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Craving a quick and easy meal that tastes like takeout? This Aldi Frozen Orange Chicken made in the air fryer is a perfect solution! With crispy, perfectly cooked chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, this dish comes together in minutes, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights. Best of all, the air fryer delivers that irresistible crunch without the need for deep frying!

Why You’ll Love Aldi Frozen Orange Chicken In The Air Fryer

Quick and easy: This recipe takes just 11 minutes from start to finish, making it a fantastic option for a busy night when you need something fast but delicious.
Crispy and crunchy: The air fryer gives the chicken that perfect crispy coating, making it taste just like restaurant-quality orange chicken without the extra oil.
No defrosting needed: You can cook the chicken straight from frozen, saving you time and hassle while still getting an evenly cooked meal.
Sweet and tangy flavor: The Fusia Mandarin Orange Chicken sauce is packed with that classic orange flavor, perfectly balancing sweetness with a hint of tanginess.
Minimal cleanup: With the air fryer doing most of the work, cleanup is a breeze! No messy oil splatters or pans to wash.

Ingredients For Aldi Frozen Orange Chicken In The Air Fryer

Frozen Chicken Pieces: These are from the Fusia Mandarin Orange Chicken package, perfectly breaded and ready to cook straight from the freezer.
Orange Sauce Packet: The sweet and tangy orange sauce that comes in the package, ready to be defrosted while the chicken cooks.

See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Aldi Frozen Orange Chicken In The Air Fryer

Air Fryer: Essential for cooking the chicken to crispy perfection. No need to preheat!
Tongs or Spatula: For removing the chicken from the air fryer and tossing it in the sauce.
Bowl: To mix the crispy chicken with the sauce after cooking.

How To Make Aldi Frozen Orange Chicken In The Air Fryer

Open the package of Fusia Mandarin Orange Chicken and set the sauce packet aside.
Place the frozen chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook the chicken at 400°F for 10 minutes until it’s crispy and fully cooked.
While the chicken is cooking, thaw the sauce packet by placing it in hot water.
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it into a bowl.
Pour the thawed orange sauce over the chicken and toss until the pieces are evenly coated.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this crispy orange chicken over steamed rice for a simple, filling meal.
Add a side of steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables for a balanced dinner.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a bit of extra flavor and color.
Pair with a refreshing cucumber salad or a light Asian-style slaw for a crunchy contrast.

Tips For Success

Single Layer Cooking: Make sure the chicken pieces are in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure they cook evenly and get that perfect crispiness. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and soggy chicken.
Check for Doneness: While the recommended cook time is 10 minutes, air fryer models may vary. You can check the internal temperature of the thickest piece to make sure it reaches at least 165°F for food safety.
Toss the Chicken Immediately: Once the chicken is done, toss it in the sauce while it’s still hot. This helps the sauce stick to the chicken and coat each piece thoroughly.
Defrosting the Sauce: To defrost the sauce packet quickly, simply submerge it in hot water for a few minutes. You can keep smashing the packet gently to break up any frozen bits. Avoid microwaving the sauce packet, as it may cause uneven thawing or even burst the packet.
Extra Crispy Chicken: If you like your orange chicken extra crispy, you can cook the chicken for an additional 1-2 minutes in the air fryer. Just keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t overcook.

Variations And Substitutions

Spicy Orange Chicken: If you prefer a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the orange sauce before tossing the chicken. It’s an easy way to bring a spicy kick to this sweet dish.
Low-Carb Option: For a lower-carb version, serve the orange chicken over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. This keeps the dish light and still pairs well with the sweet orange sauce.
Gluten-Free Variation: Unfortunately, the breaded chicken in the Fusia Mandarin Orange Chicken package is not gluten-free. However, you can substitute with gluten-free breaded chicken bites and pair with a store-bought or homemade gluten-free orange sauce to suit your dietary needs.
Vegetarian Twist: Swap out the chicken for crispy air-fried tofu or cauliflower for a delicious vegetarian version of this dish. Simply air fry your choice of plant-based protein and coat it in the same flavorful orange sauce.
Extra Veggies: To add more vegetables to the meal, toss some bell peppers or broccoli in the air fryer alongside the chicken. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed since vegetables may cook faster.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: If you have any leftovers, store the cooked orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken back in the air fryer for about 3-4 minutes at 350°F to restore its crispiness. Alternatively, you can microwave it, but the chicken may lose some of its crunch. If using a microwave, heat it in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Freezing: While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked orange chicken. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer directly from frozen at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook Aldi frozen orange chicken without an air fryer?

Yes, if you don’t have an air fryer, you can cook Aldi’s frozen orange chicken in the oven according to the package instructions. Baking it at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, will still give you a crispy texture, although it may not be as crisp as air frying.

Do I need to defrost the chicken before cooking?

No, you don’t need to defrost the chicken. It can go straight from the freezer into the air fryer. The air fryer will cook the chicken evenly, ensuring it’s crispy and fully cooked.

How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest piece of chicken. It should read at least 165°F to ensure the chicken is safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, simply cut into one of the larger pieces to make sure there’s no pink inside.

Can I make the chicken crispier?

Yes! If you prefer extra crispy chicken, simply cook it for an additional 1-2 minutes in the air fryer. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking or burning.

What can I serve with orange chicken?

This orange chicken pairs perfectly with steamed white or brown rice, fried rice, or noodles. For a more balanced meal, serve it with a side of stir-fried or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.

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Crispy frozen orange chicken pieces cooking in an air fryer basket, demonstrating how Aldi's Fusia Mandarin Orange Chicken cooks perfectly in the air fryer

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