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Healthy Air Fryer Orange Chicken Recipe with Easy Fluffy Cauliflower Rice

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A quick and healthy air fryer orange chicken paired with fluffy cauliflower rice, perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe delivers crispy, tangy chicken with a light, flavorful side.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar (optional)
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
  • Orange zest from one small orange (optional)
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, riced (about 4 cups)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1 small shallot or 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. While chicken cooks, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and orange zest in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
  4. Pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice grains, being careful not to over-process.
  5. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped shallots or green onions and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add cauliflower rice, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until tender but still fluffy.
  6. Toss crispy chicken with the orange sauce until well coated. Serve over cauliflower rice and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crispy chicken. Pat chicken dry before coating with cornstarch. Shake or flip chicken halfway through cooking for even browning. Avoid overcooking cauliflower rice to keep it fluffy. Use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest for best flavor. Adjust sauce thickness by adding water or simmering longer as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: healthy, air fryer, orange chicken, cauliflower rice, low carb, gluten-free, quick dinner, easy recipe

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/healthy-air-fryer-orange-chicken-recipe-with-easy-fluffy-cauliflower-rice/