Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious and easy dish that brings the flavors of Japan right to your kitchen. With tender pieces of chicken coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, this meal is sure to please the whole family. Best of all, making it in an air fryer means you can enjoy a healthier version without sacrificing taste!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe for Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is perfect for busy weeknights. It is quick to prepare and cooks in just a matter of minutes. The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic creates a rich flavor that enhances the chicken beautifully. Plus, using the air fryer allows for crispy texture without deep frying. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic dish lighter and simpler!
How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (for garnish)
Directions:
Cut 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts into 2-inch pieces. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and set aside.
In a small bowl, combine ½ cup soy sauce, ⅓ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), 1 clove garlic, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and ¼ teaspoon ground ginger. Reserve ¼ cup of the sauce and set aside.
Pour the remaining sauce into the bowl of chicken pieces. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
Add the marinated chicken pieces to the air fryer basket, spacing them evenly in a single layer. Close the basket and cook for 8 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Open the basket and flip the chicken pieces. Close the air fryer and cook for an additional 8 minutes or until cooked through. The safe internal temperature should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place the reserved ¼ cup marinade into a small saucepan. In a small bowl, whisk ¼ cup water and 1 tablespoon cornstarch to make a slurry. Add the cornstarch to the sauce mixture and whisk over medium heat until the sauce thickens.
Baste the chicken with the thickened teriyaki sauce. Serve the chicken over rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
How to Serve Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
You can serve Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken over cooked rice, which helps soak up the delicious sauce. It also pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions adds a nice touch to your presentation.
How to Store Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy the chicken within 3-4 days for the best flavor. You can reheat it in the microwave or air fryer until warmed through.
Tips to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
- If you prefer a stronger flavor, let the chicken marinate longer, up to a few hours.
- For extra crunch, you can give the chicken a quick spray of cooking oil before air frying.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to your taste.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables to the air fryer along with the chicken. Bell peppers, onions, and broccoli work great and make the dish even more colorful and nutritious!
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can also be used and will add a slightly different flavor and tenderness to the dish.
2. Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container. Reheat it directly from the freezer when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts About 1 pound
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar Adjust according to taste
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic Minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut the chicken breasts into 2-inch pieces and place them in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Reserve ¼ cup of this sauce.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken pieces. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
Cooking
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Add the marinated chicken pieces to the air fryer basket, spacing them evenly in a single layer.
- Cook the chicken for 8 minutes, then flip the pieces and cook for an additional 8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Meanwhile, prepare the thickened sauce by adding the reserved ¼ cup of marinade into a small saucepan. In a separate bowl, combine ¼ cup water with cornstarch to make a slurry, then whisk it into the marinade. Heat over medium and whisk until thickened.
- Baste the cooked chicken with the thickened teriyaki sauce.
Serving
- Serve the chicken over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
