Air fryer teriyaki chicken is a simple, flavorful dish that your whole family will love. It’s sweet, savory, and has a touch of that delightful ginger and garlic flavor. You can whip it up in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Serve it over rice or veggies for a satisfying meal everyone can enjoy.
Why You Will Love This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
This recipe is fantastic for many reasons. First, it’s super easy to make, requiring minimal prep time. You only need a handful of common ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Plus, you can enjoy a delicious, homemade meal in about 30 minutes. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, thanks to its sweet and savory taste.
How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Making this teriyaki chicken is a breeze. With just a few simple steps, you’ll transform bite-sized pieces of chicken into a sweet and savory meal. The air fryer ensures that your chicken gets crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy inside. You’ll love how easy it is!
What You Need
- chicken breasts or thighs
- soy sauce
- brown sugar
- ginger (grated)
- garlic (minced)
- cornstarch
- water
- sesame oil
- green onions (for garnish)
- sesame seeds (for garnish)
Step-by-Step
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil to create the teriyaki marinade.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice glaze.
- Serve over rice or veggies and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
How to Serve Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
This dish pairs wonderfully with a bowl of fluffy rice or a colorful mix of steamed veggies. You can add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh touch. It’s perfect for family dinners and can easily impress guests at gatherings. Enjoy it with your favorite sides like edamame or a simple cucumber salad!
How to Store Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, let the chicken cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. You can reheat the chicken in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through.
Recipe Tips
- Cut the chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking.
- Marinating for longer than 30 minutes? Keep it in the fridge to stay fresh.
- If you’re looking for a thicker glaze, add a bit more cornstarch to your marinade.
- Shaking the basket halfway ensures even cooking and crispy texture.
- Feel free to experiment with additional veggies in the air fryer!
Variations & Swaps
- Try using tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian option.
- Swap out the soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free.
- Add some chopped pineapple to the marinade for a tropical twist.
- You can also use any favorite cut of chicken, like wings or drumsticks.
FAQs
Can I make this teriyaki chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and cook when you’re ready. This helps the flavors develop even more.
Can I freeze the teriyaki chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will stay good for up to 3 months.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover teriyaki chicken?
For the best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. You can also use the microwave, but it may not get as crispy.
What if I don’t have soy sauce?
You can use coconut aminos as a lighter alternative or make your own sauce with miso paste diluted with water for a similar flavor.
How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?
Keep an eye on the cooking time and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C). Shaking the basket halfway through helps ensure even cooking.
Enjoy cooking and savor every bite of this warm and inviting dish!
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs Cut into bite-sized pieces
For the marinade
- 1/4 cup soy sauce Can substitute with tamari for gluten-free
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ginger (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch For thicker glaze, add more
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
For garnish
- green onions (chopped)
- sesame seeds
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil to create the teriyaki marinade.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice glaze.
- Serve over rice or veggies and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
