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
Scale
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.
