Craving that sweet and sticky orange chicken flavor without the fuss of deep frying? This air fryer orange chicken delivers big on crunch and bold, citrusy flavor with no giant mess and a better than takeout menu. Juicy bites of crispy chicken pieces turn golden in the air fryer, then get tossed in a zesty homemade orange sauce that strikes the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. It's fast, fun, and totally satisfying, perfect for a small batch meal that tastes like a big-time treat.
Course Main Course, Main Dishes
Cuisine Asian, Chinese, International, Korean
Keyword air fried, air fryer, air fryer basket, air fryer chicken, air fryer orange chicken, air fryer orange chicken recipe, chicken in the air fryer, crispy, crispy chicken, make this recipe, orange, orange chicken sauce, orange sauce
Start by preparing all your ingredients so everything is within reach. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Measure out the seasonings, breadcrumbs, eggs, and orange sauce to make the process smooth and quick.
In one bowl, whisk together the egg and heavy cream to create a wet coating. In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with salt, black pepper, and a little olive oil for extra crispiness. Having both coatings ready will make the breading process much easier.
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, making sure it's fully coated. Then, roll it in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the coating sticks well. Repeat this process for all the chicken pieces before placing them on a plate.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°Fahrenheit (200°Celsius) and arrange the coated chicken in a single layer inside the basket. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil to help them crisp up. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Flip each chicken piece over and air fry for another 5 minutes until golden brown. Once done, transfer the crispy chicken to a bowl and pour the warm orange sauce over it. Toss the chicken gently until each piece is coated in the sweet and tangy sauce, then garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Video
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Notes
For extra crispy chicken, lightly spray the coated pieces with olive oil before air frying.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Cook in batches if needed to ensure even crisping.
Let it rest after the chicken is cooking before tossing it in the sauce to keep the coating from getting soggy.