Revolutionize Meal Time: How to Cook TJ Orange Chicken in Air Fryer

Craving T.J.’s famous Orange Chicken but don’t want to leave the house? You’re in luck! This blog post will guide you through how to cook T.J. Orange Chicken in an air fryer, bringing the restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen. Get ready to satisfy your cravings with this simple and delicious recipe.

Why Air Fry?

Air frying has become a culinary game-changer, offering a healthier and quicker way to achieve crispy, golden-brown results. For our T.J. Orange Chicken, the air fryer is the perfect tool to replicate the signature crispy exterior without the added oil.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need. For this recipe, we’ll be using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which provide a juicy and flavorful base. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup water

Prepare the Chicken

Start by prepping your chicken. This involves cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and then giving them a light dusting of cornstarch. The cornstarch helps to create a crispy exterior, which is essential for that authentic T.J. Orange Chicken experience.

The Secret Sauce

Now, let’s create the delicious sauce that brings everything together. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, orange juice, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, grated ginger, and garlic powder. This mixture will form the base of your orange sauce, providing a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.

Cooking in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). While the air fryer is heating up, combine the flour, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Dredge the coated chicken pieces in this flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.

Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd it. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.

Finishing Touches

Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to add the sauce. Pour the sauce mixture into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.

Carefully add the cooked chicken to the saucepan, ensuring all the pieces are coated in the sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another minute or two to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving Your T.J. Orange Chicken

Serve your homemade T.J. Orange Chicken immediately over a bed of white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking and soggy chicken. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken pieces and the power of your air fryer. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
• Make it your own: Feel free to adjust the sauce recipe to your liking. Add a touch of chili garlic sauce for a spicy kick, or use a different type of citrus juice for a unique flavor profile.

Beyond the Original

While this recipe offers a delicious and authentic T.J. Orange Chicken experience, it’s also a great starting point for your own culinary creativity. Experiment with different dipping sauces, such as teriyaki sauce or sweet chili sauce. You can also add other ingredients to the chicken, such as chopped bell peppers, onions, or pineapple chunks.

A Delicious and Convenient Meal Solution

This recipe for T.J. Orange Chicken in an air fryer offers a convenient and delicious way to enjoy this popular dish without the need for takeout. It’s a great option for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or simply satisfying your cravings for crispy, flavorful chicken.

The Final Bite: Your T.J. Orange Chicken Journey

You’ve embarked on a culinary adventure, learning how to create a restaurant-quality T.J. Orange Chicken experience in your own kitchen. The air fryer has made this possible, offering a healthier and quicker way to achieve crispy perfection. So, gather your ingredients, put on your chef’s hat, and enjoy the delicious results of your own homemade T.J. Orange Chicken!

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

A: Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they might dry out a bit quicker in the air fryer. If using breasts, cook them for a shorter time and check for doneness frequently.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: It’s best to cook the chicken and sauce fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Store the chicken pieces in the refrigerator until ready to cook, and whisk together the sauce ingredients in a container.

Q: How can I make the sauce thicker?

A: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a little more cornstarch to the sauce mixture. Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.

Q: Can I use a different type of fryer?

A: While an air fryer is ideal for this recipe, you can also use a regular oven. Bake the chicken at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q: Is this recipe healthy?

A: This recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional fried orange chicken because it uses less oil. However, it’s still important to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.