How to Reheat Orange Chicken in Air Fryer: Quick and Crispy Results

Orange chicken, a beloved dish in Chinese cuisine, is known for its crispy batter, tender chicken, and sweet orange zest. But how do you revive its freshness when it’s left over? Our guide, “How to Reheat Orange Chicken in an Air Fryer,” offers a variety of methods to bring back that just-cooked flavor.

From air fryers and ovens to microwaves and stovetops, we cover each technique with step-by-step instructions. Whether you’re a fan of Panda Express or homemade recipes, we also provide tips for enhancing the taste and choosing the perfect sides. Plus, learn the best practices for storing and reheating frozen orange chicken.

The Art Of Reheating Orange Chicken: Air Fryer Method

Orange Chicken leftovers? No worries! Reheating in your air fryer can bring back that delightful taste with a perfectly crispy batter. So, let’s get that leftover Orange Chicken out of the fridge and onto your plate tasting almost as good as it did fresh from your favorite takeout spot.

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure rapid heating and help maintain the batter’s crunchy goodness.

Step 2: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Then, arrange your Orange Chicken pieces in the basket in a single layer; this allows hot air to circulate freely, crisping each piece evenly.

Step 3: Now slide the basket into your air fryer and set the timer for 5 to 7 minutes. It’s just enough time to reheat without overcooking. However, times can vary based on your air fryer model and the size of the chicken pieces, so keep an eye on them.

Step 4: About halfway t ough, give your Orange Chicken pieces a gentle shake or turn them with a pair of tongs. This ensures all sides are exposed to the heat equally and crisps up nicely.

Final Touch: Once your air fryer bell dings, check the chicken. It should be hot all the way t ough, with a reinvigorated crispy batter enveloping the juicy, flavorful chicken. If it’s not quite there yet, give it another minute, but be cautious to avoid overcooking.

Pop it onto your plate, and there you have it—your favorite Orange Chicken, warm and crispy as it should be, without any sogginess. Enjoy your meal!

Quick Microwave Solutions For Orange Chicken

When you’re short on time and need to reheat your orange chicken, the microwave can be your go-to appliance. First, grab a microwave-safe container that’s spacious enough to spread out your orange chicken in a single layer, which allows for even reheating.

Before popping the container in, moisten a damp paper towel and lay it over the top. This little trick is the secret to keeping your chicken moist— it prevents the crispy coating from turning too chewy.

Here’s a simple step-by-step to ensure your orange chicken heats to the perfect food temperature without drying out:

Spread your leftover orange chicken in the container.
Cover with the damp paper towel to lock in moisture.
Heat on medium power for about one to two minutes.
Check the temperature, if it’s not warmed t ough, heat in 30-second intervals.
Stir—This ensures all pieces get equal time in the hot spot.

Remember that microwave heats are kind of unpredictable, so you may have to adjust the time depending on the wattage of your appliance and the amount of chicken you’re reheating. And if you find the orange chicken isn’t as crispy as you’d like, t ow it in a pan for a minute or two for that extra crunch. Enjoy your quick fix to a tasty meal!

Oven Techniques For Perfectly Reheated Orange Chicken

To reheat your orange chicken in the oven and keep it crispy, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fa enheit. While it’s warming up, grab a baking sheet and lightly cover it with aluminum foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

What You Need:

Convection Oven: Ideal for even heating
Baking Sheet: To spread out the chicken pieces
Oven-safe Dish: If you prefer containing the sauce
Parchment Paper/Aluminum Foil: For lining the sheet

Quick Steps:

Spread It Out: Place chicken on the foil or parchment paper-lined baking sheet in a single layer. An oven-safe dish works if you want to keep excess sauce contained.
Heat Right: If using a convection oven, you can reduce the heat by 25 degrees as it circulates hot air for a more even reheat.
Timely Turn: Halfway t ough, at about 5-7 minutes, flip the chicken pieces to ensure they’re warmed t ough and getting crisp on all sides.
All About Timing: Total time should be around 10-15 minutes, but this can vary based on your oven and the amount of chicken.

Remember the chicken is already cooked; you’re just warming it up and bringing back the crunchiness. Keep an eye on it so as to not overcook or dry it out.

Stove Top Pan: Crispy Orange Chicken Reheat

When you’re craving that perfect bite of leftover orange chicken but want to avoid a soggy mess, reviving it in a stove top pan is your ticket to crispy goodness. Forget the microwave—if crunchy and flavorful is what you’re after, you’ll want to grab a skillet or non-stick pan.

What You Need:

Skillet or non-stick pan
A bit of oil
Leftover orange chicken
Lid (optional, for even heating)
Spatula

Steps:

Preheat your skillet over medium heat. A couple of minutes should do the trick.
Lightly oil the pan to prevent sticking and to get that nice, crisp edge on your chicken.
Spread your orange chicken in an even layer and let it sizzle, giving it space to crisp up.
Cook for about 3–4 minutes, then flip the pieces gently using a spatula. You’re looking for a golden-brown glaze.
If your chicken isn’t heating t ough, consider covering with a lid for a bit—it’ll trap the heat and speed up the process.
Continue cooking until everything is thoroughly hot and has a crispy exterior. It usually takes another 3–4 minutes.

Remember to stay near the stove to keep an eye on your chicken, stirring or flipping occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn. Before you know it, you’ll have revived your orange chicken to its former take-out glory! Enjoy that delightful crunch paired with the tangy citrus flavor.

Enhancing Panda Express Orange Chicken: Tips And Tricks

When tackling Panda Express Orange Chicken in your air fryer, a few tweaks can take it from good to great.

Bring on the Crunch: To recapture that just-cooked texture:

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
Spread your orange chicken in a single layer, ensuring pieces don’t touch.
Heat for about four minutes until the outer coating is crisp.

Sauce It Up: If the chicken seems dry, consider giving it a flavor boost:

Lightly drizzle soy sauce or hoisin sauce for a savory kick.
For a fresh zesty layer, try a spoonful of orange sauce or fresh orange juice.

Spice Things Right: If you’re a fan of heat, sprinkle on red pepper flakes or red chili flakes before reheating.

Sweet Balance: Is the chicken leaning too sour? A pinch of sugar can help balance the taste.

Acidic Touch: A touch of vinegar can enhance the tanginess, complementing the orange flavor.

Finishing Touches:

Scatter toasted sesame seeds on top to introduce a nutty flavor.
Freshen it up with an herb garnish like cilantro or green onion.

Remember, each addition should be a light touch to avoid overpowering the classic flavor you know and love. Happy tweaking!

Healthy Side Dishes To Accompany Orange Chicken

When you’re heating up a delicious orange chicken in your air fryer, you might want to pair it with a side that’s both healthy and tasty. Here are some great options that you can whip up easily:

White Rice: A classic combo. Opt for jasmine or basmati for a fragrant touch. To make it healthier, use a little rice vinegar for added flavor without extra calories. Ingredients Instructions 1 cup white rice Rinse rice until water runs clear. 2 cups water Combine with water and bring to boil. 1 tbsp rice vinegar Reduce to simmer, cover, and cook for 18-20 minutes. Pinch of salt Fluff with fork and stir in rice vinegar before serving.
Brown Rice: A whole-grain alternative to white rice. It contains more fiber and is more filling, keeping you satisfied for longer. Cooking Tip: Brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice, so give yourself about 30-40 minutes to get it done. Serving Suggestion: Mix in some steamed veggies or a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor.
Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb, high-fiber side, cauliflower rice is a fantastic substitute for normal rice. You can buy it pre-riced or make your own in a food processor. To Make: Simply pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice, then sauté in a pan with a touch of olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Remember, balancing your orange chicken with a side that’s lighter can make your meal more wholesome without sacrificing enjoyment. Choose the one that suits your mood or dietary preference and enjoy your meal guilt-free.

Storing And Reheating Frozen Orange Chicken: Best Practices

When you’ve got leftover orange chicken, storing it properly is key to keeping it tasting fresh. Here’s how to do it right:

Storing

Wrap up your orange chicken in plastic wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Place the wrapped chicken into an airtight container or glass containers. This step helps to keep out any unpleasant odors from your fridge and prevents the chicken from absorbing them.
Refrigeration is crucial, store your orange chicken at or below 40°F.

Reheating

Take your orange chicken from the fridge or freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before popping it into the air fryer; this ensures an even reheating process.

Temperature	Time
Fridge (Thawed)	8-10 Minutes
Freezer (Frozen)	15-20 Minutes

Set your air fryer to 350°F and let it preheat for a few minutes.
Arrange orange chicken in a single layer for even cooking.
Halfway t ough reheating, shake the basket or use tongs to turn the pieces for consistent crispness.

Use a meat thermometer to check if your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety.

Remember, you’re aiming for that perfect balance of a hot, crispy exterior and a fully warmed t ough interior, just like it was freshly made!