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–+ servings
Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Crispy Air Fryer Orange Chicken – A Healthy Delight

Enjoy a healthier twist on classic orange chicken with this Crispy Air Fryer Orange Chicken recipe, lower in calories and fat, bursting with flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast Substitute with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Using sea salt can improve the taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Consider white pepper for a milder flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can add a more robust taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Fresh onions are a great substitute.
  • 1/2 cup Cornstarch Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch are good alternatives.
  • Cooking spray Olive Oil Spray Avocado oil works well for a higher smoke point.
For the Sauce
  • 1 Zest of 1 Orange Lemon or lime zest is a nice variation.
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Orange Juice Feel free to substitute with other citrus juices for a twist.
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar Substitute Options include coconut sugar or real brown sugar.
  • 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup Honey or agave are good alternatives.
  • 3 tablespoons Soy Sauce Coconut aminos are a soy-free alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons Rice Wine Vinegar Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute.
  • 2 cloves Grated Garlic Garlic powder can work in a pinch.
  • 1 teaspoon Grated Ginger Ground ginger is a suitable alternative.
  • 1/4 cup Cold Water Used to create the cornstarch slurry for thickening the sauce.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Saucepan

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, season chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. Toss the seasoned chicken in cornstarch until thoroughly coated.
  4. Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer and spray with olive oil.
  5. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and reaching 165°F (74°C).
  6. In a saucepan, combine orange zest, orange juice, brown sugar substitute, maple syrup, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, grated garlic, and grated ginger. Stir and bring to a gentle boil.
  7. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for 4-5 minutes.
  8. Whisk cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth, then add to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until thickened.
  9. Remove cooked chicken, place in a bowl, and pour the thickened sauce over, tossing to coat.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 28gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 6mg

Notes

Always check internal temperature for safe consumption. Avoid overcrowding for the crispiest results. Use fresh ingredients for enhanced flavor.

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