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Air Fryer Orange Chicken Thighs

These air fryer orange chicken thighs are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sweet, tangy orange sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a family dinner that feels a little fancy. Everyone in my house loves this recipe, even my picky teenagers.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

  • 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water for thickening
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional for garnish: sesame seeds and chopped green onions

Instructions
 

  • Pat the chicken thighs dry using a paper towel. Dry chicken makes the skin crispier. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Place the chicken thighs in the basket, skin side down, and cook for 12 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 10 to 12 minutes until golden and crispy.
  • In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until thick and glossy.
  • When the chicken is done, toss it in the sauce or drizzle the sauce over each piece. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top if desired.
  • Serve with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. The chicken stays crispy even when reheated, making it perfect for meal prep.

Notes

Tips

  • Cook the chicken and store it separately from the sauce to keep it crispy. Reheat in the air fryer before tossing with sauce.
  • Freeze leftover sauce in small containers or ice cube trays for quick future meals.
  • Pair with rice, quinoa, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
  • Trim and season the chicken ahead of time to save prep time.

Variations

  • Add a pinch of red chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Use boneless chicken thighs for quicker cooking, but adjust the air fryer time to about 10-12 minutes.
  • Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for extra freshness.
  • Try swapping honey with maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.