Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It has tender chunks of chicken coated in a rich, flavorful sauce. You’ll love how easy it is to make, and the air fryer gives it that lovely crispy texture without deep frying. Serve it over rice or veggies for a complete meal that the whole family will enjoy!
Why You Will Love This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
This recipe is truly a winner for busy families. It’s fast, easy, and uses simple, everyday ingredients. You’ll have dinner on the table in no time, making it great for hectic nights. Plus, kids love the sweet flavor of teriyaki, making it a perfect choice for family dinners. Whip this up and watch your loved ones smile!
How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Making this dish is simple and beginner-friendly. You’ll start by preparing a tasty sauce, then coat the chicken pieces before air frying them until they are perfectly cooked. It’s a quick process, requiring minimal effort and clean-up. You can have a flavorful meal ready in just over ten minutes!
What You Need
- Chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Honey
- Garlic (minced)
- Ginger (grated)
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
- Salt and pepper
- Rice or vegetables (for serving)
Step-by-Step
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, sesame oil, salt, and pepper to create the teriyaki sauce.
- Toss the chicken pieces in the sauce until well coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized.
- Serve the teriyaki chicken over rice or veggies. Enjoy!
How to Serve Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice, but you can also serve it over brown rice or stir-fried veggies to add a nutritious element. Add some sesame seeds or green onions on top for a fresh finish. It’s perfect for family dinner or as a delightful meal prep option for lunchboxes!
How to Store Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for 3-4 days. If you want to extend their life, you can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, place it in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore that crispy texture!
Recipe Tips
- Make sure to toss the chicken well in the sauce for even flavor.
- Cooking time may vary based on the size of the chicken pieces; smaller pieces cook faster.
- You can substitute the chicken with tofu or beef for a different twist.
- Keep an eye on the chicken while it cooks to prevent overcooking.
- Add more vegetables into the air fryer for a complete meal in one batch!
Variations & Swaps
- For a sweeter taste, increase the honey in the sauce.
- Try adding a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist.
- If you’re vegetarian, use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the air fryer along with the chicken for a vibrant dish.
- You can use store-bought teriyaki sauce if you’re short on time.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the teriyaki sauce in advance. Simply store it in the fridge for up to a week. Toss the chicken in the sauce just before cooking for the best taste.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Once the chicken has cooled, transfer it to a freeze-safe container and store it for up to three months. Just remember to label it with the date for easy tracking.
How can I reheat leftovers?
Reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This will help it regain its crispy texture.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
You can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a lower-sodium alternative. Both work well and add a nice flavor.
What are some sides that go well with teriyaki chicken?
Fresh steamed broccoli, sautéed bok choy, or a simple green salad would be lovely on the side. You can also add some pickled vegetables for an extra crunch!
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/2 cup Soy sauce Use low sodium if preferred
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar Packed
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 tbsp Sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups Rice or vegetables, for serving Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, sesame oil, salt, and pepper to create the teriyaki sauce.
- Toss the chicken pieces in the sauce until well coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Cooking
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized.
- Serve the teriyaki chicken over rice or veggies. Enjoy!
