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Crispy Air Fryer Orange Chicken (Healthy Copycat!) - Fast, Fresh, and Flavor-Packed

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • Coating: 1/2 cup cornstarch (or arrowroot)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • For air-frying: Avocado or olive oil spray
  • Orange Sauce: 3/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 large oranges)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 1–2 tablespoons honey or pure maple syrup (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 teaspoon ground)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
  • 1–2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil (optional, for finish)
  • To serve: Cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice
  • Steamed broccoli or snap peas
  • Sliced green onions and sesame seeds

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat chicken dry with paper towels. In a bowl, whisk cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss until every piece is lightly coated.
  2. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Air-fry the chicken: Arrange chicken in a single layer without crowding. Lightly mist the tops with oil. Air-fry 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Work in batches if needed for crispiness.
  4. Make the orange sauce: While chicken cooks, whisk orange juice, zest, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a skillet over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer 1–2 minutes until glossy and slightly thick. If too thick, add a splash of water. Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil.
  6. Toss and serve: Add the crispy chicken to the skillet and toss until coated. Serve over rice with broccoli, then garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.