Teriyaki Chicken Wings Air Fryer - Ready in 25 Minutes

These crispy teriyaki chicken wings air fryer recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just 25 minutes! The air fryer creates perfectly crispy skin while keeping the meat incredibly juicy inside. Here’s a fun fact: teriyaki sauce was actually invented in Hawaii, not Japan, making these wings a delicious fusion treat.

This recipe is special because it combines the convenience of air frying with the bold, sweet-savory flavors of homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for game day parties. Much like our popular honey garlic wings, these teriyaki chicken wings air fryer will become your new family favorite!

What is Teriyaki Chicken Wings Air Fryer?

Ever wondered why we call them “teriyaki” wings? The name comes from the Japanese cooking technique “teri” (shine) and “yaki” (grill), creating that gorgeous glossy coating we all love! These air fryer teriyaki chicken wings are basically happiness with wings – literally.

You know what they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these sticky-sweet wings definitely pave that path! Ready to make some magic happen in your kitchen?

Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken Wings Air Fryer Recipe:

Incredibly Crispy Without Deep Frying

The air fryer works its magic by circulating hot air around each wing, creating that perfect crispy exterior we all crave. You’ll get all the crunch of traditional fried wings without the mess, excess oil, or guilt. The skin becomes beautifully golden and crispy while the meat stays tender and juicy.

Budget-Friendly Family Meal

Making teriyaki chicken wings at home costs a fraction of ordering takeout or going to restaurants. A batch of these wings feeds a family of four for under $15, compared to $40+ at restaurants. Plus, you control the quality of ingredients and can adjust the flavors to your family’s preferences.

Sweet and Savory Flavor Explosion

The homemade teriyaki sauce combines soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger for an incredible depth of flavor. Each bite delivers that perfect balance of sweet and salty that makes these wings absolutely irresistible. The sauce caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, creating a glossy coating that looks as good as it tastes.

Similar to our popular Korean BBQ wings, these teriyaki wings offer that perfect Asian-inspired flavor profile that keeps everyone coming back for more. Why not try making both for your next party?

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Wings Air Fryer:

Quick Overview

This teriyaki chicken wings air fryer recipe is surprisingly simple and delivers amazing results every time. The secret lies in the two-step cooking process: first cooking the wings to render fat and crisp the skin, then glazing with teriyaki sauce for that signature shine.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people

Key Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken Wings Air Fryer:

For the Wings:

2 lbs chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 green onions (chopped for garnish)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Wings

Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin. In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated. The baking powder helps create extra crispy skin by raising the pH level.

Step 2: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the start and helps achieve that perfect crispy texture.

Step 3: First Cook

Place the seasoned wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip the wings and cook for another 8-10 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

While the wings cook, prepare the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the simmering sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil.

Step 5: Glaze the Wings

Once the wings are cooked and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour half of the teriyaki sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving.

Step 6: Final Air Fry

Return the glazed wings to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes at 380°F to caramelize the sauce and create that beautiful glossy finish.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the finished wings to a serving platter, drizzle with the reserved teriyaki sauce, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

What to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Wings Air Fryer With:

These versatile wings pair beautifully with various sides and drinks. For a complete Asian-inspired meal, serve with steamed jasmine rice and stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or snap peas.

Coleslaw makes an excellent cooling contrast to the sweet and savory wings, while crispy french fries satisfy those craving comfort food. For lighter options, try a fresh cucumber salad or mixed greens with sesame dressing.

Drink-wise, these wings complement ice-cold beer, especially light lagers or wheat beers. For non-alcoholic options, try iced green tea, sparkling water with lime, or even a tropical fruit punch that echoes the sweet flavors in the teriyaki sauce.

Top Tips for Perfecting Teriyaki Chicken Wings Air Fryer:

Don’t Skip the Baking Powder

Baking powder is your secret weapon for ultra-crispy wings. It helps break down the skin proteins and draws out moisture, creating that restaurant-quality crispiness we all love.

Dry Those Wings Thoroughly

Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin. Pat your wings dry with paper towels and let them sit uncovered in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cooking for even better results.

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

Cook wings in batches if necessary. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation, resulting in unevenly cooked, less crispy wings. Give each wing space to breathe.

Make Your Own Sauce

While store-bought teriyaki sauce works in a pinch, homemade sauce tastes infinitely better and allows you to control the sweetness and sodium levels. Plus, it thickens perfectly and creates that gorgeous glaze.

Temperature Matters

Use a meat thermometer to ensure wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees food safety while maintaining juicy meat.

Sauce Timing is Everything

Add the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning. The sugars in teriyaki sauce can caramelize quickly, so watch carefully during the final glazing step.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover teriyaki chicken wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let wings cool completely before storing to prevent condensation that can make them soggy.

Freezer Storage: For longer storage, freeze cooked wings in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Reheating Instructions: The air fryer is perfect for reheating these wings! Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave as it will make the skin soggy.

Pro Tip: If reheating from frozen, no need to thaw first. Simply add 2-3 extra minutes to the reheating time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken wings in the air fryer?

Yes, but thaw them completely first and pat dry thoroughly. Frozen wings will create excess moisture, preventing that crispy skin we’re after. Allow extra drying time for best results.

What if I don’t have baking powder?

While baking powder creates the crispiest results, you can still make delicious wings without it. Just expect slightly less crispy skin. Salt alone will help draw out moisture and create some crispiness.

Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It actually develops more flavor over time. Just reheat gently before using.

How do I prevent the sauce from burning in the air fryer?

Add the sauce during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking and watch carefully. If it starts to darken too quickly, reduce the temperature to 350°F for the final glazing step.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, but cook the wings in batches to avoid overcrowding. The sauce recipe doubles perfectly and can be stored for future use.

What’s the best way to check if wings are done?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear, and the skin should be golden brown and crispy.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (4 wings)
Calories	285
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	12g
Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	95mg
Sodium	890mg
Sugar	10g
Fiber	0g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Additional Tips for Success:

Wing Selection: Choose wings that are similar in size for even cooking. If using whole wings, separate them into flats and drumettes for better air circulation.

Sauce Variations: Experiment with the teriyaki sauce by adding sriracha for heat, orange juice for citrus notes, or pineapple juice for tropical sweetness.

Make-Ahead Option: Season wings up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat.

Serving Size: Plan for 6-8 wings per person as an appetizer, or 10-12 wings per person as a main dish.

Equipment Note: If your air fryer is smaller, cook in batches rather than overcrowding. The results will be much better with proper air circulation.

These teriyaki chicken wings air fryer recipe proves that you don’t need a deep fryer to achieve restaurant-quality results at home. The combination of crispy skin, juicy meat, and that gorgeous glossy teriyaki glaze makes these wings absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, looking for an easy weeknight dinner, or just craving something deliciously satisfying, these wings deliver every time. Give this recipe a try, and watch as it becomes a regular rotation in your kitchen!