How To Make Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken In Air Fryer [FULL GUIDE]

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Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken has become a fan favorite for its crispy exterior, succulent chicken chunks, and the sweet, tangy orange sauce that perfectly balances flavor and heat. While traditionally prepared in a skillet or oven, the air fryer offers an innovative alternative that promises a crispier texture with less oil and less mess. The air fryer’s circulating hot air creates a golden-brown exterior while locking in moisture, giving you a restaurant-quality finish in a fraction of the time. Understanding the nuances of temperature, timing, and proper technique can elevate this simple frozen meal into a gourmet experience right in your kitchen.

Optimal Air Fryer Temperature To Make Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken In Air Fryer

Temperature is the most critical factor in achieving that perfect crispy exterior without overcooking the chicken. For Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken, 375°F (190°C) is the ideal starting point for most air fryers. This temperature allows the chicken to cook evenly while developing a golden-brown, crispy coating.

Lower temperatures may result in soggy chicken, as the coating won’t crisp properly. Higher temperatures can risk burning the outer layer before the inside is fully heated. Always preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature for the most consistent results, as this ensures the circulating hot air starts cooking immediately upon placing the chicken inside.

How Long To Make Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken In Air Fryer

Timing depends on the quantity and the size of chicken pieces, but generally, 12-15 minutes is sufficient for a standard bag of Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken. Halfway through, it’s important to shake the basket or flip the chicken to ensure even cooking.

If your air fryer is smaller and pieces overlap, you may need to increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes, but avoid stacking the chicken, as this can lead to uneven cooking and soggy coating. For larger air fryers or if you’re cooking multiple bags, divide them into batches to maintain optimal crispiness.

How To Tell If It Is Done

Visually and tactilely, done chicken should be golden brown, crispy, and firm to the touch. You can also check by gently pressing the thickest piece-if it springs back slightly, it’s cooked through. For added certainty, using a meat thermometer is ideal; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Another clue is the sauce absorption: when tossing the cooked chicken in the orange sauce, it should coat evenly without making the chicken soggy, indicating it’s properly crisped and ready.

Ingredients Needed

The good news is that Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken comes mostly prepared, so the ingredient list is short:

• 1 bag of Trader Joe’s Frozen Orange Chicken
• Optional: 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil (to enhance crispiness, especially for smaller batches)
• Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, sesame seeds

The simplicity of the ingredients makes this dish perfect for quick preparation without sacrificing flavor.

How To Make Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken In Air Fryer

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Lightly coat the chicken with a small amount of oil if desired for extra crispiness.
3. Place in Basket: Spread chicken pieces in a single layer; avoid overcrowding.
4. Cook in Intervals: Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
5. Check Doneness: Ensure pieces are golden brown and the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
6. Prepare the Sauce: Heat the accompanying orange sauce in a small saucepan.
7. Toss and Serve: Combine the crispy chicken with the sauce, toss to coat evenly, and garnish as desired.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Temperature?

Adjusting temperature requires compensating with time:

• Lower Temperature (350°F / 175°C): The chicken may take longer (15-18 minutes) to achieve crispiness. Sauce may penetrate too quickly, softening the coating.
• Higher Temperature (400°F / 205°C): Cooking may be faster (10-12 minutes), but the outer coating risks burning while the center remains underheated. Careful monitoring is essential.

Temperature adjustments should always be paired with vigilant observation to avoid undercooking or overcooking.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Cooking Time?

Cooking time directly impacts texture:

• Shorter Time: Chicken will be undercooked and may taste raw in the center.
• Longer Time: Coating may burn and chicken may dry out.

Always err on the side of checking internal temperature and adjusting in 1-2 minute increments. Halfway shaking or flipping the chicken ensures even cooking regardless of time adjustments.

When Things Go Wrong

Sometimes, even with care, results can be imperfect:

• Soggy Chicken: Likely due to overcrowding or skipping preheating. Air fry in smaller batches and ensure proper air circulation.
• Burnt Edges: Temperature may be too high or cooking time too long. Reduce either or both and monitor closely.
• Uneven Crispiness: Shake the basket halfway and flip larger pieces for consistent results.

Patience and observation are key to correcting these common issues.

Expert Tips

1. Preheat Always: Air fryers cook more evenly when preheated.
2. Single Layer Cooking: Prevent overcrowding for consistent crispiness.
3. Shake or Flip: Midway through cooking, shake the basket for even browning.
4. Optional Oil Spray: A light mist enhances golden crispiness without excess calories.
5. Sauce Timing: Toss chicken in sauce just before serving to maintain crunch.
6. Batch Cooking: Cook in multiple batches if needed-better crispy chicken than soggy overload.
7. Garnishing: Add sesame seeds or green onions for a restaurant-style finish.

FAQs

Can I Cook Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken Directly From Frozen In The Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook Trader Joe’s frozen orange chicken directly in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking or stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.

Should I Thaw The Orange Chicken Before Air Frying?

It is not necessary to thaw the chicken before air frying. Cooking from frozen helps maintain a crisp texture. If you choose to thaw, reduce the cooking time by a few minutes and monitor closely to avoid overcooking.

Do I Need To Add Oil When Air Frying Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken?

Trader Joe’s orange chicken is already coated in a light breading and partially pre-cooked, so additional oil is optional. Spraying a small amount of cooking oil can enhance crispiness, but it is not required for a good result.

How Do I Ensure The Chicken Cooks Evenly In The Air Fryer?

Arrange the frozen chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Shake the basket or flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure all pieces cook evenly and develop a uniform crispy texture.

When Should I Add The Orange Sauce?

Cook the chicken fully in the air fryer first, then toss it in the provided orange sauce just before serving. This prevents the sauce from burning or becoming overly thick in the air fryer.

Can I Reheat Leftover Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken In The Air Fryer?

Yes, reheating in the air fryer works well to restore crispiness. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (177°C) and heat the leftover chicken for 3-5 minutes, tossing halfway through. Add sauce after reheating to maintain flavor and texture.

What Are Tips For Getting The Chicken Extra Crispy In The Air Fryer?

For extra crispy results, lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil before air frying and avoid overcrowding the basket. Shake or flip the chicken halfway through. Cooking in smaller batches can also help each piece crisp evenly.