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    Home » By Meal » Lunch & Dinner

    Published: October 14, 2021

    Air Fryer Orange Chicken

    5 from 6 votes
    Jump to Recipe Pin Print
    Air Fryer Orange Chicken
    healthy air fryer orange chicken

    Naturally sweet air fryer orange chicken nuggets that are healthy, gluten free, and paleo. This 15 minute Asian inspired dinner recipe is better than take out and is sure to be a family favorite!

    paleo orange chicken with broccoli

    The best healthy orange chicken

    Say hello to your new favorite 15 minute dinner recipe! Because this air fryer orange chicken is out of this world delicious. It is naturally sweet, super flavorful, and perfect for families and meal prep.

    I love my air fryer turkey burgers and crispy tofu, but when I am in the mood for something Asian-inspired, this gluten free orange is a must! Honestly, I think this is my new favorite air fryer recipe. The chicken nuggets are air fried to perfection, they are super moist, and the orange sauce is so easy to make.

    Whether you are a great cook and a beginner, this recipe is for you. Make this on date night, for family dinner, or for yourself. Everyone will be impressed with your cooking skills!

    Why you’ll love this recipe:

    • Ready in under 15 minutes
    • Healthy orange sauce
    • Refined sugar free
    • Gluten free & paleo
    • Natural and simple ingredients
    • Perfect for kids, athletes, and families
    healthy orange chicken

    Ingredients in air fried orange chicken

    This recipe calls for a handful of simple and healthy ingredients. If you are gluten free or paleo, you can enjoy this yummy recipe guilt free! You’ll need chicken breasts, oranges, and a handful of spices. Here is a list of exactly what you’ll need:

    chicken:

    • Chicken: Grab 3 skinless and boneless pieces of chicken breast. You’ll need to cut them into bite sized nuggets before air frying.
    • Arrowroot Starch: This is what makes the chicken nuggets get crispy in the air fryer without any oil!

    healthy orange sauce:

    • Arrowroot Starch: You are going to need 1 Tablespoon of arrowroot starch. You can also use cornstarch or tapioca flour.
    • Water: To make sure the sauce is lump-free, you need to dissolve to arrowroot powder in cold water first.
    • Orange Juice: Juice 2 to 3 oranges or measure out 2/3 cup of store bought fresh orange juice. I recommend using a brand with no added sugar.
    • Chicken Broth: You need 1/4 cup of low sodium chicken broth to give this healthy orange sauce the best flavor.
    • Soy Sauce: You will also need 1/4 cup of low sodium soy sauce or tamari (if you want to make this orange chicken gluten free).
    • Rice Vinegar: A dash of rice vinegar adds flavor and some acidity to this sauce.
    • Honey: To naturally sweetened this orange sauce, we will use 2 – 3 Tablespoons of honey. There are no added refined sugars in this recipe.
    • Garlic: 2 cloves is the perfect amount.
    • Ginger: There is something incredible about freshly grated ginger. It adds the best flavor to this paleo orange sauce.
    • Orange Zest: The star of the show! Add in orange zest for the most natural and best orange flavor.
    • Salt and Pepper: Add and adjust based on your taste.

    Kichen tools needed

    This gluten free orange chicken recipe comes together in under 15 minutes with these few kitchen tools:

    • Air Fryer
    • Mixing Bowl
    • Sauce Pot
    • Stirring utensil
    • Measuring Tools: 1 teaspoon, 1 Tablespoon and 1/4 cup.
    chicken nuggets no breading in air fryer basket

    How to make air fryer orange chicken

    You are going to love how easy this air fryer orange chicken recipe is to make. It only takes 15 minutes and is sure to be a crowd favorite. Here are step-by-step instructions:

    Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F and spray with non-stick spray.

    Step 2: Next, in a large mixing bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with arrowroot starch. Once the air fryer is heated, spray with cooking spray and add the chicken to the basket. Make sure the pieces are spaced out and NOT overlapping. If your air fryer is small, do this in two batches.

    Step 3: Air fry for 8 – 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature has reached 165°F.

    Step 4: Meanwhile, while the chicken is cooking, zest one orange and dissolve the arrowroot starch in the cold water. Set them each to the side.

    Step 5: Then, heat a small saucepan over medium-high heat and add the fresh orange juice, chicken broth, low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger. Bring sauce to a quick boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and whisk in the arrowroot starch water. Add in the orange zest and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, making sure to continually whisk until the sauce has thickened. Carefully taste the sauce and adjust seasonings to your liking.

    Step 6: Finally, Then add the cooked chicken nuggets into the pot with the orange sauce. Gently toss to coat and remove from heat.

    Serve your paleo orange chicken warm on a bed of white or brown rice and a side of your favorite vegetable.

    Ingredient substitutions:

    I love this recipe as is, but if you want to customize them to your preferences, be my guest! Here is a list of my recommended ingredient substitutions to help you out.

    • Fresh orange juice: If you are out of fresh orange juice, you can use a store bought one just try to buy one that has zero added sugar.
    • Rice vinegar: You can substitute rice vinegar with white wine vinegar one-for-one.
    • Fresh ginger: You can use 1 tsp of dried ginger powder.
    • Chicken broth: You can use vegetable broth instead.
    • Honey: You can use coconut sugar, light brown sugar, or even maple syrup.
    • Arrowroot starch: Feel free to use tapioca flour or cornstarch instead.
    gluten free orange chicken

    Fequently Asked Questions

    What makes this recipe healthy?

    The term “healthy” is relative to each person, but I consider this gluten free orange chicken to be very healthy and good for you. First, it is refined sugar free since the sauce is sweetened with fresh oranges and a dash of honey. Second, there is no added oil. Third, it is high in protein. Fourth it only uses simple, fresh, and good ingredients that will leave you feeling nourishing and full.

    Is it paleo?

    Yes, this orange chicken is paleo. That means that there is no gluten and no dairy in this recipe.

    What to serve with healthy orange chicken?

    You can serve so many things with orange chicken! Personally, I love serving it on a bed of brown or white rice with a side of steamed or roasted broccoli. You can also pair this paleo orange chicken with green beans, roasted cauliflower, sugar snap peas, or green peas.

    How to store and reheat leftovers

    Storing: Place leftovers into individual airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator for 3 – 4 days.

    Reheating: Microwave in a safe container for 30 – 90 seconds until warm.

    air fried orange chicken with broccoli and rice

    Try these dinner recipes next!

    • Teriyaki Salmon Buddha Bowl
    • 15-Minute Chicken Pad Thai
    • Healthy Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs

    Did you make this recipe?

    If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!

    healthy air fryer orange chicken recipe

    Air Fryer Orange Chicken

    Naturally sweet air fryer orange chicken nuggets that are healthy, gluten-free, and paleo. This 15 minute Asian-inspired dinner recipe is better than take-out and is sure to be a family favorite!
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Serving 4 servings

    Ingredients
     

    Chicken:

    • 3 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless, cut into bite-size pieces
    • 1 ½ Tbsp arrowroot starch

    Orange Sauce:

    • 1 Tbsp arrowroot starch
    • 3 Tbsp of COLD water
    • ⅔ cup orange juice, 2 - 3 oranges
    • ¼ cup low sodium chicken broth
    • ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce, or tamari if gluten-free
    • 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
    • 2 - 3 Tbsp honey
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
    • 1 Tbsp orange zest, ~1 orange
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • Preheat your air fryer to 360°F.
    • In a large mixing bowl, toss the bite-sized pieces of chicken with arrowroot starch.
    • Once the air fryer is heated, spray with cooking spray and add the chicken to the basket. Make sure the pieces are spaced out and NOT overlapping. If your air fryer is small, do this in two batches.
    • Air fry for 8 - 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
    • While the chicken is cooking, zest one orange and dissolve the arrowroot starch in the cold water. Set them each to the side.
    • Then heat a small saucepan over medium-high heat and add the fresh orange juice, chicken broth, low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger. Bring sauce to a quick boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and whisk in the arrowroot starch water. Add in the orange zest and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, making sure to continually whisk until the sauce has thickened. Carefully taste the sauce and adjust seasonings to your liking.
    • Then add the cooked chicken nuggets into the pot with the orange sauce. Gently toss to coat and remove from heat.
    • Serve warm on a bed of rice and a side of your favorite vegetable.

    Notes

    I recommend this Air Fryer.
    Rice Vinegar: can substitute with white wine vinegar.
    Arrowroot Starch: can substitute with tapioca flour or cornstarch.
    Chicken Broth: can substitute with vegetable broth.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 279kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 729mg | Potassium: 649mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 127IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg
    Course Lunch & Dinner
    Cuisine Asian, Healthy
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Please leave a comment and star rating on this post and tag @HealthfulBlondie on Instagram & hashtag it #healthfulblondie!

    Recipe by Tati Chermayeff / Healthful Blondie + Photos by The Travel Palate

    I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. In full disclosure, by purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!

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    Recipe Rating




    Comments

    1. Saskia says

      October 25, 2021 at 3:58 pm

      5 stars
      Super good. I thought that the recipe was easy to follow and the orange sauce was not difficult to make. I did use cornstarch and it turned out well. I will be making again soon – thank you.

      Reply
    2. Andrea says

      October 30, 2021 at 10:11 am

      5 stars
      SO GOOD! Thanks for such an amazing recipe. It was easy to make and really flavorful (how is this healthy?!)

      Reply
    3. Kylie says

      November 11, 2021 at 12:51 pm

      5 stars
      Unreal how good this was…… made this for me and my boyfriend last week! Incredibly easy and flavorful! Def make these if you have a air fryer.

      Reply
    4. Kate says

      December 03, 2021 at 8:36 am

      5 stars
      Easy, delicious, and so easy. This orange sauce is AMAZING!

      Reply

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    Tati, founder and creator of Healthful Blondie

    I’m Tati, a foodie, recipe developer, and blogger based in Austin, Texas. I started Healthful Blondie in 2020 to celebrate life, health, and my passion for cooking and baking. If you are in search of “lightened-up,” healthier versions of classics, you are in the right spot! My recipes are easy to follow, simple, and super tasty.

    More about me →

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