Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

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Teriyaki chicken is one of those timeless dishes that combines savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors into one irresistible bite. Traditionally, teriyaki chicken is either grilled or pan-fried and then glazed with a sticky, flavorful sauce. But when you bring the air fryer into the equation, you get an easy, healthier, and incredibly delicious version of this favorite dish. Cooking chicken in the air fryer gives it that golden, slightly crispy texture on the outside while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside. When coated with homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce, it becomes a perfect weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress family and friends.

This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken recipe strikes the right balance between flavor and simplicity. The chicken cooks evenly in the air fryer, and the sauce clings beautifully to each piece, giving you a restaurant-style dish right at home. Whether you serve it with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or sesame oil for more flavor)

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the teriyaki sauce (homemade version):

  • ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)

  • ¼ cup honey or brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons mirin (optional, for authentic flavor)

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry for thickening)

Optional garnishes:

  • Toasted sesame seeds

  • Chopped green onions

  • Steamed broccoli or sautéed vegetables for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into even bite-sized cubes or strips. Using thighs will give you more tender and juicy pieces, while chicken breast offers a leaner option. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to help it crisp up in the air fryer. Toss the pieces in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well coated. This simple seasoning ensures the chicken has flavor before it even touches the teriyaki sauce.

Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3–5 minutes. Place the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. If needed, cook in batches for even results. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

Step 3: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the teriyaki sauce on the stovetop. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, mirin (if using), garlic, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze. Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed. If you prefer, you can also use a high-quality store-bought teriyaki sauce to save time.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and toss until every piece is evenly coated. The hot chicken will absorb the sauce beautifully, creating a sticky, flavorful finish.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Serve the teriyaki chicken immediately, topped with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for freshness. Pair it with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles. For a complete meal, add a side of steamed broccoli, sautéed bell peppers, or snap peas.

Tips for Success

  1. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Overlapping pieces can lead to uneven cooking. Work in batches if necessary.

  2. Use thighs for juiciness. Chicken thighs stay more tender and flavorful than breasts, especially when air fried.

  3. Adjust the sauce to your liking. If you prefer it sweeter, add more honey or sugar. For more depth, add a splash of oyster sauce or sesame oil.

  4. Reheating leftovers. This dish reheats well in the air fryer for a few minutes or on the stovetop. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  5. Meal prep friendly. You can cook the chicken ahead of time and simply toss it with the sauce before serving.

Variations

  • Spicy Teriyaki Chicken: Add chili flakes or a spoonful of sriracha to the sauce for a kick.

  • Pineapple Teriyaki: Add pineapple chunks to the sauce for a tropical twist.

  • Teriyaki Chicken Wings: Swap the chicken pieces for wings and follow the same method—perfect for game nights.

  • Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This air fryer teriyaki chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it over white rice for a simple, comforting meal. For something lighter, pair it with cauliflower rice or a crisp Asian-style salad. You can also stuff the chicken into lettuce wraps for a low-carb option or toss it with noodles for a quick stir-fry dinner.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is the perfect balance of ease, flavor, and health-conscious cooking. By letting the air fryer do most of the work, you cut down on oil without sacrificing taste or texture. The sticky-sweet teriyaki glaze elevates the chicken into a dish that’s satisfying and versatile enough for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Once you try this recipe, you’ll likely find it becoming part of your regular meal rotation—quick to prepare, fun to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser.

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