A zesty, nutritious dish that’s light on calories and big on flavor.
As winter lingers and we eagerly anticipate the warmth of spring and summer, it’s the perfect time to enjoy meals that are both comforting and health-conscious. This Air Fryer Orange Chicken offers a delightful combination of crispiness and tangy sweetness, all while being a healthier alternative to traditional takeout. By utilizing the air fryer, we achieve that coveted crunch with significantly less oil, making it a lighter and healthier indulgence.
Chicken breast serves as a lean protein foundation, supporting muscle health and keeping you satiated. The fresh orange juice not only imparts a natural sweetness but also provides a boost of vitamin C, essential for immune support. A touch of honey replaces refined sugars, offering antioxidants and a more balanced glycemic response. Cooking in the air fryer reduces the need for excessive oil, cutting down on unnecessary fats and calories.
Let’s dive into this simple yet flavorful recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite.
| Prep Time 15 mins | Cook Time 20 mins | Total Time 35 mins |
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons plain gluten-free breadcrumbs
For the orange sauce:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2-3 teaspoons sriracha, adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Serve with:
- Jasmine rice
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy
- Green onions and/or sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Prepare the Coating
After marinating, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornstarch over the chicken pieces, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Follow by tossing the coated chicken in the gluten-free breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for a few minutes.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray.
Cook for 10-14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Prepare the Orange Sauce
While the chicken cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
Sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Pour in the fresh orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly; it will thicken further as it cools.
Combine and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, transfer it to a large bowl.
Pour about two-thirds of the orange sauce over the chicken, tossing gently to ensure each piece is coated. Reserve the remaining sauce for drizzling.
Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice and a side of steamed broccoli or your preferred vegetables. Drizzle extra sauce on top if desired.
Tips
- Maintain Crispiness To keep the chicken crispy, combine it with the sauce just before serving. If preparing in advance, store the sauce and chicken separately, combining them when ready to eat.
- Fresh Orange Juice Using freshly squeezed orange juice enhances the flavor and ensures no added sugars or preservatives.
- Adjusting Sweetness and Spice Tailor the sauce to your taste by modifying the amounts of honey and sriracha. For a sweeter sauce, add more honey; for extra heat, increase the sriracha.
Embracing healthier cooking methods doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. This Air Fryer Orange Chicken exemplifies how nutritious ingredients and innovative techniques can come together to create a dish that’s both delicious and mindful of your well-being. By opting for lean protein sources and utilizing the air fryer to achieve that satisfying crunch with minimal oil, you’re making a choice that’s good for your taste buds and your health. We encourage you to try this recipe and experience firsthand how delightful healthy eating can be!