Air Fryer Frozen Orange Chicken

Air Fryer Frozen Orange Chicken is amazing! If you are a huge fan of Orange Chicken, this is one of the best cooking methods. Air Frying makes the chicken amazing.

My kids are huge Orange Chicken Fans, so they always grab a box or a package at Walmart, so I thought, why not?

The truth is, the crispy chicken is amazing in the air fryer. Crispy and delicious. Several brands make this famous Chinese chicken dish.

Air Fryer Frozen Orange Chicken

Air Fryer Frozen Orange Chicken offers a delightful twist to the classic favorite, bringing the vibrant flavors of orange and the convenience of air frying together. This dish perfectly blends sweet and tangy, encapsulating the essence of the beloved Asian-inspired cuisine with the added benefit of a healthier cooking method. Using frozen orange chicken simplifies the process, making this dish an ideal choice for a quick and effortless meal without compromising taste. The air fryer technology perfectly crisps the chicken, ensuring each bite is enveloped in a crunchy exterior while maintaining a succulent and tender inside, enhancing the overall texture and flavor.

One of the best aspects of using an air fryer for this recipe is the significant reduction in oil compared to traditional frying methods. This makes the meal lighter and easier to prepare and clean up afterward. The air fryer circulates hot air around the chicken pieces, evenly cooking them and creating a beautifully golden and crispy coating. The result is a dish that is wonderfully crispy on the outside yet moist and flavorful on the inside, all imbued with the sweet and citrusy zing of the orange sauce. Whether you’re serving it up as a quick family dinner or as a part of a larger feast, Air Fryer Frozen Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that promises to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You Will Love Cooking Frozen Orange Chicken In Air Fryer

Cooking Frozen Orange Chicken in an air fryer is a culinary experience you’re bound to love for several compelling reasons. Firstly, the air fryer revolutionizes the way we cook frozen foods, and orange chicken is no exception. It offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, using significantly less oil while still achieving that delightful crispy texture desirable in orange chicken. This means you can indulge in your favorite dish with reduced fat and calories, making it a guilt-free pleasure.

Secondly, the convenience factor is unbeatable. With the air fryer, there’s no need for long preheating times or dealing with splattering oil. You place the frozen orange chicken in the air fryer, and within minutes, you have a meal that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This method is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a quick and tasty meal without the fuss.

Moreover, the air fryer ensures even cooking and perfect texture. The hot air circulates around the chicken, cooking it evenly and locking in the flavor. The result is a beautifully caramelized exterior with a sticky, sweet, tangy orange sauce that’s a joy to bite into.

Finally, the versatility of this dish adds to its appeal. You can serve air fryer orange chicken over rice for a satisfying meal or alongside steamed vegetables for a healthier twist. It’s also a great dish for casual family dinners and festive gatherings. The ease, health benefits, and delicious outcome make cooking Frozen Orange Chicken in an air fryer a truly enjoyable experience.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Frozen Orange Chicken

Embarking on making Air Fryer Frozen Orange Chicken is straightforward, requiring minimal ingredients while promising maximum flavor. This dish centers around the convenience of frozen ingredients, coupled with the efficiency of air frying, to create a delicious and easy meal.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Frozen Orange Chicken: Opt for your favorite brand of frozen orange chicken, which typically comes pre-coated and ready to cook, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
• Optional Garnishes: Consider adding green onions, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of fresh orange for a bright, fresh garnish that enhances the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile.

With just these simple components, you can transform a frozen convenience food into a delightful meal that tastes like it came straight from your favorite restaurant.

How To Make Frozen Orange Chicken In Air Fryer

Making Frozen Orange Chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that delivers delicious results. Here’s how you can do it:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C). This step ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately and gets crispy.

Prepare the Chicken: Place the frozen orange chicken pieces in the air fryer basket. Spread them out in a single layer for even cooking. There’s no need to thaw the chicken first.

Cook the Chicken: Cook the chicken for about 18-20 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket or use tongs to turn the pieces, ensuring all sides get evenly crispy.

Heat the Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, heat the orange sauce that comes with the frozen chicken. You can do this in a small saucepan over low heat or the microwave, following the package instructions.

Combine Chicken and Sauce: Transfer the chicken to a bowl once it is cooked and crispy. Pour the heated orange sauce over the chicken and toss gently to ensure all the pieces are evenly coated with the sauce.

Serve: Serve your Air Fryer Frozen Orange Chicken hot. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.

And there you have it – a simple yet delicious meal ready quickly! Enjoy the perfect blend of crispy chicken and tangy orange sauce, all made effortlessly in your air fryer.

Pro Tips

To elevate your Air Fryer Frozen Orange Chicken to the next level, consider these pro tips:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for the best results. A preheated air fryer ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately, promoting a better texture and even cooking.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Place the chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding the basket. This ensures each piece gets evenly crispy and cooked. Cook in batches if needed.
• Shake Halfway Through: Halfway through cooking, shake the basket or turn the chicken pieces with tongs. This promotes even browning and crispiness on all sides of the chicken.
• Heat the Sauce Separately: Warm the orange sauce separately in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave. This allows for better control of the sauce’s consistency and temperature.
• Coat Chicken at the Last Minute: Toss the crispy chicken in the orange sauce just before serving. This keeps the chicken crispy and prevents it from getting soggy.
• Garnish for Extra Flavor: Add a garnish like sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of orange zest. This adds fresh flavor and an appealing look to the dish.
• Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the orange chicken immediately after combining it with the sauce.
• Use Correct Temperature Settings: Air fryers can vary, so adjust your specific model’s temperature and cooking time.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add fresh or dried chili flakes to the sauce if you enjoy a little heat.
• Pair with Suitable Sides: Serve with steamed rice, vegetables, or noodles to turn this dish into a complete meal.

These tips will help you achieve a deliciously crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Frozen Orange Chicken, perfect for a quick, easy, and satisfying meal.

Best Brands Of Frozen Orange Chicken

Regarding frozen orange chicken, several brands are popular for their taste and quality. Here are some of the best brands you might want to consider:

• InnovAsian Cuisine Orange Chicken: This brand is known for its crispy texture and flavorful sauce. It’s a convenient choice that can be found in many grocery stores.
• P.F. Chang’s Home Menu Orange Chicken: Offering a taste similar to what you might find in their restaurants, P.F. Chang’s frozen orange chicken is a favorite for many.
• Tyson Any’tizers Orange Chicken: Known for their quality in frozen poultry products, Tyson’s orange chicken is a good pick for a quick and tasty meal.
• Crazy Cuizine Mandarin Orange Chicken: This brand often gets high marks for its chicken’s quality and its citrusy sauce’s deliciousness.
• Kirkland Signature (Costco) Orange Chicken: If you’re feeding a larger group, the Kirkland brand available at Costco provides a great quantity without compromising on taste.
• Annie Chun’s Gourmet Frozen Orange Chicken: Ideal for those looking for a slightly healthier option, Annie Chun’s offers a less greasy but still flavorful alternative.

When choosing a frozen orange chicken brand, consider factors like the chicken’s quality, the sauce’s flavor, and whether the product meets any dietary preferences or restrictions you might have. It’s also worth experimenting with a few different brands to find the one that best suits your taste.

Faq’s

Do I Need to Thaw the Chicken Before Cooking? No, you don’t need to thaw the chicken. Cook it straight from frozen for the best results.

How Long Does It Take to Cook Frozen Orange Chicken in the Air Fryer? It usually takes about 18-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C), but this can vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the chicken pieces.

Can I Cook the Sauce with the Chicken in the Air Fryer? It’s best to heat the sauce separately and toss it with the chicken after it’s cooked. This helps maintain the crispiness of the chicken.

Is Preheating the Air Fryer Necessary? Yes, preheating helps cook the chicken evenly and achieve a crispy texture.

Can I Cook Multiple Batches at Once? Avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Cook in multiple batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

How Do I Know When the Chicken is Done? The chicken is done when it’s golden brown and crispy on the outside. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I Add Fresh Orange Zest or Juice to Enhance Flavor? Absolutely! Adding fresh orange zest or a bit of juice to the sauce can intensify the citrus flavor.

How Should Leftovers Be Stored and Reheated? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to retain crispiness.

Can I Use Any Brand of Frozen Orange Chicken? Yes, most brands of frozen orange chicken will work well. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the brand.

Is Air Fryer Orange Chicken Healthier Than Takeout? Cooking at home can be healthier as air frying uses less oil than traditional deep frying methods used in many restaurants.

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