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Teriyaki Air Fryer Chicken: A Flavorful and Easy Recipe

Welcome to my kitchen! I’m Nyla—a chef with a true love for creating recipes that not only taste amazing but also bring people together. This website is where I share my favorite dishes, cooking tips, and step-by-step guides to help you enjoy the process as much as the result. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, you’ll find inspiration here to make every meal special! And today, we’re diving into one of my absolute favorites: Teriyaki Air Fryer Chicken. It’s a quick, simple way to get that restaurant-quality flavor right at home.

Imagine sinking your teeth into juicy, perfectly cooked chicken coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. This isn’t just a dream; it’s what you can achieve with this Teriyaki Air Fryer Chicken recipe! What makes this recipe stand out? It’s the speed and convenience of the air fryer, which cooks the chicken to perfection without drying it out. This dish is ideal for a weeknight dinner, a quick lunch, or even meal prepping for the days ahead. Trust me; your family will be asking for this again and again.

A Brief Overview of This Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

This recipe is all about simplicity and big flavors. We start by marinating chicken pieces in a homemade teriyaki sauce, which infuses every bite with a delectable sweetness and umami depth. Then, the chicken goes into the air fryer, where it cooks quickly and evenly, achieving a beautiful caramelization on the outside while staying incredibly moist inside. The result? A mouthwatering Teriyaki Air Fryer Chicken dish that’s far healthier and faster than takeout.

Ingredients You Will Need for Teriyaki Air Fryer Chicken

Before we get started, let’s gather our ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is that it uses common pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever the craving hits. Here’s what you’ll need:

• For the Teriyaki Sauce:
• ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• ¼ cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
• ¼ cup sake (optional, can substitute with rice vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water to form a slurry)
• ¼ teaspoon sesame oil
• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Teriyaki Air Fryer Chicken

Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps to create the most amazing Teriyaki Air Fryer Chicken you’ve ever tasted:

1. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake (or rice vinegar), brown sugar, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil.
2. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
3. Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the saucepan and stir continuously. Continue simmering for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
4. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil. Pour about ¾ of the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Reserve the remaining sauce for later. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a more intense flavor.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
6. Air Fry the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. You may need to cook the chicken in batches.
7. Cook the Chicken: Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and has a beautiful golden-brown color. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
8. Glaze and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, brush it with the reserved teriyaki sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Teriyaki Air Fryer Chicken

Want to make sure your Teriyaki Air Fryer Chicken comes out perfect every time? Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cooking the chicken in batches ensures that each piece gets crispy and cooks evenly. Overcrowding can lead to steamed chicken instead of beautifully caramelized pieces.
• Marinate for Flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Even 30 minutes makes a big difference, but a couple of hours is even better!
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet teriyaki sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar and honey. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
• Check the Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will give your teriyaki sauce a brighter, more vibrant flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Your Air Fryer Chicken

Now that your Teriyaki Air Fryer Chicken is ready, let’s talk about serving it. This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides.

• Rice: Serve it over a bed of steamed white rice or brown rice.
• Vegetables: Add some steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas.
• Noodles: Toss the chicken with your favorite noodles for a complete meal.
• Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich teriyaki flavor.
• Bao Buns: Stuff the chicken into fluffy bao buns with some pickled vegetables for a fun and delicious twist.

Prep Time | Total Time | Kcal | Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Kcal: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
• Yield: 4 servings

Variations on Teriyaki Air Fryer Chicken

Want to put your own spin on this recipe? Here are a few variations to try:

• Spicy Teriyaki: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick.
• Pineapple Teriyaki: Add a few chunks of pineapple to the air fryer during the last few minutes of cooking for a tropical twist.
• Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and air fry for a fun and easy appetizer.
• Sesame Ginger Teriyaki: Add more grated ginger and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor.

This Teriyaki Air Fryer Chicken recipe is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights. With minimal prep time and a quick cooking process, you can have a delicious and healthy meal on the table in no time. Plus, the homemade teriyaki sauce is so much better than anything you can buy in a store, and you can adjust the sweetness and spice to your liking. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and experience the magic of air fryer cooking!

Thank you for being here! I’m so glad you’re here. If you enjoyed this recipe or found it helpful, feel free to share it with your friends and family—great food is meant to be shared!

Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more delicious recipes, kitchen tips, and daily cooking inspiration. Your support means the world to me, and I look forward to bringing you even more tasty ideas straight from my kitchen.

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast, but keep in mind that it may dry out more easily. Reduce the cooking time by a few minutes and make sure to check the internal temperature frequently.

Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The teriyaki sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before using.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. You can also pan-fry the chicken on the stovetop.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover Teriyaki Air Fryer Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer until warmed through.

Can I add vegetables to the air fryer with the chicken?

Yes, you can add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or onions to the air fryer during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking. Just make sure they are cut into bite-sized pieces and tossed with a little olive oil and seasoning.

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