Better Than Panda Express Air Fryer Orange Chicken
Get ready to elevate your homemade Chinese takeout game with our Better Than Panda Express Air Fryer Orange Chicken recipe! With a crispy golden exterior and tender juicy chicken pieces coated in a sticky, tangy orange sauce. This dish will satisfy your cravings for restaurant-quality flavors at home. Plus, using the air fryer means you can enjoy all the deliciousness with less oil. Ultimately, making it a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to homemade perfection!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
PANKO BREADING INGREDIENTS:
- Chicken Breasts (or thighs): Chicken breasts or thighs are the main protein for the orange chicken dish. Boneless and skinless chicken is preferred for easier preparation and a cleaner bite.
- Flour: Used for dredging the chicken pieces before coating with the egg mixture and panko breadcrumbs. It helps the egg mixture adhere to the chicken.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs serve as the binding agent for the breading, helping the flour and breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a crispy and light texture to the chicken when air-fried. They are larger and flakier than regular breadcrumbs, creating a crunchy coating.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Used to season the chicken before breading, enhancing its flavor.
ORANGE CHICKEN SAUCE:
- Orange Juice: Orange juice provides a citrusy base for the sauce, contributing to the sweet and tangy flavor.
- Orange Zest: The zest from one orange adds an intense orange flavor to the sauce, enhancing its aromatic qualities.
- Sugar or Honey: Sweetens the sauce, balancing the acidity from the orange juice and vinegar.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a subtle tanginess to the sauce, complementing the sweetness of the orange juice and sugar.
- Soy Sauce: Provides depth of flavor and umami richness to the sauce, adding complexity to the overall taste.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger, minced, adds a warm and spicy flavor to the sauce, along with a hint of freshness.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic, minced, contributes aromatic depth and pungency to the sauce.
- Red Chili Flakes: Adds a touch of heat and subtle spiciness to the sauce, balancing the sweetness and acidity.
CORNSTARCH SLURRY:
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent for the sauce, helping it achieve a glossy and velvety texture.
- Water: Used to dissolve the cornstarch and create a slurry. Which is then added to the simmering sauce to thicken it to the desired consistency.
HOW TO MAKE ORANGE CHICKEN AT HOME?
Time needed: 30 minutes
- Prepare the chicken:
Cut the chicken breasts (or thighs) into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and black pepper to taste. - Set up your Dredging Station:
Place the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs in three separate shallow bowls. - Dredge the Chicken:
Dip each piece of chicken into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure to shake off any excess coating.
- Preheat the air fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. - Cook the chicken in batches:
Place the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking. - Air fry the Chicken:
Air fry the chicken at 400°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. - Make the Orange Chicken Sauce:
In a saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, minced ginger, minced garlic, and red chili flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat make sure you stir it. - Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Gradually add the slurry to the simmering sauce, stir continuously until the sauce thickens. - Coat the Chicken:
When the chicken is cooked, transfer to a large bowl, and dip the chicken into the sauce. - Serve and Garnish:
Garnish the orange chicken with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired. Serve hot with steamed white rice or your favorite side dishes. Additionally, enjoy your homemade Better Than Panda Express Orange Chicken!
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
To achieve crispy orange chicken coating in the air fryer, ensure you evenly coat each piece of chicken with the breading mixture. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow air circulation around the chicken pieces. Additionally, a light spray of nonstick cooking spray or brush with oil will help brown and crisp the coating.
Yes, preheat the air fryer for about 5 minutes making sure the air fryer reaches the correct temperature for cooking the chicken evenly. Preheating the air fryer can also help reduce cooking time. This happens because the air fryer is already hot when you place the food in the air fryer basket.
Using the air fryer to make orange chicken can result in a healthier version versus deep-frying methods. Using very little or no oil, the air fryer reduces the overall fat content while still achieving a crispy texture. Air frying preserves the flavors and nutrients of the ingredients, making it a healthier alternative for enjoying orange chicken.
Experts do not recommend breading frozen chicken directly for air fryer orange chicken. Thawing the chicken first is essential for even coating and getting the breading to stick to the meat. Attempting to bread frozen chicken may result in uneven cooking because the outer breading will cook faster than the interior. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator before breading and air frying for the best results.
Marinate the chicken in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for at least 3 hours before breading and air frying will create a flavor explosion once dipped in the orange sauce.
RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS:
- Protein Options: Instead of chicken breasts or chicken thighs use tofu or cauliflower florets for a vegetarian version.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for breading the chicken to make it edible for those with gluten sensitivity.
- Healthier Breading: Swap traditional panko with crushed cornflakes, ground nuts (almonds or pecans), or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb version.
- Sweeteners: Substitute the sugar in the orange chicken sauce with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar for a natural sweetener option.
- Citrus Variation: Experiment with different citrus fruits for the sauce, such as lemon or lime, to create variations like lemon chicken or lime chicken.
- Spice Level: Add more red chili flakes or fresh chili peppers for a spicier version of orange chicken.
- Asian Twist: Asian-inspired flavors like sesame oil, hoisin sauce, or five-spice powder into the sauce for a unique twist.
- Soy Sauce Alternatives: Use low-sodium soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos for a healthier option.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish the finished dish with chopped chives, parsley, cilantro, or sesame seeds for added flavor and freshness.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the air fryer orange chicken over steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice, or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
WHICH SIDE DISH OPTIONS ARE SERVED WITH SWEET ORANGE CHICKEN?
- Steamed Rice: Serve the orange chicken over steamed white rice or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Fried Rice: Homemade fried rice with vegetables, eggs, and soy sauce for a flavorful side dish.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Prepare a mixture of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and sugar snap peas for a nutritious side dish.
- Chow Mein Noodles: Pair the orange chicken with cooked chow mein noodles tossed in a savory sauce for the perfect pairing.
- Asian Slaw: Serve a refreshing Asian-inspired slaw made with cabbage, carrots, green onions, and a tangy sesame ginger dressing on the side.
- Spring/Egg Rolls: Add crispy vegetable spring rolls or egg rolls as a tasty side dish with the orange chicken.
- Edamame: Steamed edamame seasoned with sea salt makes a simple and nutritious side dish that complements the flavors of the orange chicken.
- Mixed Greens Salad: Balance the meal with a light mixed greens salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette or sesame ginger dressing.
WHAT ARE ALTERNATIVE COOKING METHODS IN MAKING CRIPSY AIR FRYER ORANGE CHICKEN?
Preparing air fryer orange chicken offers a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying methods. But there are several ways to achieve similar results. For the oven method, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Another option, the deep fryer method involves heating oil to 350°F (175°C) and frying the breaded chicken in batches for 5-7 minutes until crispy and golden. For the stovetop frying method, heat oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. After choosing a method, you then dip the chicken in the orange sauce for a delicious finish.
HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER ORANGE CHICKEN?
To store leftover sweet orange chicken, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, there are a couple of options: for best results, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the chicken for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy, or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. If using the microwave, place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until heated through. Enjoy your reheated orange chicken with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes!
CAN LEFTOVER ORANGE CHICKEN BE FROZEN FOR LATER CONSUMPTION?
Leftover crispy orange chicken can be frozen to eat another day. Allow the chicken to cool completely and arrange the orange chicken in one layer on a lined baking sheet. Once the pieces are frozen transfer the individual pieces to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. This is optimal because when you are ready to reheat you can grab a few at a time making it easier to portion. Label the container with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, pop the orange chicken frozen in the air fryer and reheat for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy your delicious orange chicken any day of the week with this convenient freezer-friendly option!
LOOKING FOR MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES? TRY THESE!
Air Fryer Parmesan Cubed Chicken Breast Bites: These bites are seasoned with a tantalizing blend of brown sugar, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne pepper for that extra kick. Once air-fried to golden perfection, these savory delights are generously sprinkled with savory Parmesan cheese, adding a delightful finishing touch to each irresistible bite
Crispy Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Thighs: Marinated in a blend of herbs, spices, and citrus, these juicy chicken thighs are coated in a crispy exterior that will satisfy your taste buds. With the magic of the air fryer, you’ll achieve perfectly crispy chicken thighs without the need for excess oil or frying.
Air Fryer Stuffed Buffalo Ranch Chicken Breasts: Bursting with the bold tanginess of Frank’s RedHot sauce, the creamy richness of cream cheese, the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of pepper jack cheese, and the zesty kick of ranch seasoning, these chicken breasts are an absolute taste sensation.
Better Than Panda Express Air Fryer Orange Chicken
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
Panko Breading Ingredients:
- 3 lbs Chicken Breasts (or xhicken thighs) boneless and skinless
- 1 Cup Flour (to dredge)
- 3 Eggs (beaten) (to dredge)
- 2 Cups Panko Breadcrumbs (to dredge)
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
Orange Chicken Sauce:
- 1 Cup Orange Juice
- 1 Orange Zest (one orange)
- ½ Cup Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Rice Vinager
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- ½ Tsp Ginger (fresh and minced)
- ½ Tsp Garlic (fresh and minced)
- ½ Tsp Red Chili Flakes
Cornstarch Slurry:
- 2 Tsp Cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp Water
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts (or thighs) into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Set up your dredging station: Place the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs in three separate shallow bowls.
- Dredge the chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Make sure to shake off any excess coating.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Cook the chicken in batches: Place the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Air fry the chicken: Air fry the chicken at 400°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the orange chicken sauce: In a saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, minced ginger, minced garlic, and red chili flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Gradually add the slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Coat the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the orange chicken sauce over it. Toss the chicken until it is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish the orange chicken with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy your homemade Better Than Panda Express Air Fryer Orange Chicken!