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- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1 egg, whisked Chicken breast gives a great base for the dish. I cut it into small, bite-sized pieces for easy frying. Cornstarch helps create a crispy coating. The egg helps the cornstarch stick well to the chicken. - 1/4 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed - Zest of 1 orange - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium) Orange juice and zest bring bright, fresh flavors. Honey adds sweetness, while soy sauce gives a nice salty touch. These flavors blend well to make the dish pop. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon grated ginger Garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika add depth to the chicken. Grated ginger gives a warm spice that enhances the orange flavor. Together, they make a tasty mix that you will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your chicken and cut it into bite-sized pieces. This helps ensure even cooking. In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup of cornstarch with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. This dry mix adds great flavor. In another bowl, whisk 1 egg until it is frothy. Next, dip each chicken piece into the egg, then roll it in the cornstarch mix. Make sure each piece is well coated. This will give your chicken a nice crispy texture when cooking. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step takes about 5 minutes. Once preheated, place the coated chicken bites in the air fryer basket. Make sure to place them in a single layer for even cooking. You might need to cook in batches if you have a lot. Air fry the chicken for 12 to 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Your chicken will be golden and crispy when done. While the chicken cooks, you can make the orange sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, the zest of 1 orange, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Stir the mixture and let it simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes. This will thicken the sauce and blend the flavors nicely. Once the chicken is ready, pour the sauce over it in a large bowl and toss to coat evenly. To get those crispy orange chicken bites, start with your coating. Mix cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in one bowl. In another bowl, whisk the egg. Dip each chicken piece in the egg, then coat it well in the cornstarch mix. This double coating gives a crunch. When air frying, make sure to place the chicken in a single layer. If you stack them, they won’t crisp up as well. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This helps the hot air circulate around the bites for even crispiness. To make a balanced sauce, taste it as you cook. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or orange juice. If you prefer it tangier, add a splash more of rice vinegar. The key is to find the right blend of flavors. Simmer the sauce gently until it thickens. This helps all the flavors meld together. Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sauce over the bites and toss well to coat. These orange chicken bites shine when paired with simple side dishes. Serve them with steamed rice or quinoa for a filling meal. A light salad with greens and a citrus vinaigrette adds freshness. You can also serve them with steamed veggies, like broccoli or snap peas. For a fun twist, try them in lettuce wraps for a crunchy bite. Each option adds flavor and makes the meal more vibrant. Pro Tips Perfectly Crispy Chicken: For extra crunch, let the coated chicken pieces sit for 10 minutes before air frying. This helps the coating adhere better and become crispier. Batch Cooking: If cooking in batches, keep the first batch warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 95°C) while you finish the rest to ensure they all stay hot and crispy. Customizing the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce by adding more honey or vinegar to suit your taste preferences. Garnishing Tips: For added flavor, toast the sesame seeds before garnishing to enhance their nuttiness and aroma. {{image_2}} You can make these orange chicken bites even better by adding veggies. Bell peppers and broccoli work great. They add color and nutrients. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in with the chicken while cooking. This way, you get a tasty and healthy meal. Want to mix things up? Try different sauces! Sweet and sour sauce gives a nice twist. Teriyaki sauce adds a salty-sweet flavor that kids love. You can even blend sauces for new tastes. Just pour the sauce over the chicken after cooking. This will make it extra yummy. If you want a change, use different proteins. Tofu is great for a vegetarian option. It soaks up the sauce well and stays soft. Shrimp is another tasty choice. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Both options pair nicely with orange sauce, giving you more variety in your meals. Store leftover orange chicken bites in an airtight container. Make sure they cool to room temperature first. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a better option. To reheat, use the air fryer for the best results. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps the bites crispy. You can also use a microwave, but they may lose their crunch. If you choose the microwave, heat in short bursts and check frequently. To freeze, place the cooled chicken bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together. They can last up to two months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. To do this, leave the chicken in the fridge overnight. If you are in a hurry, submerge it in cold water for 1-2 hours. Once thawed, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. The rest of the steps are the same. You may need to increase cooking time by a few minutes. Always check if the chicken is done before serving. If you need a substitute for honey, you have options. Maple syrup works well and gives a nice flavor. Agave nectar is another choice that is sweeter. You can also use brown sugar mixed with a little water. This will mimic honey's sweetness. Just remember, these alternatives may change the taste a bit. To check if the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. Also, look for golden brown color on the outside. The chicken should feel firm when you touch it. If you cut into a piece, the juices should run clear, not pink. This blog post covered a tasty air fryer chicken recipe. We discussed key ingredients like chicken, cornstarch, and flavorful additions such as orange juice and soy sauce. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing the chicken, cooking it, and making a delicious orange sauce. To achieve that crispy texture, I offered tips on coating and air frying. You can also tweak the sauce and explore variations with vegetables or different proteins. Lastly, I provided storage guidelines to keep your meal fresh. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe and make it your own!

Crispy Air Fryer Orange Chicken Bites

Deliciously crispy chicken bites coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, perfect for a quick meal or appetizer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 0.5 cup cornstarch
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 unit egg, whisked
  • 0.25 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 unit zest of 1 orange
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 unit Chopped green onions for garnish
  • 1 unit Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In another bowl, beat the egg. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then roll in the cornstarch mixture until well coated.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
  • Place the coated chicken bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through until they are golden and crispy.
  • While the chicken is cooking, prepare the orange sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and grated ginger. Simmer for about 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Once the chicken bites are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the orange sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
  • Serve the orange chicken bites hot garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

For extra crispiness, ensure chicken pieces are well coated in cornstarch.
Keyword air fryer, appetizer, chicken, orange chicken