Orange chicken is typically made with fried chicken coated in a sweet, sticky sauce.

Serve with brown rice and steamed green beans.

We balance the flavor with a little reduced-sodium soy sauce, whichhelps keep sodium in check.

Air-fryer orange chicken recipe on a white plate, topped with sesame seeds

Photo:Photography: Rachel Marek, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

Tips from the Test Kitchen

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

While we prefer moist, tender chicken thighs, chicken breast works well too.

I ran out of cornstarch; is there something I can substitute?

Chicken breast chunks in an egg mixture in a clear bowl

Photography: Rachel Marek, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

Rice flour or tapioca flour are the best substitutes.

Regular all-purpose flour will make the coating pasty, so you should avoid using that as a substitute.

Can I substitute ground ginger or ginger paste for the fresh ginger?

Chicken breast chunks getting coated with flour mixture

Photography: Rachel Marek, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

Fresh ginger is your best option, offering the most flavor.

If using ginger powder, cut the amount to 14 teaspoon so the flavor doesn’t overwhelm the dish.

I don’t have an air fryer; can I make it another way?

Flour coated chicken breast chunks in an air-fryer

Photography: Rachel Marek, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

This recipe can work in a regular oven too.

Whisk egg in a medium bowl.

Add chicken; sprinkle with salt and toss to coat.

Hand whisking the glaze for the air-fryer orange chicken recipe in a non-stick pan

Photography: Rachel Marek, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

Combine 14 cup cornstarch and flour in a shallow bowl.

Transfer to a large plate.

Working in batches if necessary, generously coat all sides of the chicken with cooking spray.

Chicken chunks getting coated with the orange glaze for the air-fryer orange chicken recipe

Photography: Rachel Marek, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

Toss the chicken with the sauce in a medium bowl.

Serve topped with sesame seeds, if desired.

  • Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient.