Air frying offers a fantastic way to enjoy crispy, flavorful dishes with less oil, and today, you’re about to discover how to make a delicious air fryer orange chicken glazed. This recipe boasts bright citrus flavors paired with tender chicken, creating a dish that’s both enjoyable and satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, you’ll learn how to bring this easy, crowd-pleasing meal to your table in no time.
Why We Love This Air Fryer Orange Chicken Glazed
Air fryer orange chicken glazed stands out for several reasons. First and foremost, the air fryer allows you to achieve that coveted crispy texture without the excess grease typically associated with frying. This method offers a healthier alternative while still satisfying that craving for fried food. The vibrant orange glaze adds a refreshing twist, balancing sweet and savory notes beautifully. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings or spontaneous gatherings. Plus, the enticing aroma fills your kitchen, making mealtime feel special. With every bite, you get juicy chicken coated in a flavorful sauce, appealing to both adults and kids alike. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings smiles to the table.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Orange Chicken Glazed
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Slices of fresh orange for garnish
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Directions
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Ensure that the pieces are uniform for even cooking.
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
In another bowl, beat the eggs until frothy.
In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Then dip it into the eggs and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the coating adheres well to the chicken.
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.
Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. You might need to work in batches.
Spray the chicken lightly with vegetable oil for added crispiness.
Cook in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
While the chicken cooks, prepare the orange glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, grated ginger, and cornstarch. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring continuously until it thickens.
Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a large bowl. Drizzle the orange glaze over the hot chicken and toss to coat thoroughly.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh orange slices and chopped green onions.
How to Serve Air Fryer Orange Chicken Glazed
Serving air fryer orange chicken glazed can elevate your meal presentation and enhance the dining experience. Start by placing the glossy, glazed chicken in a large serving bowl or platter, allowing guests to admire the bright color of the dish. Pair the chicken with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. A crisp side salad can complement the meal beautifully, adding freshness and crunch to balance the rich flavors. You might also consider serving it with stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a colorful display. Additionally, offering extra orange slices or wedges can provide even more citrus flavor and visual appeal. Finally, don’t forget about chopsticks or attractive serving utensils, allowing everyone to enjoy the dish in a fun and interactive way. This thoughtful presentation makes the meal not just nourishing but also memorable.
Expert Tips for Air Fryer Orange Chicken Glazed
To achieve the best possible results with your air fryer orange chicken glazed, keep these expert tips in mind. First, ensure your chicken pieces are uniform in size, as this will promote even cooking. If you’re working with larger chicken pieces, consider adjusting the cooking time accordingly. Using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs gives the chicken a crunchier texture, which enhances the overall dish. For an extra flavor boost, marinate the chicken in a bit of the orange juice and soy sauce mixture before breading; this will infuse more flavor into the meat. If you want to achieve an even crispier coating, try double-coating the chicken: dip it back into the egg and then again into the panko breadcrumbs. When making the glaze, feel free to experiment with spices like red pepper flakes for a hint of heat or add sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor. Lastly, remember to adjust the cooking time based on your air fryer model, as some may cook faster than others. With these tips, you’ll make sure your dish turns out delicious every single time.
How to Store Air Fryer Orange Chicken Glazed
Storing your air fryer orange chicken glazed properly will help maintain its taste and texture for future meals. After enjoying your meal, allow any leftovers to cool completely to room temperature. Place the chicken in an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep it for a longer period, consider freezing it. To freeze, follow the same cooling process and then transfer the chicken to a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat them in the air fryer at a lower temperature to restore the crispiness, or you can use the microwave if you’re in a hurry. If reheating from frozen, always ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving to ensure safety.
Variations of Air Fryer Orange Chicken Glazed
Experimenting with variations of air fryer orange chicken glazed can keep mealtime exciting. One popular option is to switch up the protein. Instead of chicken, try this recipe with shrimp or tofu, each offering a unique texture and flavor that pairs perfectly with the orange glaze. Vegetarians will love using cauliflower chunks or chickpeas instead of meat, coating them in the same crispy breadcrumbs for a delicious, plant-based alternative. You can also play with the glaze itself; consider adding additional citrus, like lime or pineapple juice, for a fruity twist. For a spicier version, incorporate some chili garlic sauce into the glaze or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the dish before serving. If you’re looking for a soy-free or gluten-free approach, swap out the soy sauce with coconut aminos or a gluten-free alternative. Finally, adding nuts like cashews or sesame seeds can not only enhance the flavor but also add a delightful crunch to the dish. These variations provide endless opportunities to enjoy this fantastic recipe.
FAQ about Air Fryer Orange Chicken Glazed
If you have questions about air fryer orange chicken glazed, you’re not alone. One commonly asked question is whether you can prepare it ahead of time. Absolutely! You can bread the chicken, then store it in the refrigerator for several hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld. Another frequent inquiry involves the sauce. If you love a thicker sauce, feel free to adjust the amount of cornstarch in your glaze, or simmer it longer on the stove until it reaches your desired consistency. Many people wonder if they can make this dish without an air fryer. While the recipe is specifically designed for an air fryer, you can adapt it to an oven, baking the chicken at a high temperature on a lined baking sheet. Cooking times will vary, so keep an eye on it. Lastly, some ask about serving suggestions. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or even over a fresh bed of greens for a lighter meal. Enjoy your cooking and have fun exploring this flavorful orange chicken dish!
Air Fryer Orange Chicken Glazed
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour For dredging
- 2 large eggs Beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs For coating, ensures a crisp texture
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Orange Glaze
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For Garnish
- Slices for garnish fresh orange
- Chopped for garnish green onions
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Ensure that the pieces are uniform for even cooking.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs until frothy.
- In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Then dip it into the eggs and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the coating adheres well to the chicken.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.
Cooking
- Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. You might need to work in batches.
- Spray the chicken lightly with vegetable oil for added crispiness.
- Cook in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the orange glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, grated ginger, and cornstarch. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring continuously until it thickens.
Finishing Touch
- Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a large bowl. Drizzle the orange glaze over the hot chicken and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh orange slices and chopped green onions.
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