Air Fryer Recipes: How to Make Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken at Home

Air Fryer Recipes: How to Make Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken at Home

With the rise in popularity of air fryers, more and more people are experimenting with different recipes to recreate their favorite dishes at home. One dish that often pops up in conversations is Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken. Known for its sweet and tangy flavors, this popular frozen dish can now be easily made in the comfort of your own kitchen with the help of an air fryer. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken using an air fryer, providing you with a delicious and healthier alternative to the store-bought version.

What is an Air Fryer?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s first understand what an air fryer is. An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it, mimicking the effects of deep-frying without the need for excessive oil. This makes it a healthier option for those who want to enjoy fried foods without the added calories and fat. Air fryers are versatile and can be used to cook a variety of dishes, including vegetables, meats, and even desserts.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken at home using an air fryer, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1. 1 bag of Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken
2. Cooking spray (olive oil or canola oil)
3. Cornstarch
4. Soy sauce
5. Rice vinegar
6. Orange juice
7. Brown sugar
8. Garlic
9. Ginger
10. Red pepper flakes (optional)
11. Sesame seeds (for garnish)
12. Green onions (for garnish)
13. Cooked rice (to serve)

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While the air fryer is heating up, take the chicken out of the bag provided and place it in a large bowl. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is important to ensure that the chicken gets crispy when cooked in the air fryer.

Step 2: Coating the Chicken

In a separate bowl, mix approximately 1/2 cup of cornstarch with the chicken. Toss the chicken in the cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated. The cornstarch will help achieve a crispy texture when cooked in the air fryer.

Step 3: Air Frying the Chicken

Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the coated chicken in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Cook the chicken in the air fryer for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the pieces are golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook the chicken in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 4: Making the Orange Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, it’s time to prepare the delicious orange sauce. In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1/4 cup of orange juice, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if desired). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

Step 5: Tossing the Chicken in the Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, carefully transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the prepared orange sauce over the chicken and toss gently until each piece is coated with the delicious sauce.

Step 6: Serving and Garnishing

Now it’s time to serve and garnish your homemade Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken. Place the chicken on a serving platter or over a bed of steamed rice. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for an added burst of flavor and visual appeal. Your homemade Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken is now ready to be enjoyed!

Why Make Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken at Home?

Making Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken at home using an air fryer offers several advantages. Firstly, using an air fryer significantly reduces the amount of oil used compared to traditional deep-frying methods, resulting in a healthier dish. Secondly, by making it at home, you have control over the quality and freshness of the ingredients used. Additionally, you can customize the flavors to suit your preferences, adding more or less spice depending on your taste buds.

Conclusion

With the help of an air fryer, you can easily recreate the delicious flavors of Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken at home. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can achieve a crispy and flavorful dish that is both healthier and more affordable than the store-bought version. So why not give it a try? Expand your air fryer culinary skills by making this crowd-pleasing recipe today!

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