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Orange chicken has become a beloved staple in American cuisine, known for its sweet and tangy flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds. Originally inspired by Chinese cuisine, this dish has been adapted in numerous ways, often featuring crispy chicken pieces coated in a glossy orange sauce. Its popularity in restaurants and takeout menus can be attributed to its balance of textures and flavors, making it a favorite among many food enthusiasts.

Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Discover the joy of cooking with this Air Fryer Orange Chicken Delight recipe! Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish features crispy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce inspired by Chinese cuisine. Using an air fryer not only reduces oil for healthier eating but also achieves that satisfying crunch without the fuss. With fresh ingredients and simple steps, you’ll impress family and friends while enjoying a delicious, homemade meal!
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Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 large egg, beaten

Cooking spray or olive oil

For the Orange Sauce:

1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)

Zest of 1 orange

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon minced ginger

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry for thickening)

Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken:

    - In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

      - Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off. Then, coat it in the flour mixture until well covered. Shake off any excess.

        Preheat the Air Fryer:

          - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

            Air Fry the Chicken:

              - Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket (you may need to do this in batches).

                - Spray the top of the chicken lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

                  Make the Orange Sauce:

                    - In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic.

                      - Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

                        Combine and Serve:

                          - Once the chicken is cooked, place it in a bowl and pour the orange sauce over it, tossing until all pieces are well-coated.

                            - Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

                              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings