Orange chicken is crispy chicken in a bright, sticky citrus sauce — a takeaway favourite. The air fryer crisps the chicken with far less oil, then you toss it in the orange sauce. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How do you make orange chicken in an air fryer?
A: Coat chicken in cornflour, air fry at 200°C (400°F) for about 16 minutes, then toss in a sticky orange sauce.
Q: What's in the sauce?
A: Orange juice and zest, soy, sugar, garlic and ginger, thickened with cornflour.
The method
Coat bite-size chicken in cornflour and air fry until crisp. Simmer orange juice and zest, soy, a little sugar, garlic and ginger, thickened with a cornflour slurry, into a glossy sauce. Toss the crisp chicken through at the end so it stays crunchy.
The recipe
Air Fryer Orange Chicken
Ingredients
- 600g chicken, in chunks
- 3 tbsp cornflour
- Orange juice & zest, soy, sugar
- Garlic, ginger
Method
- Coat chicken in cornflour; air fry at 200°C 16 min.
- Simmer the orange sauce until glossy.
- Toss the crisp chicken through.
- Finish with spring onion.
Tips
- Fresh orange gives the brightest flavour.
- Toss at the end so the chicken stays crisp.
- A little chilli balances the sweetness.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make orange chicken in an air fryer?
Coat chicken in cornflour, air fry at 200°C for about 16 minutes, then toss in a sticky sauce of orange juice, soy, sugar, garlic and ginger.
What's in orange chicken sauce?
Orange juice and zest, soy, a little sugar, garlic and ginger, thickened with cornflour into a glossy, sticky glaze.
How do you keep it crispy?
Cook the chicken in a single layer and toss it in the sauce only at the last moment so the coating stays crunchy.