Get ready for the easiest, most flavor-packed teriyaki chicken you’ve ever made! This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and drenched in a sticky-sweet homemade teriyaki sauce that’s bursting with umami goodness. And the best part? It all comes together in under 30 minutes!
Forget about standing over a hot stove or deep frying—your air fryer does all the work, giving you that perfect golden-brown finish without the mess. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or need a meal-prep winner, this dish will become your new go-to. Serve it over fluffy rice with steamed veggies, and trust me, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Not sure if this recipe is for you? Let me give you five delicious reasons why you NEED to try this ASAP:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with just a handful of ingredients.
- Crispy & Juicy: The air fryer works its magic for perfectly golden, tender chicken.
- Healthier Option: No deep frying, less oil, but still packed with flavor.
- Better Than Takeout: Homemade teriyaki sauce that’s rich, sticky, and slightly smoky.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Stays delicious for days—just reheat and enjoy!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful dish. No complicated ingredients—just simple, delicious flavors coming together perfectly!
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – Juicy and tender, perfect for soaking up all that teriyaki goodness.
- Soy sauce – The base of the teriyaki sauce, adding a deep, savory umami flavor.
- Honey – Gives the sauce its signature sticky sweetness and caramelization.
- Brown sugar – A little extra sweetness and depth for that rich, balanced teriyaki taste.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds a bold, aromatic kick.
- Ginger – Brings warmth and a subtle spice to the sauce.
- Rice vinegar – Adds a slight tang to balance out the sweetness.
- Sesame oil – A drizzle of this brings in a nutty, toasty flavor.
- Cornstarch – Helps thicken the teriyaki sauce to that perfect glossy texture.
- Green onions & sesame seeds – The ultimate finishing touch for garnish!
💡 Want to tweak it? Swap brown sugar for maple syrup, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, or add a dash of chili flakes for some heat!
Ready to cook? Find all the exact measurements in the recipe card below!
How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
First things first—let’s get everything ready:
- Cut the chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Marinate the chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade and let them soak for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for extra flavor).
Step 2: Cooking the Chicken
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Arrange the chicken: Place the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry: Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3: Making the Teriyaki Sauce
- Thicken the sauce: Pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan, bring to a simmer, and stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).
- Cook until thickened: Let it bubble for 2-3 minutes until it turns into a sticky glaze.
Step 4: Serving
- Toss & Coat: Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl and pour the teriyaki sauce over it. Toss until fully coated.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve over steamed rice or noodles.
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Want to take your teriyaki chicken to the next level? Here are some pro tips to make sure it’s absolutely perfect:
- ⭐ Use chicken thighs over breasts – Thighs stay juicy and tender, while breasts can dry out quickly.
- ⭐ Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Cook in batches if needed to get that golden crispiness.
- ⭐ Marinate longer for extra flavor – 15 minutes works, but 2 hours gives deeper, richer taste.
- ⭐ Shake the basket halfway through – This ensures even cooking on all sides.
- ⭐ Thicken the sauce properly – Simmer it until glossy and smooth for that perfect sticky glaze.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the marinade – The flavors won’t soak in as well, making the chicken less flavorful.
- Using too much sauce in the air fryer – This can burn the sauce and make the chicken soggy. Toss the sauce in afterward instead!
- Overcooking the chicken – Air fryers cook fast! Check at the 10-minute mark to avoid dry chicken.
Recipe Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun ways to customize your teriyaki chicken:
- 📌 Spicy Teriyaki Chicken: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- 📌 Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos for a healthier take.
- 📌 Teriyaki Chicken Wings: Swap out the chicken thighs for wings and increase air fryer time by 5 minutes.
- 📌 Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
- 📌 Extra Crispy Version: Lightly coat the chicken in cornstarch before air frying for an extra crispy texture.
How to Serve Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
This crispy, sticky, and flavor-packed teriyaki chicken pairs well with so many delicious sides. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy it:
- Classic Rice Bowl: Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice for a comforting meal.
- With Stir-Fried Veggies: Add sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra crunch.
- Teriyaki Chicken Tacos: Wrap it in warm tortillas with shredded cabbage and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
- Over Noodles: Toss it with ramen, soba, or udon noodles for an easy Asian-inspired dinner.
- In a Lettuce Wrap: For a low-carb option, serve it in crisp butter lettuce leaves.
Best Toppings & Garnishes
- 🌿 Chopped green onions – Adds a fresh pop of flavor.
- 🍚 Sesame seeds – Gives it that classic teriyaki look and taste.
- 🍋 A squeeze of lime – Brightens up the flavors.
- 🔥 Red pepper flakes – For a spicy kick!
Drink Pairing
This sweet and savory dish pairs beautifully with:
- 🍵 Iced green tea – Light and refreshing, balancing the flavors.
- 🍷 A crisp white wine – Something like Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling complements the teriyaki sauce.
- 🥂 Sparkling water with lemon – A simple, clean option.
Make Ahead & Storage
Can I Meal Prep This?
Yes! This teriyaki chicken is perfect for meal prep. Just cook it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. The flavors get even better overnight!
Storing Leftovers
- Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked teriyaki chicken in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through.
- Air Fryer: Pop it back in at 350°F for 3-5 minutes for that crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Just be sure to cut them into even pieces and reduce the cooking time slightly, as breasts cook faster than thighs.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or pan-fry it over medium heat until golden and cooked through.
How do I make the teriyaki sauce thicker?
If your sauce isn’t thick enough, just let it simmer a bit longer or add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken ahead of time, and even cook it in advance. Just store it properly and reheat when ready to serve!
Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
And there you have it—crispy, juicy Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken that’s easier than takeout and twice as delicious! With its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors, this dish is a total winner for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a fun weekend dinner.
The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. Just a simple marinade, a quick air fry, and a sticky, glossy teriyaki glaze that makes every bite irresistible.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your air fryer, whip up this mouthwatering teriyaki chicken, and let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below and tell me how you served yours! 🍚✨
Don’t forget to save this recipe for later and share it with your friends. Happy cooking! 🍽️😊
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce low sodium preferred
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp ginger grated
- 1 tsp cornstarch for thickening the sauce
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer.
- Mix cornstarch with water and add to the sauce. Stir until thickened, about 1 minute.
- Toss the cooked chicken in the teriyaki sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with rice or vegetables.