If you’re a fan of quick, easy, and absolutely delicious meals, you’ll love this Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken. This recipe takes a beloved store-bought favorite and transforms it into a crispy, golden, and flavorful dish with the help of your air fryer. Not only does the air fryer reduce the cooking time and add that perfect crunch, but it also eliminates some of the grease you might find with traditional frying methods. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something tasty but don’t have time to be in the kitchen for hours.
I’ve always loved Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken for its sweet and tangy sauce paired with crispy, juicy chicken pieces. By using the air fryer, you get that signature crunch without the extra oil, and the orange sauce still delivers the same satisfying zing. In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a dish that rivals any takeout, and the best part is it’s made right in the comfort of your own kitchen.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken: This is the star of the show! The chicken comes pre-cooked and frozen, so all you need to do is heat it up in your air fryer to get that crispy coating. The sweet, tangy orange sauce is included, making it super easy to prepare this meal in a flash.
Olive Oil Spray: A light coating of olive oil helps achieve that golden-brown crunch in the air fryer. It’s essential for a crispy texture and to keep the chicken from drying out during cooking. Plus, it’s a healthier option compared to using regular cooking oil.
Rice (Optional): Serving the orange chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, whether it’s white, brown, or jasmine, complements the dish perfectly and balances out the sweetness of the sauce. It also soaks up any extra sauce, making every bite delicious.
Steamed Vegetables (Optional): Adding a side of steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans rounds out the meal and brings in a nice contrast to the sweet and savory chicken. It’s a great way to incorporate some greens into your meal.
Ingredients List
- 1 bag of Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken (24 oz)
- Olive oil spray (as needed)
- 1 cup of rice (optional, for serving)
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans (optional, for serving)
How to Make Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. While it’s heating up, open your bag of Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken and give it a quick shake to evenly distribute the chicken pieces. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking, and then place the chicken in a single layer in the basket. Do not overcrowd the basket for the crispiest results.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Air fry the chicken at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping. The chicken should turn golden brown and crispy on the outside while staying tender and juicy on the inside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, take the included orange sauce packet and heat it up in a small saucepan over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally until it becomes warm and slightly thickens. If you want a bit more heat or flavor, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of soy sauce to the sauce.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and place it in a large bowl. Pour the warm orange sauce over the chicken and toss it until all the pieces are evenly coated with the delicious, tangy sauce.
Step 5: Serve
Serve your Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken over a bed of rice and top with some steamed vegetables if desired. This dish is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, and it’s sure to please the whole family.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- For extra crispy chicken, try coating the pieces in a light dusting of cornstarch before air frying.
- You can double the cooking time if you’re making a larger batch of chicken, but be sure not to overcrowd the basket to keep the chicken crispy.
- For a little extra flavor, consider garnishing the chicken with chopped green onions or sesame seeds before serving.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can cook the chicken in the oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes. Just make sure to flip the chicken halfway through.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a few dashes of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- To save time, make a big batch of rice in advance and store it in the fridge for easy reheating when you’re ready to serve.
FAQs
Can I use other brands of frozen orange chicken?
Yes, you can definitely use other brands if you prefer. The cooking method remains the same, and you can still use the air fryer to get crispy chicken.
Can I make this recipe without rice?
Absolutely! You can serve this delicious orange chicken on its own or with steamed vegetables for a low-carb option.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp it back up.
Can I make the orange sauce from scratch?
While the Trader Joe’s orange sauce is convenient, you can make your own by combining orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Heat it on the stovetop and thicken with a cornstarch slurry if desired.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken is not gluten-free, as it contains battered chicken. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free breaded chicken and make sure the sauce is gluten-free as well.