Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken just got even better with this quick air fryer method that delivers perfectly crispy results in just 15 minutes. This beloved frozen meal transforms into restaurant-quality Asian cuisine right in your kitchen, offering that irresistible balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior.
With minimal prep time and easy cleanup, you’ll love how the air fryer creates that signature golden-brown coating while keeping the chicken tender and moist. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner solution when you want that takeout flavor without the wait.
Ingredients
- Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken: 1 complete package (includes chicken and sauce packets)
Instructions
- Preparation: Separate the frozen chicken pieces from the sauce packets and set them aside.
- Air Fryer Setup: Arrange the frozen chicken pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap for optimal crispiness.
- Air Frying: Set your air fryer to 400°F/200°C and cook for 14 minutes. Remember to flip the pieces halfway through for even cooking.
- Temperature Check: Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C for food safety.
- Sauce Preparation: Empty the sauce packets into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30-45 seconds until warm.
- Final Touch: Toss the crispy air-fried chicken pieces in the warmed orange sauce until well coated.
- Serving: Plate immediately with your favorite rice and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Air Fryer Tips
For the crispiest orange chicken, don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket! Space out the pieces so they’re not touching – this lets the hot air flow around each piece. If you need to, cook in batches. A single layer is your best friend for that perfect crunch.
Sauce Success
The sauce is what makes this dish special! When heating it in the microwave, stop and stir halfway through for even warming. If you like your sauce extra thick, heat it a bit longer. Want it thinner? Add a splash of water. The key is coating every piece of chicken while the sauce is still warm and sticky.
Serving Ideas
While white rice is the classic choice, try serving your orange chicken over brown rice for extra nutrition, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Add steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side for color and crunch. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or green onions on top makes it look and taste even better!
Storage Tips
Have leftovers? Store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, pop the chicken back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F to crisp it up again, then toss with rewarmed sauce. The chicken won’t be quite as crispy as fresh, but it’ll still be tasty!
Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken in The Air Fryer
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Microwave
Ingredients
- 1 package Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken
Instructions
- Remove the frozen chicken from the packaging and set aside the sauce packets.
- Place the frozen orange chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not add the sauce from the sauce packet yet.
- Air fry at 400°F/200°C for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is crispy and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C.
- Place the sauce packet contents into a large microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 30-45 seconds, until warmed through.
- Add the air fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately with rice and chopped parsley if desired.
