If you’re craving a quick, flavorful meal that brings a burst of umami and a hint of sweetness, this Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is the one to try. Combining tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce with the magic of the air fryer, this dish delivers perfectly caramelized, sticky, and savory bites every time. It’s not just delicious but also incredibly convenient, making it a go-to weeknight dinner that feels special enough to serve any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of wholesome and vibrant ingredients is all it takes to create the magic of this Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Each item plays a key role: from the depth of the soy sauce, the natural sweetness of honey, to the aromatic punch of garlic and ginger, every element balances texture and flavor beautifully.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender bites that stay moist after air frying.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds the essential salty, umami base without overpowering the palate.
- Honey: Brings natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer.
- Rice vinegar: Offers a gentle tang that brightens the sauce.
- Sesame oil: Infuses a nutty aroma that perfectly complements Asian flavors.
- Garlic, minced: Creates a fragrant, savory depth.
- Fresh ginger, grated: Adds a zesty, slightly spicy warmth.
- Cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water): Thickens the teriyaki sauce to a luscious glaze.
- Sesame seeds (optional): A toasty finish that adds crunch and visual appeal.
- Green onions, sliced (optional): Brings freshness and a mild sharpness as a garnish.
How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Marinade
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. This mixture is your flavorful marinade and sauce base.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces to your marinade, making sure they’re fully coated. Let them soak up all those delicious flavors in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to two hours if you have the time. This step is key for tender, flavorful chicken.
Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) so it’s nice and hot, ready to give your chicken that perfect caramelized finish.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, giving the pieces a gentle pat with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them crisp up beautifully. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through. You want those edges golden and slightly caramelized without drying out the meat.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in your cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute or two until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze. This luscious sauce will tie the whole dish together.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Drizzle the thickened teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you like. The garnishes add not only flavor but also a pop of color and texture that’s irresistible.
How to Serve Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe truly shine, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions over the top. These little touches add crunch, freshness, and a delicate nutty aroma that elevates the dish instantly.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with a side of steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice, which soak up the teriyaki glaze perfectly. For a lighter, healthier option, try serving with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy to add color, texture, and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests? Serve this Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe over garlic fried rice or even toss it into a crisp salad with shredded cabbage and carrots for a fresh crunch. Another fun idea is to make teriyaki chicken lettuce wraps—a handheld delight that’s both tasty and visually appealing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover teriyaki chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before storing to preserve texture and flavor. It’s perfect for quick lunches or a second dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe for up to 2 months. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags with some extra sauce to keep it moist. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the air fryer at a lower temperature to bring back the slight crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery. Adding a splash of water or extra sauce helps keep it juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, but keep an eye on the cooking time since breasts can dry out faster. Consider reducing the air frying time slightly and marinate well to keep them juicy.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
Marinating definitely enhances flavor and tenderness. If you’re short on time, even 15-20 minutes will make a difference, but the longer it marinates, the more the chicken absorbs that wonderful teriyaki taste.
Can I make this recipe without honey?
If you prefer to avoid honey, maple syrup or brown sugar are great substitutes to provide the sweet caramelization needed for the teriyaki sauce.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can cook the chicken in a hot oven at 400°F (204°C) on a baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until cooked and caramelized. Just watch it closely to avoid overcooking.
How spicy is this recipe?
This version is mild and suitable for all palates, highlighting sweet and savory flavors. If you love spice, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a subtle kick.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe enough for busy weeknights or anytime you want a comforting yet impressive meal. It’s quick to prepare, full of vibrant flavors, and that caramelized finish from the air fryer is simply unbeatable. Give it a try and see how easily you can elevate your dinner routine with this delightful dish!
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Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce, cooked to perfection using an air fryer for a quick, healthy, and delicious Asian-inspired main dish. The chicken is slightly caramelized and served with a thickened glaze, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Sauce Thickener and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce and Marinate: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create the teriyaki sauce. Place the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces into a shallow dish or a zip-top plastic bag and pour half of the teriyaki sauce over them. Seal and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to infuse flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 380°F (193°C) to ensure even cooking and a nice caramelization on the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and discard the marinade used for soaking. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to promote browning. Place the chicken in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking or stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be fully cooked through and slightly caramelized on the edges.
- Thicken the Reserved Sauce: While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved half of the teriyaki sauce into a small saucepan and heat it over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Add the prepared cornstarch slurry and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glaze consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Drizzle the thickened teriyaki glaze over the cooked chicken pieces. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired. Serve immediately, ideally with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Chicken breasts can be used as a substitute for thighs but be cautious to avoid overcooking as they tend to dry out faster.
- Serving the chicken with steamed rice or your favorite vegetables complements the dish and makes it a balanced meal.
- Marinating overnight can intensify the flavor if you plan ahead.
- Ensure the chicken pieces are in a single layer in the air fryer for the best caramelization and even cooking.
