A take-out classic, orange chicken has been a staple
weeknight dinner recreated by many ever since Chef Andy Kao—the executive chef of the Panda Express chain—invented the popular Chinese-American dish in 1987. Typically deep- or pan-fried, this air fryer version gives the same crispy result (with the signature sticky-sweet orange sauce!), but uses far less oil. If you’re looking for a quick and easy take on the classic, read on for everything you need to know to ace this recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 lb.skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1″ pieces
- 1/2 tsp.kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp.freshly ground black pepper
- 2large eggs
- 1/4 c.all-purpose flour
- 1/2 c.plus 1 tbsp. cornstarch
- Olive oil cooking spray
- 1 1/2 c.orange juice
- 1/4 c.packed light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tbsp.rice vinegar
- 2cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp.minced fresh ginger
- 1/4 tsp.crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tsp.toasted sesame oil
- Sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds, for serving
Directions
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- Step 1
In a medium bowl, pat chicken dry with paper towels; season with salt and black pepper. In a shallow bowl, beat eggs to blend. In another shallow bowl, whisk flour and 1/2 cup cornstarch. Coat chicken in egg, then toss to coat in flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Step 2Coat an air-fryer basket with cooking spray. Working in batches, arrange chicken in a single layer in basket; spray chicken with cooking spray. Cook at 400°, tossing halfway through and spraying with cooking spray, until golden brown and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Transfer chicken to a clean large bowl.
- Step 3In a measuring cup, whisk orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and remaining 1 tbsp. cornstarch.
- Step 4Coat a small pot with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Cook garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add orange juice mixture and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened and slightly reduced, about 10 minutes (you should have about 1 1/4 cups sauce). Add oil and stir to combine.
- Step 5Pour orange sauce over chicken and toss to coat. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.
- Step 1
