Unlock Crispy Perfection: The Ultimate Air Fryer Guide for Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken
Are you ready to transform your weeknight meals? Discover the absolute best way to cook Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken! Hint: it’s all about the air fryer. This quick and easy method delivers perfectly crispy, incredibly flavorful chicken in a mere 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Forget thawing; simply toss the frozen chicken directly into your air fryer and prepare to indulge. Consistently ranked as a top pick by Trader Joe’s enthusiasts, this Mandarin Orange Chicken favorite is a culinary gem. Once you experience it cooked this way, you’ll understand why it’s a fan obsession!
“LOVE this Orange Chicken. I made it the other night. It doesn’t last long enough to have to be reheated. haha”
– Patty
⭐ Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken (Air Fryer Method)
To prepare Trader Joe’s orange chicken in the air fryer, all you need is one bag of Trader Ming’s Mandarin Orange Chicken. There’s no need for cooking spray; the air fryer’s natural circulation will do the trick. Each bag comes complete with frozen breaded chicken pieces and two convenient packets of their signature orange sauce.
Beyond the chicken, you’ll want an air fryer and a reliable meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. Remember, cooking times can vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model and its wattage. For an elevated culinary experience, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh orange zest, a dash of toasted sesame seeds, or finely chopped scallions just before serving. These simple additions can significantly enhance the dish’s aroma and visual appeal, bringing a restaurant-quality touch to your homemade meal.
🍊 How to Make Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes. This crucial step ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately upon contact with hot air, leading to a much crispier exterior and more even cooking. Skipping preheating can result in a longer cooking time and a less desirable texture.
Step 2: Thaw the Orange Sauce Packets
While your air fryer preheats, fill a medium-sized bowl with warm tap water. Carefully submerge the two frozen orange sauce packets into the warm water. Allow them to thaw while the chicken cooks. This passive thawing method is convenient and ensures your sauce is ready to go the moment your chicken is perfectly crisp.
Step 3: Add Frozen Chicken to the Air Fryer Basket
Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully remove the hot air fryer basket. Gently dump the entire bag of frozen chicken pieces directly into the basket. Distribute the chicken in a single layer as much as possible to allow for optimal air circulation. If you have an air fryer oven, place the basket on the top rack for maximum crispiness. Then, slide the basket back into the air fryer.
Note: A significant advantage of this method is that you do not need to defrost Trader Joe’s orange chicken first. Cooking it from frozen saves time and helps achieve that desirable crispy texture!
Step 4: Air Fry for Crispy Results
Air fry Trader Joe’s orange chicken for 8-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). After 8 minutes, carefully remove the basket and either flip the chicken pieces individually or shake the basket vigorously to redistribute them. This ensures even browning and crisping on all sides. Check the chicken and determine if an additional 1-2 minutes of cooking time is needed to reach your desired level of crispness.
Step 5: Check Internal Temperature for Safety
After the chicken has finished air frying, it’s crucial to verify its internal temperature using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of a few chicken pieces. The chicken should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Trader Joe’s chicken pieces come in varied sizes, so it’s common for larger pieces to require an extra minute or two of air frying to achieve this safe temperature. Prioritizing food safety is paramount for enjoying your meal without worry.
Step 6: Toss with Sauce and Serve Immediately
Once your air-fried Trader Joe’s chicken has finished cooking and reached a safe internal temperature, carefully snip open the thawed sauce packets. Transfer the crispy chicken pieces to a large bowl and generously toss them with the warm orange sauce. Initially, the sauce may appear quite watery, but the delicious battered chicken will quickly absorb much of its sweet and tangy flavor. Serve your perfectly cooked orange chicken immediately and savor every bite!
💡 Essential Tips & Frequently Asked Questions for Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken
Is Trader Joe’s orange chicken pre-cooked?
While the breading on Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken certainly looks cooked, there’s no reliable information on the packaging or from official sources confirming whether the chicken inside is fully cooked. To ensure safety, always treat it as raw chicken. It’s imperative to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured by a meat thermometer. Always check a few larger pieces to be certain.
How long does Trader Joe’s orange chicken last in the freezer?
For optimal quality, frozen entrees like Trader Joe’s orange chicken typically last about 12 months in the freezer. This guideline, supported by resources like the FoodKeeper App, ensures you enjoy the best flavor and texture. Beyond this period, while still safe to eat, the quality may start to diminish.
How to Reheat Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken
Reheating Trader Joe’s orange chicken correctly can help retain its deliciousness:
- Unsauced Chicken: If you have leftover chicken that hasn’t been coated in sauce, reheat it in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to restore its crispiness.
- Sauced Chicken: For chicken already tossed in the orange sauce, reheating in the air fryer can cause the sugary sauce to burn. Instead, use the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. While it may lose some crispiness, it will prevent burning.
Leftover cooked orange chicken, stored in an airtight container, will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. To maintain crispiness for future servings, consider air frying only half a bag at a time. Since the frozen orange chicken includes two sauce packets, you can use one for your initial batch and save the uncooked chicken and the second sauce packet in the freezer for another quick meal.
Can I Cook Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken in the Oven?
Yes, you can certainly bake Trader Joe’s orange chicken in a conventional oven. For best results, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the frozen chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, ideally lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). While the oven method works, the air fryer generally yields a crispier exterior due to its superior hot air circulation and faster cooking time.
What is the Best Temperature for Air Frying Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken?
The optimal temperature for air frying Trader Joe’s orange chicken is 400°F (200°C). This high heat is essential for achieving a perfectly crispy coating and ensuring the chicken cooks thoroughly and quickly from frozen. Consistent high heat helps to mimic the effects of deep frying without the excess oil, locking in flavor and creating a satisfying crunch.
How to Get Crispy Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken?
Achieving maximum crispiness with Trader Joe’s orange chicken in the air fryer involves a few key techniques:
- Preheat Thoroughly: Always preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for at least 5 minutes before adding the chicken.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the chicken in a single layer. If your air fryer basket is small, cook in batches to ensure hot air can circulate around each piece.
- Shake or Flip: Midway through cooking (around the 4-5 minute mark), shake the basket or use tongs to flip the chicken pieces. This promotes even browning and crisping on all sides.
- Add Sauce Last: Toss the chicken with the orange sauce immediately after cooking. Adding the sauce during air frying can make the chicken soggy and prevent it from crisping properly.
🥗 Perfect Pairings: Side Dishes for Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken
Trader Joe’s orange chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. My two go-to options are fluffy white rice and vibrant steamed broccoli, creating a classic and satisfying meal. However, if you’re looking for more inspiration, here are a few other fantastic side dish suggestions:
- Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables: Quick, healthy, and perfectly cooked every time.
- Wild Rice: Offers a nuttier flavor and chewier texture than white rice, adding complexity.
- Quinoa: A protein-rich grain that makes a healthy and filling alternative to rice.
- Air Fryer Pot Stickers: Cook up frozen dumplings alongside your chicken for an authentic Asian-inspired feast.
- Roasted Asparagus: Simple, elegant, and packed with nutrients, a great fresh vegetable option.
- Stir-fried Bell Peppers and Onions: A colorful and flavorful addition that complements the orange chicken’s profile.
- Brown Rice: A wholesome, fiber-rich option that pairs well with any stir-fry style dish.
For a lighter meal, you could even use the orange chicken to create a flavorful Orange Chicken Salad, adding crisp greens and other fresh ingredients.
Watch How to Make It!
Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken (Air Fryer Recipe)
By Summer Yule
Discover the best way to cook Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken!
5 out of 5 stars from 6 votes
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 10 mins
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 3
Calories: 533 kcal
Ingredients
- 22 ounces Trader Joe’s Frozen Orange Chicken (approx. 624 grams)
- Optional Garnishes: sesame seeds, fresh orange zest, sliced scallions
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Thaw the sauce packets: Fill a medium-sized bowl with warm water and place the frozen sauce packets inside. The sauce will thaw while the chicken cooks.
- Add frozen chicken: Carefully remove the hot air fryer basket and add the frozen chicken. Place the basket back into the air fryer. (If using an air fryer oven, use the top rack).
- Air fry the chicken: Cook Trader Joe’s orange chicken for 8-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). After 8 minutes, flip the chicken pieces or shake the basket to ensure even cooking and crisping. Add extra cooking time if needed for desired crispiness.
- Check internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Larger pieces may require slightly longer cooking.
- Toss and serve: Clip open the thawed sauce packets and toss the cooked chicken pieces with the sauce. The battered chicken will absorb the sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Kitchen Thermometer
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 3 recipe, suitable for weight maintenance and active lifestyles. One serving of Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken, based on one-third of the chicken and sauce, contains 533 calories, 38 grams net carbs, and 35 grams protein. If you follow the label’s suggested serving size of one-fifth of the package, you’ll get 320 calories, 23 grams net carbs, and 21 grams of protein.
Air frying offers a quicker cooking time compared to oven baking and is significantly lower in fat than deep frying, while still delivering an excellent crispy texture.
Nutrition information is for one-third of the package of Air Fryer Trader Joe’s orange chicken and sauce.
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food.
Nutrition
- Calories: 533 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 26.7g
- Saturated Fat: 5.8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Vitamin C: 6.7% DV
- Calcium: 3% DV
- Iron: 13% DV
Keywords: trader joe’s orange chicken air fryer
Shop our cookbook! Easy Air Fryer Recipes for One
Burning your air fryer recipes? Here’s how to fix it!
👩🏻🍳 More Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
If you loved this guide for Trader Joe’s orange chicken, you’re in for a treat! The air fryer is a fantastic tool for achieving perfectly cooked chicken with minimal effort. Explore more of our favorite air fryer chicken recipes:
- Air Fryer Orange Chicken (from scratch): For those who want to try making their own, this recipe is a must.
- Crispy Chicken Nuggets in the Air Fryer: Perfect for kids and quick snacks, incredibly simple.
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders & Fries: Get restaurant-quality tenders and fries, all from your air fryer.
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Achieve super crispy wings every time, great for game day or a casual dinner.
- Air Fryer Whole Chicken: Learn how to roast a juicy whole chicken with a golden skin.
You may also enjoy our comprehensive guide to the Best Frozen Foods for the Air Fryer, which includes a wide array of convenient meal options.
👩🍳 Discover More Trader Joe’s Air Fryer Delights
Trader Joe’s is a treasure trove of convenient and delicious frozen and refrigerated items that are perfect for air frying. Expand your air fryer repertoire with these other fan-favorite Trader Joe’s recipes:
- Trader Joe’s Beef and Broccoli (Air Fryer): A takeout classic made easy and delicious.
- Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Thighs (Air Fryer): Flavorful and tender, perfect for bowls or wraps.
- Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Fish Nuggets: A quick and healthy seafood option for any meal.
- Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Zig Zags (Air Fryer): A sweet and savory side dish, perfectly roasted.
- Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi: Achieve crispy gnocchi without the mush, a game-changer!
- Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Tempura Cauliflower (Air Fryer): A vegetarian delight, crispy and packed with flavor.
- Air Fryer Buffalo Wings: Using Trader Joe’s chicken wings, these come out incredibly crispy.
- Air Fryer Breaded Fish Fillets: Utilizing Trader Joe’s oven-ready breaded cod fillets for a quick fish dinner.
- Trader Joe’s Hashbrowns (Air Fryer): Get perfectly golden and crispy hashbrowns for breakfast or brunch.
- Trader Joe’s Frozen Sweet Potato Fries (Air Fryer): A healthier alternative to regular fries, delicious and easy.
Join our community! Subscribe for all of the latest and greatest recipes, and follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!