Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Teriyaki chicken is a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table. With the air fryer, you can easily achieve tender and juicy chicken thighs coated in a glossy, homemade teriyaki sauce. This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is perfect for busy weekdays or casual gatherings, offering a delicious meal that your whole family will love.
Why Make This Recipe
The appeal of this teriyaki chicken lies not only in its wonderful taste but also in its simplicity. Using an air fryer minimizes cooking time while maximizing flavor. You get crispy chicken skin and juicy meat without the need for deep frying, making this recipe a healthier option. Plus, the air fryer is incredibly easy to clean, allowing you to enjoy your meal without a significant mess afterward. With just a few ingredients, you can bring an exotic taste to your weeknight dinner that feels gourmet but is surprisingly easy to prepare.
How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Making Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is a straightforward process involving simple ingredients and easy steps. Let’s walk through it together!
Ingredients:
- 6 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ cup Bachan’s teriyaki sauce (or teriyaki sauce of your choice)
- Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
- Optional: sliced green onions for garnish
Directions:
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Lay the chicken thighs on a cutting board or tray and pat both sides thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which is essential for achieving a crispy, browned finish in the air fryer.
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Place the chicken in a large bowl, drizzle with avocado oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground ginger, black pepper, and kosher salt evenly over the chicken. Toss well with your hands or tongs to coat each piece thoroughly.
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Lightly spray or mist the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken in a single layer with some space between pieces to allow for proper air circulation and even browning.
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For boneless thighs, air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes, then flip and cook another 6–8 minutes. For bone-in thighs, air fry at 380°F for 12 minutes, flip, and continue cooking for 10–12 minutes. The chicken should be browned and nearly cooked through at this stage.
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Brush each chicken thigh generously with the teriyaki sauce, then return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes. This step thickens the sauce and helps it cling to the chicken, creating a flavorful glossy finish.
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Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with optional sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and freshness before serving.
Pro Tips for Success with Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
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Pat Dry: Always pat your chicken thighs dry before seasoning. Removing moisture helps achieve a crispy exterior.
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Space it Out: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Working in batches may be necessary to ensure even cooking and browning.
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Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for maximum safety.
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Customize Sauce: Feel free to add more teriyaki sauce if you enjoy an intense flavor, and consider marinating your chicken for extra depth.
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Resting Time: Letting the chicken rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and juicy.
Flavor Variations for Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
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Spicy Teriyaki: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the marinade to add some heat.
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Citrus Twist: A squeeze of lime or orange juice mixed into the teriyaki sauce brings a refreshing zing to the dish.
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Garlic Teriyaki: Incorporate minced fresh garlic into the rub for an extra punch of flavor.
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Pineapple Teriyaki: Top the cooked chicken with grilled pineapple or mix some pineapple juice into the teriyaki sauce for a sweet tropical note.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken goes well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
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Steamed Rice: Serve alongside jasmine or white rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
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Vegetable Stir-Fry: Accompany your chicken with a colorful mix of stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for a balanced meal.
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Salad: A fresh cucumber or sesame salad can add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
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Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through.
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Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the chicken to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 700mg
FAQ About Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used in this recipe. However, keep in mind that chicken thighs are generally more forgiving and remain juicy, whereas breasts may dry out if overcooked.
Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F. It may take around 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown.
What can I do with leftover teriyaki chicken?
Leftover teriyaki chicken can be sliced up and added to salads, stir-fried with vegetables, incorporated into wraps, or served on top of rice or noodles for a quick meal.
Is teriyaki sauce gluten-free?
This depends on the brand. Many traditional teriyaki sauces contain soy sauce, which typically has gluten. However, plenty of gluten-free teriyaki sauces are available, so always check labels if gluten is a concern.
Can I make a low-sodium version?
Certainly! You can look for low-sodium teriyaki sauce options and use less salt in your seasoning mix to accommodate a lower sodium diet.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe highlighted how easy it can be to whip up a delicious meal that everyone can enjoy. The combine of seasoning, cooking techniques, and optional garnishes make this dish versatile and simple, perfect for any night of the week. With a little preparation and the magic of the air fryer, you’ll look forward to enjoying this flavorful dish time and again. So gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and treat yourself and your family to a wonderful homemade teriyaki chicken feast.
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Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken thighs coated in homemade teriyaki sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ cup Bachan’s teriyaki sauce (or teriyaki sauce of your choice)
- Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
- Optional: sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Pat both sides of the chicken thighs with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken with avocado oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground ginger, black pepper, and kosher salt. Toss to coat.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil and arrange the chicken in a single layer.
- For boneless thighs, air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes, flip, and cook for another 6–8 minutes. For bone-in thighs, air fry at 380°F for 12 minutes, flip, and cook for 10–12 minutes.
- Brush each thigh with teriyaki sauce and return to the air fryer for 2–3 minutes until glossy.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before garnishing with sesame seeds and green onions, then serve.
Notes
Pat the chicken dry for crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer, and check internal temperature for doneness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian