Crispy Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken Air Fryer Recipe in 12 Minutes

Air fryer Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken is a fantastic meal option that has gained popularity due to its delicious flavor and ease of preparation. This dish is a favorite for many because it offers a perfect blend of tender, juicy chicken with a crispy coating, all tossed in a sweet and spicy orange sauce.

Using an air fryer for this meal not only enhances the crispiness of the Trader Joe’s Orange chicken but also significantly reduces the cooking time. Whether you’re preparing a quick family meal or a simple dinner for yourself, Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken is both convenient and satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a tasty, restaurant-quality meal at home using this frozen chicken from Trader Joe’s.

What You Need – Ingredients and Equipment

To cook Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken in an air fryer, you’ll need a few essential ingredients and some basic cooking equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 1 package Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken
• Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, cilantro

Cooking Equipment

• Air fryer or you can use air fryer microwave combo for air frying and heating the sauce.
• Tongs (for handling the chicken)

With these ingredients and equipment ready, you’re all set to prepare a delicious meal.

How to Cook Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken in Air Fryer

I’m very happy to share how to cook Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken in the air fryer. Follow these steps for a delicious meal:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Preheating ensures even cooking.

2. Prepare the Chicken: Place the frozen chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This helps them cook evenly.

3. Cooking Time: Cook the chicken at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. Shake or flip the pieces halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.

4. Heat the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, heat the sauce packet. You can do this by placing the packet in a bowl of hot water or microwaving it for about 1-2 minutes.

5. Combine: Once the chicken is done, place it in a large bowl. Pour the heated sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.

Essential Note: Ensure the chicken pieces are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. This ensures they cook evenly and get crispy.

These air fryer instructions will help you cook frozen chicken perfectly. Enjoy your meal!

Tips for Crispy Mandarin Orange Chicken

To achieve the best results when cooking Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken in the air fryer, here are some essential tips:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Make sure the chicken pieces are in a single layer with space around them. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy.
• Shake the Basket: Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking. This ensures all sides of the chicken get evenly cooked and crispy.
• Check Internal Temperature: For perfectly cooked chicken, the internal temperature should reach 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check this.
• Use a Light Spray of Oil: If you want extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the chicken with oil before cooking.

These tips will help you achieve crispy air fryer Orange Chicken every time.

Variations and What to Serve with Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken

Here are some great ways to serve and customize Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken:

• With Rice: Serve the chicken over steamed rice. This is a classic combination that complements the flavors well.
• With Vegetables: Pair the chicken with stir-fried or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Add Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the sauced chicken for extra flavor and texture.
• Different Dipping Sauces: Try serving the chicken with different dipping sauces like spicy mayo, sweet chili sauce, or soy sauce.
• On a Salad: Use the chicken as a topping for an Asian-inspired salad with mixed greens, shredded carrots, and a sesame dressing.

These serving suggestions and meal variations will help you enjoy Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken in different and delicious ways.

FAQs about Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken

In the Bottom

Cooking Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken in an air fryer is incredibly easy and yields delicious results.

The frozen chicken cooks quickly and evenly, giving you a perfectly crispy texture. With a total cooking time of just 8-10 minutes, it’s a great option for a quick meal on busy days.

The process is straightforward, and the chicken comes out juicy and flavorful. Sauce reheating is simple and can be done in the microwave or with hot water.

This easy cooking method ensures minimal effort for maximum taste. Try this recipe and enjoy a tasty, restaurant-quality meal at home with minimal fuss.

More Trader Joe’s Air Fryer Recipes, You’ll Love

• Trader Joe’s Chicken Shu Mai
• Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Chicken
• Trader Joe’s Teriyaki Chicken
• Trader Joe’s Spatchcock Chicken
• Trader Joe’s Pesto Chicken

Find out more recipes from here.

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