Go Back Email Link
panda express orange chicken recipe air fryer

Panda Express Orange Chicken Air Fryer Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil (canola or avocado)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water (slurry)
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds

Method
 

  1. Whisk together the 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/4 cup flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a shallow bowl. Beat the 2 eggs in a second bowl. Dip each chicken piece in the egg, then press into the coating mixture. Drizzle or spritz the 2 tbsp neutral oil over all the coated pieces and turn to coat evenly.
  2. Air fry the chicken in a single layer at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, flip, then cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until deep golden and cooked to 165°F (74°C) internally. Work in batches if needed.
  3. Heat the 1 tbsp sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tsp grated ginger and stir for 60 seconds. Add the 1/2 cup orange juice, 1 tbsp orange zest, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 3 tbsp rice vinegar, 3 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp honey, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce is glossy and thick.
  4. Transfer the hot chicken to a large bowl, pour the sauce over it, and toss until every piece is coated.
  5. Spoon over steamed rice and top with the 2 sliced green onions and 1 tsp sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes

This recipe is best eaten right after saucing, while the coating still has some texture to it. If you're cooking for a crowd, keep the air-fried chicken batches warm in a 250°F (120°C) oven on a wire rack while you finish the rest, then sauce everything at once. The sauce can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the fridge.