If you’re go-to Panda Express order is always orange chicken, then I have good news for you: it’s surprisingly easy to make at home! Now, prepare yourself for even better news: it’s even easier to make in the air fryer. Typically deep- or pan-fried, this air fryer version gives the same crispy result (with the signature sticky-sweet orange sauce!), but uses far less oil. If you’re looking for a quick and easy take on the classic, read on for everything you need to know to ace this recipe:
General Tso’s chicken vs orange chicken:
Though they both feature a crispy cornstarch coating and a savory-sweet sauce, General Tso’s chicken and orange chicken are not the same. General Tso’s features a chili-based sauce, while orange chicken is—you guessed it—orange-based. Chef Andy Kao—the executive chef of the Panda Express chain—invented the popular Chinese-American dish in 1987, and it has been a takeout staple ever since.
How to cook orange chicken in the air fryer:
Similar to our classic pan-fried orange chicken, we coat our chicken in an egg and flour mixture first before adding it to our air fryer. Orange chicken takes just 10 minutes in the air fryer, which allows the meat to cook through and the cornstarch coating to crisp up. While it’s cooking is the perfect opportunity to make the signature sticky-sweet orange sauce.
The sauce:
Orange chicken is packed with flavor, thanks to a sauce made from orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce (or tamari, if you’re gluten-free), rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. You’re going to cook it over medium heat for around 10 minutes, or until the sauce is slightly reduced.
Serving ideas:
Of course, this dish is perfect over rice or whole grains, but if you’re looking for a low-carb side besides our cauliflower rice, serve this over simple air-fried vegetables, letting them soak up the extra sauce in place of grains.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
