If you’re craving a dish that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor, look no further than these Orange Chicken Thighs cooked in the air fryer.
This recipe brings together the zesty brightness of fresh oranges with the savory goodness of perfectly crispy chicken thighs.
The sweet and tangy glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or looking to add a new favorite to your recipe rotation, this dish is a winner. Plus, cooking it in the air fryer means less mess and more time to enjoy your meal!
Orange Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
Ingredients:
- Chicken Thighs: 4-6, bone-in, skin-on
- Orange Juice: 1 cup (freshly squeezed)
- Orange Zest: 1 tablespoon
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons (low-sodium recommended)
- Honey: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Sriracha: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Green Onions: 2 stalks, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sriracha. Mix well.
- Place the chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
- Prepare the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Reserve the marinade for later use.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Brush the thighs lightly with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Place the chicken thighs, skin-side down, in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded to ensure even cooking.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes. Flip the thighs and cook for an additional 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The skin should be crispy and golden brown.
- Prepare the Orange Glaze:
- While the chicken is cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan.
- Bring the marinade to a boil over medium heat. Dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and slowly whisk it into the boiling marinade to thicken the sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer until it reaches a glaze-like consistency.
- Stir in the sesame oil for extra depth of flavor.
- Glaze the Chicken:
- Once the chicken thighs are fully cooked, brush them generously with the orange glaze. Return them to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the glaze to set and caramelize slightly.
- Serve:
- Transfer the glazed chicken thighs to a serving platter.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Sugar: 12g
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 24g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 0g
