Air Fryer Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
This recipe recreates the famous Panda Express orange chicken using an air fryer for a healthier alternative that maintains the crispy texture and tangy, sweet orange sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner, this dish combines crispy fried chicken bites with a flavorful, homemade orange glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American Chinese
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Cooking spray or oil for the air fryer basket
Orange Sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon minced ginger
- 2/3 cup orange juice
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F to ensure it is hot and ready once the chicken is coated.
- Prepare Breading Station: In one bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, and salt. In another bowl, beat the eggs. This setup will help you coat the chicken properly for a crispy outer layer.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and back into the flour mixture to create a double coat for extra crispiness.
- Arrange Chicken in Air Fryer: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer with space between each piece for even air circulation. Spray the chicken lightly with oil.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Cook the chicken at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. Chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Prepare Orange Sauce: While the chicken cooks, heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Sauce: In a measuring cup, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, and red pepper flakes. Pour this mixture into the saucepan with garlic and ginger. Stir continuously until the sauce simmers and thickens about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a large bowl and pour the thickened orange sauce over it. Gently toss to coat each piece evenly.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the air fryer orange chicken over steamed rice. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level of the sauce.
- Use freshly grated orange zest for a more vibrant and authentic flavor in the sauce.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed broccoli or snap peas for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Orange chicken, Air fryer recipe, Panda Express copycat, Crispy orange chicken, Asian-inspired chicken, Air fryer chicken recipe
