Air fryer teriyaki chicken is a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table. The rich, sweet sauce perfectly coats the tender chicken thighs, creating a meal everyone will love. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave something comforting.
Why You Will Love This Teriyaki Chicken
This recipe is a game-changer for family dinners. It’s not just tasty, but it’s also fast to make with everyday ingredients. The air fryer cooks the chicken to golden perfection while keeping it juicy. Plus, it requires minimal prep, making it a true lifesaver for those hectic evenings.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken
Making teriyaki chicken is straightforward and beginner-friendly. You’ll start by creating a simple marinade, then let the chicken soak in all those wonderful flavors. Finally, the air fryer does the work for you, giving you crispy and tender chicken without much effort.
What You Need
- chicken thighs
- soy sauce
- honey
- rice vinegar
- garlic cloves
- ginger
- cornstarch
- sesame oil
- black pepper
- rice or stir-fried veggies for serving
Cooking Steps
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper to create the teriyaki marinade.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve over cooked rice or stir-fried veggies.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken
This teriyaki chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy rice or fresh stir-fried veggies. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds or green onions on top for an extra touch. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even casual gatherings with friends.
How to Store Teriyaki Chicken
To keep your leftovers fresh, store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply put it in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through. Enjoy it again with ease!
Recipe Tips
- Use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option.
- Marinate overnight for an even deeper flavor.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature for safety.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; cook in batches if necessary.
Variations & Swaps
- Swap chicken thighs for tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Use teriyaki sauce instead of making your own marinade.
- Add some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the air fryer for a complete meal.
FAQs
Can I make this chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This enhances the flavors even more!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Cool the chicken completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months.
How do I reheat the chicken?
Reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave if you prefer.
What can I serve with this dish?
This teriyaki chicken is great with rice, noodles, or a simple salad. You can also pair it with roasted vegetables for a healthier option.
What are common mistakes to avoid?
One mistake is not checking the internal temperature. It’s important to cook chicken to at least 165°F for safety. Also, don’t skip marinating; it truly enhances the flavor!
Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients
For the Teriyaki Marinade
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs Boneless and skinless
- for serving rice or stir-fried veggies Optional side dish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper to create the teriyaki marinade.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serving
- Serve over cooked rice or stir-fried veggies.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds or green onions on top for an extra touch.
