A flavorful Orange Chicken recipe featuring marinated chicken thighs, air-fried until golden, and then tossed in a homemade sweet and savory orange-soy sauce.
For the marinade, combine the cubed chicken thighs with 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, chopped garlic, and chopped ginger. Let the chicken marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or ideally overnight for more flavor. After marinating, add 4 tablespoons of cornstarch to the chicken and mix well to coat. Transfer the chicken to an air fryer and cook at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
For the sauce, combine the chopped garlic, chopped ginger, 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 1/3 cup of orange juice, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar (or maple syrup), and 1 teaspoon of tomato paste. Pour the sauce mixture into a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, allowing it to reduce slightly. Once the sauce begins to boil, mix 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens to your desired consistency. Finally, add the air-fried chicken to the thickened sauce and mix thoroughly to coat. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
