Looking for an irresistible meal to make with your family this week? Then look no further! We’ve got the perfect answer – Frozen Orange Chicken cooked in an Air Fryer. With only a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this flavor-packed dish in under 30 minutes and enjoy all its crunchy, juicy goodness. The balance of sweetness from the orange marmalade and fiery seasonings bring out the best of both worlds – leaving everyone satisfied! So let’s get cooking and create some magic at home!
How To Cook Frozen Orange Chicken In Air Fryer?
Origins and History of Orange Chicken:
Orange chicken has a long and storied history that dates back centuries. It originated in China during the 4th century, where it was commonly served as a snack in imperial courts. In the 1960s, American-Chinese fast food restaurants began serving more Westernized versions of classic Chinese dishes such as orange chicken.
The popularity of this dish quickly spread throughout North America, becoming one of the most popular dishes at Chinese restaurants across the continent. Today, orange chicken is available at many fast food chains and can be found on menus around the world. With its delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors, it’s no wonder why orange chicken continues to be a fan favorite!
Benefits of Eating Orange Chicken:
Orange Chicken is a popular Chinese dish that is usually deep-fried and tossed in a sweet and savory orange sauce. It’s a delicious way to add some variety to your dinner table. Eating Orange Chicken can provide numerous nutritional benefits, making it an ideal choice for those looking to eat healthier meals.
The main ingredient in Orange Chicken is chicken, which is rich in protein. Protein helps build muscles, allowing you to stay strong and fit. Additionally, the chicken used for this dish often contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation throughout the body and promote brain health.
Orange Chicken also provides plenty of vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health. The oranges used in the sauce are full of vitamin C, which helps protect against infections and boosts the immune system. Carrots, green onions, and bell peppers are often added to the dish, providing a good source of vitamins A and E as well as potassium.
Finally, Orange Chicken is low in fat, making it an excellent choice for those looking to manage their weight or watch their cholesterol levels. Eating this dish can help you feel full longer without adding extra calories or unhealthy fats.
For all these reasons, Orange Chicken makes a great choice for people who want to enjoy delicious meals while also taking care of their health. Try it today and see how it can benefit your diet!
How To Cook Frozen Orange Chicken In Air Fryer?
Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen orange chicken. This cooking method reduces fat and makes the dish healthier, while producing crunchy and flavorful results. To achieve this, you’ll need to season the chicken with a good combination of spices and sauces. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). If your air fryer has two settings, preheat it on the higher setting.
- Separate your frozen orange chicken pieces if they are stuck together. Place them in the air fryer basket in one layer, taking care not to overcrowd them for even heat distribution.
- In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup (60 ml) of soy sauce, 1/4 cup (60 ml) of orange juice and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of honey. Brush this mixture lightly onto the chicken pieces.
- Sprinkle seasonings, like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and pepper to taste over the chicken pieces.
- Place the air fryer basket in the preheated air fryer, close it securely and set the timer for 15 minutes.
- Open the air fryer after 15 minutes and use a pair of tongs to flip each piece over to ensure even cooking on both sides. Close up again and set the timer for another 10 minutes or until crisp and cooked through.
- When finished, remove the cooked orange chicken from the air fryer and serve! Enjoy with a side of steamed veggies or your choice of sides.
By following these steps, you can create delicious frozen orange chicken in your air fryer. The result will be crunchy and flavorful, without all the added fat of deep-frying! Plus, it’s a great way to reduce food waste by using up any extra ingredients you have on hand. Try this method today for an easy and tasty meal!
How To Make Air Fryer Frozen Orange Chicken From Trader Joe’s?
If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal that tastes delicious, try Trader Joe’s frozen Orange Chicken made in an air fryer. This sweet and savory dish is ready in under 20 minutes and can be enjoyed with rice, noodles or your favorite side dish. Here’s how to make it:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
- Place the chicken pieces into the basket of the air fryer. Make sure there is some space between each piece so they cook evenly.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes until crispy on the outside and cooked through inside.
- Meanwhile, prepare a sauce by mixing orange marmalade, soy sauce, ginger, garlic and cornstarch together in a small bowl.
- When the chicken is done cooking, remove it from the air fryer and place it into a large bowl. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and stir until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Place the orange chicken back in the basket of the air fryer and cook for an extra 2-3 minutes for a crispy texture on all sides.
- When done, serve with your favorite side dish or enjoy as is!
Note: The above instructions are only approximate times — you may need to adjust times depending on your air fryer’s make/model. Be sure to check your chicken often while cooking to avoid overcooking.
Is Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken Pre-Cooked?
No, Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken is not pre-cooked. This dish requires heating up in the oven or microwave before serving. It comes in a frozen form, and should be cooked according to the instructions on the package. The orange chicken contains breaded white meat chicken in an orange sauce with pieces of mandarin orange slices, carrots, onions, garlic and ginger.
Heating it up properly will ensure that it is cooked throughout so that you can enjoy all the flavors of this delicious dish! Additionally, when preparing Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken, it is important to make sure that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. If you need help heating up your dish perfectly every time, try using a food thermometer! Be sure to enjoy this tasty entrée responsibly.
Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken is an easy, flavorful meal that is perfect for weeknight dinners and family gatherings alike. With its mouth-watering orange sauce and crunchy texture, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table! So next time you’re looking for a quick and delicious dish, give Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken a try – you won’t regret it!
How Long Do You Cook Frozen Orange Chicken In The Air Fryer?
Cooking frozen orange chicken in the air fryer is a great way to get dinner on the table quickly. The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken pieces, but typically it takes around 10-12 minutes for smaller frozen pieces and 15-17 minutes for larger ones. Make sure to flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even heating. To check if your chicken is cooked through, you can use a meat thermometer inserted into one of the thickest parts of the piece to make sure it reads 165°F (74°C). When finished, let the chicken rest before serving so that all its delicious juices stay inside!
Tips For Cooking The Best Air Fryer Mandarin Orange Chicken:
Once you have the ingredients prepped and ready, it’s time to get cooking! Start by heating up your air fryer to 375°F. Then add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until it is golden brown and cooked through.
In a separate bowl, whisk together your sauce ingredients – soy sauce, orange juice, honey, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (optional), cornstarch, and ginger. Make sure that all of the lumps from the cornstarch are broken down before moving forward with cooking.
When your chicken is done cooking in the air fryer, remove it from the basket and place in a bowl. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat.
Return the coated chicken back into the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened around the chicken. Serve with steamed rice or your favorite sides and enjoy!
If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop it back into your air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or until hot.
Can I Cook Other Vegetables In The Air Fryer With The Frozen Chicken Chunks?
Yes, you can cook other vegetables in the air fryer alongside frozen chicken chunks. Many vegetables are suitable for air frying, including potatoes, carrots, peppers, and squash. When reheating pre-cooked foods such as frozen chicken chunks, it is important to heat them to an internal temperature of 165°F or higher. To ensure that all ingredients reach this temperature at the same time and are cooked evenly, add small pieces of vegetables with longer cooking times first.
This way they can absorb some of the heat from the air fryer without overcooking while larger pieces of food such as chicken chunks finish cooking. For best results, lightly coat all ingredients with oil before cooking and seasonings afterwards for added flavor. Additionally, shake or stir the ingredients within the air fryer basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking. Follow the instructions on your air fryer for recommended cook times and temperature settings for different ingredients. Properly cooked vegetables and chicken chunks should be golden brown and crispy.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Frozen Orange Chicken?
Air Fryer Frozen Orange Chicken is a delicious and convenient dish to make with minimal effort. To complete the meal, it’s important to choose side dishes that complement the flavors of the orange chicken. Consider adding steamed broccoli or carrots for some extra veggies, brown rice or quinoa for extra protein, and a zesty Asian-inspired salad for some crunchy contrast.
A light and refreshing cucumber salad can also be a great accompaniment to round out your dinner. Try pairing this dish with an easy teriyaki sauce or spicy honey Sriracha sauce for added flavor. Finish off your meal with a fresh fruit compote or yogurt-based dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth! With these simple additions, you can easily create an impressive and flavorful meal that will please even the pickiest of eaters.
For a more indulgent feast, consider using your Air Fryer to make homemade French fries or onion rings as an accompaniment to your orange chicken. Panko-breaded cauliflower bites can also be a great addition for a healthier alternative. If you’re looking for something a bit more decadent, serve up some sweet and sour pineapple chunks with your orange chicken dish. No matter what sides you choose, they are sure to elevate this already delicious meal into something truly special!
How To Store Leftover Air Fryer Mandarin Orange Chicken?
The best way to store leftover air fryer mandarin orange chicken is to place it in an airtight container, or safely wrap it in aluminum foil and then place it in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within a few days. If you want to preserve your leftovers for a longer period of time, you can freeze them. To do this, place the cooled air fryer mandarin orange chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and seal tightly. This dish will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to reheat your leftover dish, make sure it’s completely thawed before placing into the air fryer.
How To Reheat Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken In The Air Fryer?
The reheating process for Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken in the air fryer is incredibly simple, and it only takes about 10 minutes. To start off, preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Once your air fryer is up to temperature, add the desired amount of orange chicken pieces in a single layer on the basket. If you are using an XL air fryer, you may be able to fit more than one layer of food at once; however, if your air fryer is smaller or if you are using frozen chicken pieces, it’s best to spread them out into one layer.
Next, set the timer for 8-10 minutes and let your orange chicken cook until golden brown and warmed through. Every few minutes, open your air fryer and shake the basket to make sure that each piece is cooked evenly.
Once finished, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer with pot holders or an oven mitt and enjoy! For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top before serving. Enjoy your perfectly reheated orange chicken in no time at all!
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Frozen Orange Chicken Air Fryer:
Once you’ve prepped your ingredients and preheated your air fryer, it’s time to start cooking! Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer. The key to perfect frozen orange chicken is having enough space between each piece for circulation and proper cooking. Set the temperature to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 15 minutes before flipping the pieces over. Depending on the size of your chicken, you may need to increase cooking time by 5 minutes or so.
To ensure even cooking, make sure not to overcrowd the basket – if necessary, split into batches and cook multiple rounds with a few extra minutes added per round. Once you have reached desired crispiness (typically around 20-25 mins depending on the size of your chicken), it’s time to plate! Serve with steamed white rice, freshly roasted vegetables, or maybe even a side of cauliflower fried ‘rice’ for a delicious and well-rounded meal.
Watch Frozen Orange Chicken Air Fryer Video:
Do you love crispy chicken dinners but don’t always have the time to slow cook them in the oven? We’ve got just the recipe for you – a delicious and easy frozen orange chicken air fryer meal! This week, join us as we put together this so-simple dinner that your whole family will be sure to love. Don’t forget to watch our video tutorial while at it, where we show you how it all goes down step by step. Ready? Let’s get cooking!
Conclusion:
In conclusion, air fryers are a healthier way to cook frozen foods. When cooking orange chicken in an air fryer, it is important to follow the instructions on the package. It is also important to set the temperature and timer correctly. By doing these things, you will ensure that your orange chicken comes out crispy and delicious!
