Orange chicken is a popular and delicious dish that many people enjoy. It combines the sweetness of oranges with the savoury taste of chicken, creating a delightful combination of flavours. Making frozen orange chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this dish without having to spend hours in the kitchen. In this article, we will guide you through a simple recipe that will allow you to make flavourful frozen orange chicken using an air fryer.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin cooking, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:
– 1 bag of frozen breaded chicken nuggets
– 1 cup of orange sauce
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
– 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
– 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
– Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
– Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Prepare the Air Fryer
The first step is to preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that your chicken nuggets cook evenly and become crispy on the outside. Preheating typically takes around 5 minutes, but it may vary depending on the model of your air fryer.
Cook the Chicken Nuggets
Once the air fryer is preheated, you can place the frozen breaded chicken nuggets into the air fryer basket. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. If necessary, you can cook the chicken nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Cook the chicken nuggets for approximately 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking time.
Prepare the Orange Sauce
While the chicken nuggets are cooking, you can prepare the orange sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the orange sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it starts to simmer. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water until it forms a smooth paste. Gradually add the cornstarch mixture to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Continue to cook the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat.
Combine the Chicken Nuggets and Sauce
Once the chicken nuggets are cooked to perfection, you can transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared orange sauce over the chicken nuggets, making sure to coat them evenly. Gently toss the chicken nuggets in the sauce until they are fully coated.
Finish and Serve
To finish off the dish, you can garnish the chicken nuggets with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. These additions not only enhance the visual appeal of the dish but also add a burst of freshness and additional texture. The garnishes are optional, so feel free to omit them if you prefer. Serve the frozen orange chicken immediately while it is still hot and crispy.
Why use an Air Fryer?
Air fryers have gained popularity in recent years due to their ability to mimic the crunchiness of deep-fried foods using minimal oil. The hot air circulating inside the air fryer cooks the food evenly and creates a crispy exterior, similar to traditional frying methods. Additionally, using an air fryer means you can enjoy your favourite fried dishes with fewer calories and less guilt.
Tips for Success
To ensure the best results when making frozen orange chicken in an air fryer, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket: Leaving enough space between the chicken nuggets allows for proper air circulation and prevents them from becoming soggy.
2. Flip the chicken nuggets halfway through: Flipping the chicken nuggets ensures that both sides cook evenly, resulting in a perfectly crispy texture.
3. Adjust cooking time if needed: Cooking times may vary depending on the specific air fryer model. It’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s instructions and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
4. Experiment with different sauces: While orange sauce is a classic choice, feel free to explore other flavours by using different sauces or marinades. This allows you to customize the dish according to your taste preferences.
In Conclusion
Making frozen orange chicken in an air fryer is a convenient way to enjoy this delicious dish without spending too much time in the kitchen. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a flavourful and crispy meal that will surely satisfy your cravings. So, why not give this recipe a try and enjoy a mouthwatering dish of frozen orange chicken today?