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Are you ready to revolutionize dinner time with your air fryer? If you’ve ever wondered how to cook Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken in an air fryer for the perfect crispy, juicy, and flavorful result, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious guide that will make your taste buds dance.
Why Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken and the Air Fryer Are a Match Made in Heaven
Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken is a fan-favorite for a reason. Its crispy chicken bites, paired with the sweet and tangy orange sauce, make it an irresistible choice for quick and tasty meals. When paired with an air fryer, this dish reaches its peak potential. Why? The air fryer ensures that every bite is crispy and evenly cooked, and it does so in a fraction of the time it takes to use an oven.
Another advantage is the reduced oil content. Compared to deep-frying, the air fryer method achieves a similarly crispy texture without the excess grease, making it a healthier alternative. Additionally, cleanup is much easier, saving you time in the kitchen. If you’re new to using air fryers or a Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken enthusiast, this guide is for you.
Table of Contents
How to Cook Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken in an Air Fryer
Cooking Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken in an air fryer is simple and hassle-free. Follow these step-by-step instructions:
Ingredients:
1 bag of Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken
Instructions:
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking.
Prepare the Chicken: Open the bag and spread the frozen chicken pieces evenly in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding for maximum crispiness.
Cook the Chicken: Set the timer for 10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. If needed, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.
Heat the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, warm the orange sauce in a small pan on low heat or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
Combine and Serve: Toss the crispy chicken pieces with the heated sauce in a large bowl. Serve immediately for the best taste.
Pro Tip: For an extra tangy kick, squeeze some fresh orange juice over the finished dish.
Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken Air Fryer Time: What Works Best
Timing is everything when cooking Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken in an air fryer. Most air fryers will have the chicken perfectly cooked in 10-12 minutes at 400°F. However, cooking times can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model. Always check the chicken for a golden-brown finish and ensure it’s heated to an internal temperature of 165°F.
If you’re using a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding. Larger models can handle the entire bag at once, but always ensure the chicken pieces are in a single layer.
What to Pair with Your Orange Chicken
Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken isn’t just a main dish; it’s a versatile component of countless meals. Here are some pairing ideas:
Rice: Serve over jasmine, basmati, or cauliflower rice for a classic pairing.
Vegetables: Steam or air fry broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for a vibrant side dish.
Noodles: Toss some stir-fried noodles with soy sauce and sesame oil for a complete meal.
Salad: Balance the sweetness of the orange chicken with a crisp Asian-inspired salad topped with sesame dressing.
For a more filling meal, consider adding a fried egg on top of your rice bowl or sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken. These small additions elevate the presentation and flavor.
Why the Air Fryer is Your Best Friend for Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken
Using an air fryer for Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken saves time, reduces mess, and delivers consistently crispy results. Compared to oven baking or stovetop cooking, the air fryer:
Uses less oil
Cooks faster
Achieves restaurant-quality texture at home
Another reason to love the air fryer is its versatility. Once you’ve mastered Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken, you can experiment with other frozen favorites from Trader Joe’s, like their gyoza or breaded shrimp. The possibilities are endless, and the results are consistently fantastic.
Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
Avoid Overcrowding: Spread the chicken pieces in a single layer for even cooking.
Shake the Basket: Shake halfway through cooking to ensure all sides crisp up.
Experiment with Add-Ons: Add sesame seeds or green onions for an extra layer of flavor.
Know Your Air Fryer: Each model is slightly different, so adjust time and temperature as needed.
Try Custom Sauces: While the provided orange sauce is delicious, you can also try other sauces like teriyaki or sweet chili for variety.
Nutrition and Dietary Considerations
Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken is a crowd-pleaser, but it’s essential to know its nutritional content. A single serving of the chicken (without the sauce) contains approximately 320 calories, with 14g of fat and 10g of protein. Adding the sauce increases the calorie count, so use it sparingly if you’re watching your intake.
For those with dietary restrictions, consider pairing the chicken with low-carb sides like cauliflower rice or a fresh salad. You can also explore gluten-free options if needed by substituting the sauce with a homemade version using tamari or coconut aminos.
Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken Air Fryer Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 bag(22 oz) Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken
- 1 tbsp Fresh Orange Juice (optional)
- as needed Garnish (sesame seeds, green onions)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat it for about 5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking and helps the chicken turn out crispy.
- Prepare the Chicken: Open the bag and place the frozen chicken pieces in the air fryer basket. Spread them out in a single layer to prevent overcrowding, ensuring the heat circulates evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Cook the chicken for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For extra crispiness, add 2-3 more minutes if needed. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy.
- Heat the Orange Sauce: While the chicken cooks, warm the orange sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, microwave it for 30–60 seconds in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked chicken pieces with the heated orange sauce in a large bowl, ensuring each piece is well coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for added flavor and presentation. Serve immediately for the best taste.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Cook the Chicken and Sauce Together in the Air Fryer?
No, it’s best to cook the chicken pieces alone to ensure they become crispy. The sauce can be heated separately and combined afterward.
Do I Need to Defrost the Chicken Before Air Frying?
Nope! Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken is designed to be cooked straight from the freezer, saving you time.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?
To keep the chicken crispy, reheat it in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. Heat the sauce separately and toss the chicken before serving.
Can I Add Extra Vegetables to the Air Fryer?
Absolutely! Vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and zucchini can be cooked alongside the chicken. Just ensure they’re cut into similar-sized pieces and added halfway through the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken in the air fryer is the ultimate hack for a quick, delicious meal. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or indulging in a solo dinner, this method delivers every time. The combination of crispy chicken and sweet, tangy sauce is irresistible.
Try it out, and let us know how it went! Share your experience in the comments below or check out our other air fryer recipes for inspiration. Don’t forget to tag us on social media with your crispy creations. Happy air frying!
For more air fryer tips and tricks, explore our other guides and recipes. With the right techniques, you can make restaurant-quality meals at home in minutes.