Irresistibly Crispy Air Fryer Orange Chicken with Orange Marmalade
Craving the sweet, tangy, and slightly sticky goodness of your favorite Asian takeout orange chicken? Look no further! This **air fryer orange chicken with orange marmalade** recipe delivers an incredibly easy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that the whole family will adore. Forget the deep fryer; we’re harnessing the power of the air fryer to achieve perfectly crispy chicken pieces coated in a luscious, homemade orange sauce.
Learning **how to make orange chicken in the air fryer** is simpler than you think. This guide will walk you through creating a healthier take on a classic, sharing tips on making it sugar-free if desired, and ensuring every bite is packed with that signature sweet and savory flavor. Get ready to **air fry orange chicken** for dinner tonight and elevate your weeknight meals!
Why Choose Air Fryer Orange Chicken Over Takeout?
When developing this **orange chicken air fryer** recipe, I drew inspiration from beloved Chinese orange chicken brands like Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken, Panda Express, and InnovAsian. These options are popular for good reason: they feature slightly crispy, often battered or breaded, golden-brown chicken pieces and a delightful, sticky, very sweet orange sauce, all while being easy to prepare.
Our homemade **air fryer orange chicken** aims to replicate these desirable traits, but with added benefits. By using the air fryer, you get:
- Healthier Alternative: Skip the deep-frying! Air frying significantly reduces the amount of oil needed, making this a lighter option without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Crispy Perfection: The circulating hot air in the air fryer creates an incredibly satisfying crispiness on the chicken, mimicking the texture of traditional fried chicken.
- Convenience and Speed: The air fryer cooks quickly, making this a perfect meal for busy weeknights. Less oil also means less mess to clean up!
- Customizable Flavor: Control the sweetness, spice, and overall ingredients. You can easily adjust the sauce to your family’s preferences or dietary needs.
- Cost-Effective: Making orange chicken at home is often more budget-friendly than ordering takeout, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish more often.
To achieve that sought-after breaded and slightly crispy texture, we’ll coat the chicken in flour before air frying. This method ensures a fantastic crust, giving you truly delicious **air fryer orange chicken without cornstarch** in the coating.
While the chicken cooks to golden perfection, we’ll whip up an incredible **orange chicken sauce**. Our unique blend of orange marmalade and savory BBQ sauce creates the complex, rich flavor found in classic orange chicken recipes. It’s an indulgent sauce that will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you reaching for more!
⭐ Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Orange Chicken with Orange Marmalade
To make this irresistible **orange chicken in an air fryer**, gather these key ingredients:
- Chicken Breast: 1 lb. (454g) boneless, skinless chicken breast. Cut into 1-inch pieces for even cooking and optimal sauce coverage. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used for a juicier result, though they will be slightly less lean.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup. Forms the essential crispy coating on the chicken.
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon. Adds a mild, earthy flavor and a beautiful reddish hue to the chicken coating.
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon. Provides a foundational savory aroma.
- Onion Powder: ½ teaspoon. Complements the garlic powder for a balanced savory base.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon. Enhances all the flavors in the breading.
- Large Eggs: 2. Act as a binder for the flour coating, ensuring it adheres well to the chicken.
- Cooking Oil Spray: Essential for achieving a truly crispy, golden-brown finish in the air fryer.
- Orange Marmalade: ½ cup. The star ingredient for the sauce, providing natural sweetness, vibrant citrus flavor, and a desirable sticky consistency.
- BBQ Sauce (Kansas City style): ¼ cup. Adds a layer of smoky, tangy sweetness and depth, making the sauce more complex and addictive.
- Reduced-Sodium Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons. Balances the sweetness with umami and a savory, salty kick. Reduced-sodium is recommended to control overall saltiness.
- Dried Ginger: ¼ teaspoon. A warm, aromatic spice that enhances the Asian-inspired flavor profile of the sauce.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a touch of heat, add to taste for a spicy orange chicken.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds and Sliced Scallions (optional garnish): Perfect for adding a fresh pop of color, nutty flavor, and aromatic crunch to the finished dish.
For a lighter, lower-sugar version, simply choose sugar-free orange marmalade and sugar-free barbecue sauce. This small modification allows you to enjoy the same great flavors with fewer added sugars.
Beyond the ingredients, you will need a reliable air fryer, a sharp knife for preparing the chicken, and a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking. Whether you own a Ninja Foodi, Pampered Chef, Cuisinart, Actifry, Nuwave, Instant Vortex, Philips, Cosori, or Power Air Fryer, any model should work wonderfully for **air frying orange chicken**. Just remember that cooking times can vary slightly between models, so it’s always a good idea to monitor your chicken and adjust as needed. If you have a smaller air fryer basket, cooking the chicken in batches will prevent overcrowding and guarantee optimal crispiness.
➕ Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Air Fryer Orange Chicken
Ready to master **how to make air fryer orange chicken**? This process is straightforward, focusing on getting that chicken perfectly crispy and coating it in our signature sticky orange sauce. Follow these detailed steps for a truly delicious result:
Air Frying the Chicken:
- Prepare the Chicken and Breading: Begin by cutting your chicken breast into uniform 1-inch (2.54cm) pieces. This ensures even cooking. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. In a second separate bowl, whisk the two large eggs until well blended.
- Breading the Chicken: Lightly spray your air fryer basket or tray with cooking oil spray. This prevents sticking and promotes crispiness. Take each chicken piece, dip it thoroughly in the whisked egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, transfer the egg-coated chicken to the flour mixture, tossing to ensure a complete and even coating. Gently shake off any excess flour before placing it aside. Repeat this process for all chicken pieces.
- Arranging in the Air Fryer: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on your prepared air fryer basket or tray. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the basket, as this can steam the chicken instead of crisping it. If necessary, cook in batches. Once arranged, generously mist the chicken with cooking spray. This additional spray is key for a golden, crispy exterior.
⏲️ Air Frying Times and Temperatures: Achieving Perfection
**How long to air fry orange chicken?** The chicken will air fry for a total of 11-13 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190C). This temperature allows the breading to crisp up beautifully without drying out the chicken.
- Initial Air Fry: Air fry the chicken for 5 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
- Flip and Finish: After the initial 5 minutes, carefully flip each chicken piece over. Generously spray them again with cooking spray. Continue to air fry for a final 6-8 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown and cooked through.
Crucial Step: Check Internal Temperature. Always use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached a minimum safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74C). If it hasn’t, add additional cooking time in 2-3 minute increments until it reaches the safe temperature. While your chicken is air frying, you can conveniently prepare the delicious orange sauce.
🍊 Crafting the Irresistible Orange Chicken Sauce
The **orange chicken sauce** is what truly makes this dish sing. Here are the simple directions to create that perfect sweet and sticky glaze:
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together the orange marmalade, barbecue sauce, reduced-sodium soy sauce, dried ginger, and optional red pepper flakes. The marmalade provides the signature citrus and sweetness, while the BBQ sauce adds depth and savory notes.
- Simmer to Perfection: Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking occasionally. Continue to cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce begins to bubble and thickens slightly to a sticky glaze. Be mindful not to let it burn.
- Toss and Serve: Remove the orange sauce from the heat. For the best texture, gently toss the air-fried chicken pieces with the warm orange sauce right before serving. This prevents the chicken from becoming soggy.
Spoon the delectable chicken and any extra sauce into bowls. Serve over a bed of fluffy rice or a lighter option like cauliflower rice. For a final flourish, garnish with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions. Dig in and enjoy your homemade **air fryer orange chicken**!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a good substitute for orange marmalade in orange chicken?
If orange marmalade isn’t available, a great alternative is a combination of sweetened orange juice and orange zest. To achieve the desired thickness and sticky texture, you might need to thicken the juice with a cornstarch slurry (a mixture of cornstarch and cold water) or a pinch of xanthan gum. Many homemade orange chicken sauces rely on marmalade because it naturally provides both the citrus flavor and the pectin for thickening, making it an easier shortcut.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
While this recipe is designed for fresh chicken, you can adapt it for frozen, pre-cooked popcorn chicken or chicken nuggets. Simply air fry them according to their package directions until crispy and heated through, then toss them with the prepared orange sauce.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this orange chicken gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum for best results) and replace the regular soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Always check the labels on your BBQ sauce and orange marmalade to ensure they are also gluten-free.
🌡️ Orange Chicken (Storage & Reheating)
This **air fryer orange chicken recipe** is fantastic for meal prep! It can be stored for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. For the best texture, always keep the orange sauce and air-fried chicken in separate airtight containers until you’re ready to serve. This prevents the chicken from becoming soggy.
Leftover orange chicken can also be frozen, again, ideally with the sauce and chicken stored separately. The sauce itself freezes beautifully and can be used in other chicken dishes later. Imagine some air fryer orange chicken wings – absolutely delicious!
Can you air fry leftover orange chicken?
Absolutely! Reheating leftover orange chicken in the air fryer is the best way to bring back its crispy texture. If the chicken is frozen, air fry for about 8 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177C), flipping halfway through. If it’s refrigerated, you might only need 5-7 minutes. Warm the sauce leftovers separately in the microwave or on the stovetop, then toss with the reheated chicken just before eating.
Watch How to Make It!
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Air Fryer Orange Chicken with Orange Marmalade Recipe
Summer Yule
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
12 mins
12 mins
Dinner
American, Chinese
3
434 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken breast (454g)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- cooking oil spray
- ½ cup orange marmalade
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce (Kansas City style)
- 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon dried ginger
- crushed red pepper flakes (optional; for a spicy orange chicken)
- toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions (optional garnish)
Instructions
Air fry orange chicken:
- Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch pieces (2.54cm). In a medium-sized bowl, stir flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt together. In a second bowl, whisk two large eggs.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray. Dip the chicken pieces in the egg, lift them out with a fork, and then coat them in the flour. Coat all the chicken pieces, shaking off excess flour.
- Put the coated pieces of chicken on the prepared air fryer basket or tray in a single layer. Mist the chicken well with cooking spray and place in the air fryer.
- Air fry the chicken for 5 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Then flip the chicken pieces over and spray them well with cooking spray. Air fry a final 6-8 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the chicken reached a minimum safe internal temperature of 165℉ (74°C). Add additional cooking time if needed.
Make orange sauce:
- Whisk the orange marmalade, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, dried ginger, and pepper flakes together in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking occasionally until bubbly. This will take 5-10 minutes.
- Remove the orange sauce from the heat. Right before serving, gently stir the orange sauce with the air fried chicken. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Kitchen Thermometer
- Knife
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 3 recipe (weight maintenance and active lifestyles). Chicken breast is a high-quality lean protein. However, the breading and the sauce really bump up the carbs and calories. If you have a fat loss goal, it’s generally going to be a better choice to stick with chicken with no breading.
That said, this recipe has some good things going for it. Orange chicken from a store or restaurant may have been deep fried. Air frying chicken before mixing with the orange sauce allows you to skip deep frying. If you want a low-fat orange chicken with minimal or no added oil, air fry it!
What to serve with air fryer orange chicken? I like to serve air fried orange chicken over a whole grain, with some veggies on the side for a (somewhat) healthy meal. Here are some suggestions for sides that go with orange chicken:
- Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables (especially broccoli!)
- Steamed Green Beans (haricots verts)
- Steamed Snow Peas
- Stir-fried Baby Bok Choy
- Brown Rice
- Wild Rice
- Quinoa
Just like your favorite frozen orange chicken, or orange chicken from a Chinese restaurant, this entrée is sweet. Your family might like it so much, they may not be able to guess it’s a “fakeaway” recipe! Enjoy 🙂
Nutrition information is for one serving. Nutrition information was calculated for half of the egg and flour mixture only (since you will probably not use it all for breading).
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 x
Nutrition
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👩🏻🍳 More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes to Explore
If you loved this **air fryer orange chicken recipe**, you’re in for a treat! The air fryer is an incredibly versatile tool for preparing delicious chicken dishes, offering healthier alternatives to traditional frying methods. Dive into more **air fryer recipes using chicken** with these fantastic options that you may enjoy:
- Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken (Air Fryer): A guide to cooking your favorite frozen orange chicken in the air fryer for perfect crispiness.
- Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel: Achieve classic crispy schnitzel with minimal oil.
- Air Fryer Buffalo Wings: Get perfectly crispy and saucy buffalo wings, ideal for game day or a casual snack.
- Chicken Nuggets in the Air Fryer: The quickest and crispiest way to cook frozen chicken nuggets.
- Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Thighs: A flavorful and easy recipe for delicious chicken shawarma bowls.
- Air Fryer Chicken Fries: Perfectly cooked chicken fries that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Keto Air Fryer Orange Chicken: A low-carb, sugar-free version of orange chicken, where you can use the air fryer time and temperature from this recipe for cooking the chicken.
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