There’s something about orange chicken that always takes me back to those busy weeknights when all I wanted was quick takeout, but I didn’t want the extra grease or the heavy price tag. That’s when I started experimenting with making my own version at home, and the air fryer turned out to be the perfect solution. Crispy, golden chicken without the deep fryer mess? Yes, please. 😍
This recipe also comes with a bonus: a simple egg fried rice that pulls the whole meal together. It’s the kind of dish that works whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or trying to impress guests with a “better than takeout” spread.
I’ve tested this recipe more times than I can count, tweaking the coating for maximum crunch and adjusting the sauce until it had just the right balance of sweet and savory. Every time, it’s a crowd-pleaser, especially when topped with fresh green onions for that final touch of color and flavor. 🌱
❤️ Why You’ll Love Air Fried Orange Chicken with Egg Fried Rice
If you’ve ever stood in line for orange chicken at your favorite takeout spot, you’ll appreciate this version. Here’s why it’s worth making at home:
- ✨ Lighter, but still crispy: The air fryer gives the chicken a satisfying crunch without all the oil.
- 🍊 Customizable: You can play with the sauce, make it sweeter, tangier, or spicier depending on your mood.
- 🍳 Complete meal: With egg fried rice included, you don’t need extra sides.
- 👨👩👧 Family-friendly: Kids love the sweet sauce, and adults appreciate the balance of flavors.
- ⏱ Weeknight win: From start to finish, you can get this on the table in under an hour.
Tips & Tricks 💡
- For extra crunch, double coat the chicken by repeating the cornstarch and egg dip.
- Want it spicier? Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce. 🌶️
- Save time by using leftover rice from the fridge. Cold rice fries up better.
- Make it gluten-free by swapping soy sauce for tamari and using gluten-free panko.
🗒 Variations
- Protein Swap: Try shrimp, pork, or even tofu instead of chicken.
- Citrus Twist: Use lemon or lime juice for a different tang. 🍋
- Veggie Boost: Toss in bell peppers or broccoli when you stir-fry the rice
🗒 Substitutions
- Panko crumbs → crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs.
- Soy sauce → tamari for gluten-free.
- Chicken breast → shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
- Vegetable oil → sesame oil for extra flavor.
🗒 Best served with
- Steamed broccoli 🥦
- Stir-fried vegetables
- A light cucumber salad
- Dumplings or spring rolls
👝 How to Store Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer or oven to keep the chicken crispy.
- Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months; thaw and re-toss in fresh sauce when ready.
🤔 Common Questions
1. Can I bake this instead of air frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
2. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water) while simmering.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sauce separately, then cook and toss together right before serving for the crispiest result.
🍊 Air Fried Orange Chicken with Egg Fried Rice 🍚
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 lb chicken breast diced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs beaten
- ½ cup flour or panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
For the Orange Sauce
- 2 tbsp orange marmalade
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1–2 tbsp orange juice
For the Egg Fried Rice
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1½–2 cups cooked rice (day-old works best)
- 2–3 tsp soy sauce
- 2–3 green onions sliced
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Toss diced chicken with soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Coat: Dredge in cornstarch, dip in egg, then coat with flour/panko. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Air Fry: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway until golden and crisp.
- Make Sauce: In a saucepan, whisk orange marmalade, garlic powder, ginger, soy sauce, and orange juice. Simmer until thickened.
- Toss: Add cooked chicken to sauce, stir until coated.
- Fried Rice: Heat oil in a pan, scramble eggs, add rice, soy sauce, and green onions. Stir-fry until heated through.
- Serve: Plate rice, top with orange chicken, and garnish with extra green onions.
Nutrition
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