remaining orange juice, soy sauce, and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.

                  Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a large bowl. Drizzle the thickened sauce over the hot crispy chicken and toss gently to ensure each piece is well-coated.

                    Serve: Plate the crispy orange chicken immediately, garnishing it with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and texture.

                      - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve on a vibrant platter, and consider adding a slice of fresh orange or a sprig of cilantro for an added burst of color.