Copycat Panda Express Air Fryer Orange Chicken

This copycat Panda Express air fryer orange chicken makes a super quick weeknight dinner or meal prep. Cubed chicken lightly tossed in seasoned flour and air fried until crispy. Tossed in a homemade orange sauce. Ditch the take-out or premade frozen orange chicken and make your own at home! This recipe is budget friendly, family friendly, and a lighter option than the traditional dish.

Highlights of this air fryer chicken recipe:

• Family friendly meal, even kids will love
• Good base recipe, serve with rice, noodles, or veggies
• Budget friendly
• Easy clean up, no mess of traditional frying
• Healthier, no frying in oil
• Homemade orange sauce is additive and preservative free
• Keeps for 3-4 days making this a good leftover idea
• Uses simple ingredients

Serve this air fryer orange chicken recipe over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or lo Mein noodled. Top with green onions, sesame seeds, and extra tangy orange sauce. Make a large bowl of crispy chicken because the whole family will love this homemade takeout! Chinese takeout at home has never been easier!

Grocery store list & substitutions:

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts, could substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken tenders
• All purpose flour
• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked black pepper
• Paprika or chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Soy sauce, could substitute low sodium soy sauce, coconut aminos, or tamari
• Fresh orange juice
• Rice wine vinegar
• Brown sugar, could use honey or maple syrup
• Minced or grated ginger
• Minced garlic
• Cornstarch
• Substitute store-bought orange sauce or gluten-free orange sauce

Tools I used for this copycat Panda Express orange chicken recipe:

• Instant 6 qt. Air Fryer – Sleek and functional, the perfect size for 2-3 people.
• Shallow Bowls – Perfect for serving rice bowls.
• Tongs – A must kitchen utensil, perfect for transferring the chicken.
• USA Pan Half Sheet Pan – my go-to sheet pans, these are truly non-stick and clean up nicely.

First steps:

• Cube chicken breast
• Toss in seasoned flour mixture
• Air fry in batches until crispy

If you like this Copycat Panda Express Air Fryer Orange Chicken, you’ll love these other air fryer recipes…

Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Easy Crispy Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe

Easy Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Bites Recipe

What to serve air fryer orange chicken with?

Serve this easy orange chicken with Failproof Long Grain Rice in the Instant Pot, Perfect Brown Rice (without a rice cooker), or Perfect Steamed Rice (without a rice cooker). You could also serve over noodles or with stir fried veggies.

How long does chicken take to cook in the air fryer?

Depending on the size and cut of chicken, you’re chicken will be cooked in about 15 minutes. This recipe uses cubed boneless skinless chicken breast so it cooks in 12-15 minutes. If you have a larger chicken breast or chicken that has bones in it, it could take closer to 18-25 minutes to cook. Always make sure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees before consuming, use a meat thermometer if needed!

What temperature do you cook raw chicken in the air fryer?

I always cook my chicken at 400 degrees. It cooks quick, saving time and ensure it gets crispy. Starting with less cooking time and adding more as needed ensures the chicken doesn’t over cook and get tough.

What is homemade orange sauce made out of?

Homemade orange sauce is so simple to make and you probably have all the ingredients in your pantry. Save money and avoid additives/preservatives by making your own. Consisting of soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, fresh orange juice, ginger, garlic, water, and cornstarch this sauces thickens up great and has nice flavor. Perfect for this delicious copycat orange chicken.

Second steps:

• Make orange sauce
• Toss cooked chicken until coated
• Serve as is or over rice

Instructions for the Copycat Panda Express Air Fryer Orange Chicken: 

For the orange sauce:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, orange juice, garlic, ginger, and 1/3 cup water. Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture starts to bubble. Reduce heat to medium. In a small bowl combine 2 tablespoons water and cornstarch (cornstarch slurry), stir until combined.
• Add the cornstarch mixture into the sauce, whisk well and allow to simmer 5-10 minutes, stirring often until thick and reduced. If the sauce is to thick, thin with a little water.

For the chicken:

• In a small bowl combine the flour, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Toss the cubed chicken in the flour mixture to evenly coat*.
• Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Once preheated, add the chicken into the air fryer basket in a single layer*. Air fry for 14-16 minutes, flipping halfway through. Chicken is done when it is golden brown and has an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Transfer cooked chicken to a large mixing bowl, top with the sauce, and toss to combine.
• Serve over steamed rice. Leftover chicken will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Notes

*You can also toss the chicken in a large gallon bag for even coating and less mess.

*Chicken needs to cook in a single layer in order to get crispy. If needed, cook in batches and keep warm in a 250 degree oven.

*Leftover orange chicken is best reheated in the air fryer or oven

Did you make this recipe?

I would love to see it! Take a picture and post to Instagram with the tag @theheartylife and the hashtag #theheartylife – You can also leave me a question or comment below! If you’ve tried this recipe, feel free to give it a star rating on the recipe above.