Juicy Orange Chicken Air Fryer (gluten-free)

Name: Juicy Orange Chicken Air Fryer (gluten-free)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: asian
Ingredients: 4-5 boneless chicken thighs; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp neutral oil (avocado oil); 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (1 large orange); 2 tsp orange zest; 3 tbsp tamari or low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 2 stalks green onion (whites and greens separated); 1 tbsp ketchup; 1 tbsp honey; 1" ginger grated; 4 tbsp of segmented oranges (optional); cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water); 1 tbsp of neutral oil (avocado oil)

Published: Oct 15, 2022 · Modified: Feb 27, 2025 by Carmen Spillette · This post may contain affiliate links · 3 Comments

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This juicy Orange Chicken Air Fryer recipe is one of my famous air fryer recipes - at home. Using simple ingredients, this healthy orange chicken recipe is a family favorite.

I love this healthy Orange chicken air fryer recipe because prep takes no time. This gluten-free recipe requires no flour or deep frying. It comes together so quickly. Air fry the boneless chicken thighs and make the orange chicken sauce! That's it! Air frying is a game changer in today's busy world. As a mom, my kids' schedules are all over the place, I only have 30 - 45 minutes to prepare a meal daily, and air fryers have become a staple appliance in today's homes.

Reasons I love this healthy Orange Chicken Air fryer Recipe

Gluten-free - absolutely no flour. Use Tamari for gluten-free soy sauce.
Prep is quick. No cutting it into pieces, flouring and pan frying. Straight to the air fryer, make the sauce, and enjoy!
You can substitute different kinds of protein. I have made this with pork chops or chicken breasts.
The sauce can be doubled and used as a stir-fry sauce for future uses. Great for meal prep.
Kid-approved

Ingredients and Substitutions

Boneless chicken thighs - You may use chicken wings, boneless skinless chicken breasts, or other proteins such as pork chops. Just change the air fry time to make sure the protein is cooked through.
Orange Juice - Fresh oranges are best however, use whatever orange juice you have.
Tamari or low sodium soy sauce - Coconut aminos
Aromatics - Garlic, green onions, and ginger are the holy grail of aromatics. Please use fresh. It makes a difference.
Ketchup - Rice vinegar would work here if you don't want to use ketchup.
Honey - use any sweetener you like. I have used brown sugar or maple syrup in the past.
Cornstarch - this helps thicken up the sauce. You can omit this, but you will have a runny sauce.
Neutral oil - I used avocado oil, any cooking spray or olive oil will work.

Garnish Ideas

The green part of the green onions
Cilantro
Sesame seeds
Red pepper flakes

Serve this healthy Orange Chicken with

Steamed vegetables (I served mine with carrots and cauliflower)
White rice or brown rice
Noodles

Equipment

Air fryer- this is the one I love
small saucepan
Cutting board
Knife
Bowl
Meat thermometer

Orange Chicken FAQs

Can you heat up orange chicken in the air fryer?

Yes, reheating orange chicken is the BEST way! It will come out crispy and juicy.

Can you use a wok or a skillet for cooking this?

Yes, you can use whatever you have on hand. I like to use the air fryer to make the chicken crispy. However, you will cover it in the sauce anyway. You can pan-fry the chicken in a skillet or a wok, remove the chicken and set aside, make the sauce and put the chicken back, and finish cooking.

How long should you cook the chicken in the air fryer?

All air fryers are not the same. My chicken cooks in the air fryer for 15 - 20 minutes (boneless). Bone-in will take longer. For safety, always use an instant meat thermometer. Internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit or more.