Easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Imagine biting into perfectly glazed, tender chicken that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This air fryer teriyaki chicken delivers restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen!
Here’s a fun fact: teriyaki literally means “glaze-grilled” in Japanese, and our air fryer method creates that beautiful caramelized glaze without any grilling required. This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
What makes this dish truly special is how the air fryer creates that perfect balance of textures while infusing every bite with sweet and savory teriyaki goodness. It’s incredibly simple to make, takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, and kids absolutely love it.
Table of Contents
If you enjoyed our popular air fryer honey garlic chicken, you’ll fall head over heels for this teriyaki version. The combination of convenience and incredible taste makes this a weeknight dinner game-changer that your whole family will request again and again.
What is Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken?
Ever wondered why this dish has captured hearts across kitchens worldwide? Air fryer teriyaki chicken is simply chicken pieces coated in a glossy, sweet-savory teriyaki sauce and cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
The magic happens when the circulating hot air creates a beautiful caramelized exterior while keeping the inside incredibly tender. It’s like having your own personal hibachi chef! As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this recipe definitely proves that theory right.
Ready to create some kitchen magic? Let’s dive into this foolproof recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory
This air fryer teriyaki chicken hits all the right notes with its glossy, caramelized glaze that’s both sweet and umami-rich. Every bite delivers that restaurant-quality flavor you crave, with tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth.
Budget-Friendly Family Favorite
Skip the expensive takeout orders! Making this dish at home costs a fraction of restaurant prices while feeding your entire family. You’ll save money without sacrificing flavor, and leftovers make incredible lunch the next day.
Incredible Flavor Combinations
The homemade teriyaki sauce combines soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger for a complex flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. Unlike our air fryer BBQ chicken, this version offers that distinctive Asian-inspired taste that pairs beautifully with rice and vegetables.
Ready to transform your dinner routine? This recipe will become your new go-to for quick, delicious meals that impress every time!
How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Quick Overview
This incredibly easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just 20 minutes. The air fryer creates a beautiful caramelized exterior while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Serves: 4 people
Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Optional: red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Pat the chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. This ensures the best crispy texture. Season with salt and pepper, then toss with cornstarch until evenly coated. The cornstarch creates that perfect crispy exterior we’re after.
Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Bring the sauce mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the moment you add the chicken.
Step 4: First Cook the Chicken Lightly brush the air fryer basket with oil. Place the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even browning.
Step 5: Glaze and Finish Remove the chicken and brush generously with the teriyaki sauce, reserving some for serving. Return to the air fryer for an additional 3-4 minutes until the glaze is caramelized and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Serve and Garnish Transfer to a serving plate and drizzle with remaining teriyaki sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
What to Serve Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken With
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up that delicious sauce. For a complete meal, serve alongside steamed broccoli, snap peas, or roasted vegetables.
For a lighter option, try it over a bed of mixed greens with cucumber and avocado for a teriyaki chicken salad. It also makes fantastic wraps with lettuce cups or flour tortillas.
Don’t forget a refreshing drink! Green tea, sparkling water with lime, or even a cold beer complements the sweet and savory flavors perfectly.
Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Choose the Right Cut
Chicken thighs work best for this recipe because they stay juicier and more tender than breasts. If using breasts, pound them to even thickness and watch cooking time carefully to prevent drying out.
Don’t Skip the Cornstarch
The cornstarch coating is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy exterior. Make sure to pat the chicken dry first, then coat evenly for best results.
Sauce Consistency Matters
Your teriyaki sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready. If it’s too thick, add a little water. If too thin, simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken.
Avoid Overcrowding
Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation and results in soggy chicken instead of crispy perfection.
Temperature is Key
Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. This guarantees both safety and optimal texture.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover air fryer teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the sauce penetrates the meat.
Freezer Storage: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool completely before freezing in portion-sized containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it makes the coating soggy.
Make-Ahead Tips: You can prep the chicken and sauce separately up to 24 hours ahead. Store in the refrigerator and cook when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 15g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
Based on 4 servings using chicken thighs
Recipe Variations to Try
Spicy Teriyaki Chicken
Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to your teriyaki mixture for a spicy kick that’ll wake up your taste buds.
Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken
Stir in 1/4 cup of pineapple juice to the sauce and add fresh pineapple chunks in the last 2 minutes of cooking for a tropical twist.
Teriyaki Chicken Bowls
Serve over cauliflower rice with edamame, shredded carrots, and cucumber for a healthy, low-carb option that’s Instagram-worthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely first. Pat it extra dry as frozen chicken releases more moisture, which can affect the crispy coating.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can make this in a regular oven at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, or in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, turning once.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F, and the juices should run clear when pierced with a fork. The exterior should be golden brown and crispy.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just cook in batches to avoid overcrowding your air fryer. The sauce recipe scales up perfectly too.
This air fryer teriyaki chicken recipe proves that amazing flavors don’t require complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory, crispy and tender, it’s destined to become a regular in your dinner rotation. The best part? Your family will think you’ve been secretly taking cooking classes!
Ready to impress your taste buds and your family? Fire up that air fryer and get ready for some serious flavor magic!
