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A bowl of white rice topped with copycat Panda Express orange chicken pieces, garnished with an orange slice. Chopsticks rest on the bowl, and a whole orange and checked cloth are in the background.
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5 from 59 votes

Air Fryer Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken

This air fryer copycat Panda Express orange chicken is crispy chicken coated in a tangy sauce.
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Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Chinese
Method: Air Fryer
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 390kcal
Author: Corinne Schmitt

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 chicken breast cubed
  • 1 cup flour
  • ⅓ cup cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne
  • ½ tablespoon Natures Seasoning
  • 2 eggs

Sauce

  • 1 orange you'll need the juice and zest
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • ¼ cup white vinegar
  • ½ cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, add all sauce ingredients and bring to a slow boil. Once slow boiling, reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes. Stir every couple of minutes to prevent the sauce from sticking. Let sit on warm while chicken cooks.
    1 orange, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, ¼ cup white vinegar, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • In a mixing bowl, mix spices, flour and cornstarch.
    1 cup flour, ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon cayenne, ½ tablespoon Natures Seasoning, ⅓ cup cornstarch
  • In a separate bowl whisk egg.
    2 eggs
  • Coat the chicken in the flour, and then dredge in egg.
    1 chicken breast
  • Return chicken back to flour and fully coat.
  • Place breaded chicken in oil sprayed air fryer basket. Spray chicken with oil.
  • Cook on 380 F for 10 minutes.
  • Once all chicken is cooked, increase sauce heat to low medium and add fried chicken. Stir until chicken is completely coated.

Notes

Recipe FAQs

How do I store any leftover orange chicken?
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
To reheat, place in the air fryer at 380 F for about 5 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat this dish in the microwave on high for about 1-2 minutes or until warmed throughout.
Does this dish freeze well?
I do not recommend freezing this dish as the sauce can separate when thawed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 390kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 118mg | Sodium: 1482mg | Potassium: 405mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 385IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 3mg