Craving restaurant orange chicken? This keto orange chicken recipe in the air fryer is so easy that you’ll want to make it all the time. The chicken gets perfectly crispy without needing oil frying, and the best orange sauce brings everything together beautifully, just like panda express takeout. Even if you’re new to cooking or an air fryer pro, this low carb recipe is simple, delicious, and foolproof.
As a mom on a journey, finding meals that satisfy everyone at the table can be a real challenge. I wanted to keep the tangy sweetness and crispy texture but ditch the sugar and heavy oils. It took a few tries, but I chose my trusty air fryer once I nailed the recipe using the right ingredients.
Panda Express Copycat Recipe You Can Make at Home
This recipe is my twist on the iconic Panda Express Orange Chicken. It has all the sweet, tangy, and savory flavors you love but without the unknown ingredients. Making it at home saves you a trip to the drive-thru and gives you complete control over the ingredients to keep it wholesome and guilt-free.
Thicken the Sauce with Orange Sauce
The orange sauce is the star of this dish, and getting it just right is key. Instead of using cornstarch, we’re keeping it with xanthan gum. It thickens the sauce perfectly, giving it that glossy finish without compromising your eating goals. A quick whisk is all it takes to create a sauce that clings beautifully to the crispy chicken.
I have made a separate recipe for orange sauce, where you simmer a few ingredients in a saucepan with soy sauce and vinegar to get a result with minimal net carbs.
Easy Keto Low Carb Orange Chicken in an Air Fryer
Cooking this dish in an air fryer takes it to the next level. The chicken comes out crispy and golden, just like it would fry the chicken from a deep fryer, but with a fraction of the oil. It’s body-friendly, satisfying, and more manageable, making this a must-try for anyone who loves balanced meals that don’t skimp on flavor.
Kitchen Gadgets Needed:
- Air Fryer: This is the star of the show. It makes the chicken crispy without the need for deep frying.
- Bowl: Great for mixing the coating and preparing the egg wash.
- Tongs: These make it easier to flip the chicken pieces in the air fryer without making a mess.
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless works best. Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Egg: Used in the coating to help everything stick together.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness to the egg wash and helps the bread crumbs stick better.
- Bread Crumbs: Choose breadcrumbs that fit your dietary preferences.
- Olive Oil: This is for lightly greasing the air fryer basket and adding a touch of flavor.
- Salt: Just a pinch to season the chicken.
- Black Pepper: Adds a little kick to the coating.
- Orange Chicken Sauce: Homemade sauce or store-bought, make sure it’s nutrient-packed.
- Sesame Seeds: They add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor as a garnish.
- Green Onions: Thinly sliced for a fresh and colorful finishing touch.
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE KETO ORANGE CHICKEN
First Step: Assemble the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients so everything is within reach. This includes prepping your chicken by cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
Second Step: Prepare Dry and Wet Coating
In one bowl, mix your dry-coating ingredients, such as bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together an egg and heavy cream in another bowl to create a wet coating. These two coatings will help give your chicken a golden, crispy crust.
Third Step: Coat Chicken Pieces
Dip each chicken piece into the wet coating first, then roll it in the dry mixture until evenly covered. Repeat for all pieces, ensuring no spots are left uncoated. This double coating helps lock in flavor and provides perfect crunch after cooking.
Fourth Step: Cook in the Air Fryer
Place the coated chicken pieces in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray with olive oil to improve crispiness. Set the air fryer to 400°Fahrenheit (200°Celsius) and cook for 10 minutes.
Fifth Step: Flip Chicken and Add Orange Sauce Once Cooked
Flip the chicken pieces and add 5-10 minutes of cooking to ensure they are evenly brown. Once cooked, pour hot homemade orange sauce into your crispy chicken to coat every piece. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh finish.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for the best crispy results. This helps the chicken cook evenly and ensures a perfect golden-brown coating.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook the chicken in batches to allow air to circulate correctly. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results.
- Use Fresh Orange Zest: Fresh orange zest adds flavor to the sauce that bottled zest can’t replicate. It’s worth the small extra effort for that authentic taste.
- Keep Sauce and Chicken Separate Until Serving: To maintain the crispy coating on the chicken, don’t toss it in the sauce until just before serving. This prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you like your orange chicken sauce a little less sweet, reduce the sweetener to suit your taste. You can always add more later if needed.
- Reheat for Crispy Texture: Use the air fryer or oven to reheat leftovers so the chicken stays crispy. Microwaving is quicker but can make the coating soft.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Substitute Part of the Chicken to Make the Best Orange Chicken
If you don’t have chicken breast, chicken thighs work just as well and tend to be juicier. For the orange sauce, you can use orange zest and orange juice as a tangy substitute if you are not too much on a strict low-carb lifestyle. If you’re out of bread crumbs, crushed pork rinds or almond flour can be an alternative coating.
What To Serve With Low Carb Orange Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed artichoke or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. A fresh side salad with ranch dressing also complements the citrusy flavors perfectly.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and sauce separate to prevent sogginess. When reheating, use an air fryer or oven to keep the chicken crispy while warming up the sauce separately.
Can I Freeze Keto Orange Chicken Recipes?
Yes, this recipe freezes well. Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze the sauce in a separate container, and when ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
More Tasty Ideas for You
Looking for more delicious recipes? Try our stir-fried chicken or feta cheese egg bites for a fun twist on takeout classics. If you love bold flavors, our grilled shrimp skewer is a must-try. Don’t forget to check out all the easy, wholesome recipes on my blog for more inspiration.
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Keto Orange Chicken Air Fryer
Craving restaurant orange chicken? This keto orange chicken recipe in the air fryer is so easy that you’ll want to make it all the time. The chicken gets perfectly crispy without needing oil frying, and the best orange sauce brings everything together beautifully, just like panda express takeout. Even if you’re new to cooking or an air fryer pro, this low carb recipe is simple, delicious, and foolproof.
-
Start by gathering all your ingredients so everything is within reach. This includes prepping your chicken by cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
-
In one bowl, mix your dry coating ingredients, such as bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together an egg and heavy cream in another bowl to create a wet coating. These two coatings will help give your chicken a golden, crispy crust.
-
Dip each chicken piece into the wet coating first, then roll it in the dry mixture until evenly covered. Repeat for all pieces, ensuring no spots are left uncoated. This double coating helps lock in flavor and provides perfect crunch after cooking.
-
Place the coated chicken pieces in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray with olive oil to improve crispiness. Set the air fryer to 400°Fahrenheit (200°Celsius) and cook for 10 minutes.
-
Flip the chicken pieces and add 5-10 minutes of cooking to ensure they are evenly brown. Once cooked, pour hot homemade orange sauce into your crispy chicken to coat every piece. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh finish.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for the best crispy results. This helps the chicken cook evenly and ensures a perfect golden-brown coating.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook the chicken in batches to allow air to circulate correctly. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results.
- Use Fresh Orange Zest: Fresh orange zest adds flavor to the sauce that bottled zest can’t replicate. It’s worth the small extra effort for that authentic taste.
- Keep Sauce and Chicken Separate Until Serving: To maintain the crispy coating on the chicken, don’t toss it in the sauce until just before serving. This prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you like your orange chicken sauce a little less sweet, reduce the sweetener to suit your taste. You can always add more later if needed.
- Reheat for Crispy Texture: Use the air fryer or oven to reheat leftovers so the chicken stays crispy. Microwaving is quicker but can make the coating soft.
Serving: 1PortionCalories: 139kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 4gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 701mgPotassium: 84mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 163IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 78mgIron: 2mg
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
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Additional Chicken Recipes
Enjoy chicken in different ways. Here are other recipes you can try and taste for yourself.
Our Best Keto Stir Fry Recipe, filled with veggies and minimum carbs, will make your dinner special. This low carb chicken and vegetable stir fry is a perfect idea you should take advantage of.
Are you looking for an easy, low-carb delicious chicken dinner? Try this delightful Stuffed Hasselback Chicken Recipe, which features juicy chicken breast with tomatoes and mozzarella. This low carb and keto hasselback chicken is an easy meal done in no time.
Photo credit: www.lowcarb-nocarb.com
Our super easy baked spinach stuffed chicken breast recipe is a perfect idea for a quick weekend family meal everyone enjoys. This juicy chicken rolled in spinach and mozzarella gives you a burst of flavor and a healthy dose of nutrients in every bite.
Enjoy our easy-to-make Keto Chicken Curry Recipe prepared with coconut milk and homemade spices and served over cauliflower rice for your ultimate comfort meal. This low-carb chicken dish with curry sauce and minimal carbs will become your family favorite.
Our Keto Chicken Stir Fry Shirataki Noodles Recipe using Guilt-Free Shirataki Noodles with 0 Carbs and 0 Calories that absorb all of the flavors will be a Staple in your House. This Fully Low Carb, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, and Diabetic Friendly Keto Stir Fry is a perfect mixture of deliciousness and healthiness in your life.
Easy to make Keto Chicken Noodle Soup with Homemade Keto Egg Noodles will be a perfect Dinner Idea not only throughout the whole winter. Our Fully Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, Grain-Free and perfect for Diabetics Keto Meal, this Delicious Healthy Keto-Friendly Soup will warm you up whenever you need.
Learn How To Cook Frozen Chicken In Instant Pot in 10 minutes and get the delicious, juicy, flavorful, tender, and moist Chicken you have dreamed of. This fastest, easiest, and best way to cook frozen chicken in a Pressure Cooker will allow you to have your dinner done in no time.
Learn How to Make Keto Ramen Noodles Recipe that tastes like no other. Our Delicious Hot Bowl of Ramen without Carbs is a perfect Hearty and Low Carb Soup filled with Homemade Broth, Chicken, Shirataki Noodles, Avocado, and much more.
Enjoy the Best Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe done in just 30 minutes. This Cheesy Low carb Chicken Casserole filled up with Broccoli and the Perfect Ranch Dressing is one Delicious Keto Casserole you will be making over and over.
Make Homemade Dehydrated Chicken in a dehydrator as a dry backpacking food snack for a camp. Turn shredded chicken breast recipe into chicken jerky and enjoy it as a part of backpacker dehydrated food.
Our Low Carb Sauerkraut Chicken Recipe made with Homemade Sauerkraut, and Homemade Greek Yogurt is a perfect healthy low carb dinner recipe you can make in no time. Fully Keto, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, and Diabetic Friendly, this chicken and sauerkraut can be used even as a part of your Meal Plan.
Enjoy our Italian Baked Chicken Recipe filled with tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil as an Italian meal should be. Those juicy and flavorful Italian chicken breasts baked until golden brown are the way for a perfect summer or winter evening.
Enjoy our delicious Keto Enchiladas with Chicken for your perfect casserole dinner. Made with homemade enchilada seasoning, enchilada sauce, and shredded chicken wrapped in perfectly tailored tortillas, those low carb keto chicken enchiladas are an easy meal you can prepare even a day in advance.
Learn how to make a Homemade Chicken Powder Seasoning to use further for chicken bouillon powder or other chicken seasonings. Have it always in your pantry to add that extra pure protein to your meals.
This quick and easy Keto Buffalo Chicken Dip is the best low carb appetizer dip you can make at home. The flavor of buffalo sauce is mixed with chicken and topped with shredded cheese, perfect for chicken lovers. Try this recipe and dip your favorite chips for a better snack time with friends and family.
This Air Fryer Chicken Bites Recipe will be your new favorite crispy substitute for chicken nuggets. These bites are made with boneless chicken and seasoned breading. Paired with your favorite dipping sauces, these juicy chicken bites are perfect, considering they are a low-carb recipe.
Get ready to enjoy this crispy Keto Popcorn Chicken Recipe that’s perfect for a quick snack or dinner. These bite-sized chicken pieces are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, giving you that irresistible crunch with every bite. Plus, they’re super easy to fry up in no time.
Make your own Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings with this quick and easy recipe that you can make at home. It will only take you 30 minutes to cook frozen chicken wings in the air fryer including the thawing process. Watch yourself get obsessed with these crispy chicken wings.
Easy to make Keto Chicken and Dumplings Recipe with homemade dumplings will be your new favorite comfort food. It’s both delicious and low carb. Enjoy the flavor of buttery dumpling balls and healthy vegetables combined with a savory and creamy broth.
