If you’re dreaming of incredibly juicy, perfectly caramelized teriyaki chicken without the takeout container, you’ve come to the right place. Imagine tender chicken bites with delightfully browned, crispy edges, all drenched in a sticky, sweet, and savory glaze that glistens under your kitchen lights. The best part? Your air fryer makes it all happen in under 25 minutes flat.
This recipe is a true game-changer for those busy weeknights when you crave something special without the fuss. It delivers a symphony of flavor that has made it a staple in my own kitchen, and I know you’ll love it too. For more speedy dinner inspiration, be sure to explore our collection of easy 30-minute meals.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
From its irresistible texture to its crowd-pleasing flavor, there are so many reasons this recipe will become your new go-to. It’s simple, lightning-fast, and tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant.
- An Unbeatable Texture: The air fryer works its magic by circulating hot air, creating a beautiful contrast—a satisfyingly crisp exterior that gives way to succulent, tender chicken.
- A Luscious Teriyaki Glaze: The homemade sauce is the heart of this dish. It’s a simple blend of sweet and savory that reduces to a beautiful, glossy glaze that clings to every nook and cranny of the chicken.
- Kid-Approved & Meal Prep–Friendly: That sweet and savory combination is a huge hit with kids and adults alike. Better yet, this recipe is a fantastic option for meal prep! Just portion it out with rice and veggies for effortless lunches all week.
- Pantry Staples or a Smart Shortcut: You likely have everything you need for the sauce in your pantry right now. But if you’re short on time, you can get a head start using a quality store-bought sauce or our versatile Asian chicken marinade.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This air fryer chicken teriyaki comes together with just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my top choice because they stay extra juicy, but chicken breasts also work beautifully. Just cube them into uniform 1-inch pieces.
- For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- Low-sodium soy sauce
- Minced fresh garlic and ginger (the aroma is incredible, but powder works in a pinch)
- Honey or maple syrup for a balanced sweetness
- Rice vinegar for a bright, tangy note
- Toasted sesame oil for its deep, nutty fragrance
- Cornstarch to thicken the sauce into a perfect glaze
- For Garnish:
- A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds
- A flourish of thinly sliced green onions
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken in the Air Fryer
Making this teriyaki chicken air fryer recipe is as easy as 1-2-3.
Step 1 – Prep & Marinate the Chicken
First, pat your chicken pieces completely dry with a paper towel—this is your ticket to getting them nice and crispy. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. If you want to use a great all-purpose shortcut, our Asian chicken marinade is a fantastic option.
Set aside about a third of the sauce for basting later. Add the chicken pieces to the remaining sauce in the bowl and toss until every piece is glistening. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, but for a truly deep flavor, give it 30-60 minutes.
Step 2 – Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single, even layer. Be sure not to overcrowd it; you want the hot air to envelop each piece. You may need to cook in two batches.
Cook for 16–18 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. You’ll hear it sizzling as it cooks, and your kitchen will fill with the incredible aroma of ginger and garlic.
Step 3 – Glaze & Serve
While the chicken is air frying, pour the reserved sauce into a small saucepan. Whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch until it dissolves. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly as it transforms into a thick, bubbly, and glossy glaze.
During the final 2-3 minutes of cooking, brush this thickened glaze over the chicken. Watch as it instantly caramelizes, creating that irresistible sticky coating. Serve your air fryer teriyaki chicken immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh green onions.
A Quick Tip for Meal Prep
To get ahead, you can do two things:
- Prep the Marinade: Whisk the sauce ingredients together and store them in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to a week.
- Marinate Ahead: Cube and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. When you’re ready to eat, it’s a simple matter of air frying!
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the crispiest results, give the chicken pieces some breathing room. Cooking in a single layer is key.
- Marinate for Deeper Flavor: While 15 minutes is good, letting the chicken bathe in the marinade for an hour (or even overnight) will make it unbelievably flavorful and tender.
- Add Sauce Near the End: The honey in the teriyaki sauce can burn if added too early. Brushing the glaze on at the end ensures it gets sticky and caramelized, not scorched.
- Cook to 165°F: The most reliable way to guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy chicken is to use a meat thermometer. It should register 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
Flavor Variations
Want to mix things up? This recipe is incredibly adaptable.
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a teaspoon or two of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a gentle kick of heat.
- Pineapple-Teriyaki: Mix in a splash of pineapple juice to the marinade for a bright, tropical twist.
- Kid-Friendly Tenders: Slice chicken breasts into tenders instead of cubes for an easy-to-handle, dippable snack.
- Korean-Style: Swap the honey for brown sugar and add a tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a deliciously bold spin.
What to Serve With Teriyaki Chicken
This air fryer chicken teriyaki pairs beautifully with almost anything. My favorite companions are:
- A bed of fluffy white rice, nutty brown rice, or your favorite fried rice.
- Simple steamed or stir-fried greens like broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas.
- For a fun and comforting fusion, try it with crispy Potatoes O’Brien. The savory potatoes are a fantastic textural counterpoint to the sweet chicken.
- A simple side of steamed edamame or a warm bowl of miso soup.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: For the best texture, pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until it’s warmed through and the edges are crisp again. The microwave also works in a pinch.
- Freeze: Let the chicken cool completely, then freeze it in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months.
FAQs
How do you cook teriyaki chicken in the air fryer?
It’s simple! You marinate cubed chicken, then cook it at 380°F for 16-18 minutes, flipping halfway. The real secret is to brush on a thickened glaze in the last few minutes to make it sticky and delicious.
Can you put marinated chicken in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Marinated chicken cooks wonderfully in an air fryer. Just let any excess marinade drip off before placing the chicken in the basket to prevent it from steaming instead of crisping.
Can I put raw chicken in my air fryer?
Yes, you can definitely cook raw chicken in an air fryer. It’s a fast and effective way to cook chicken safely. Just ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for juicy, perfectly cooked results.
Do you add teriyaki sauce before or after cooking chicken?
A little of both! You use most of the sauce as a marinade before cooking to infuse the chicken with flavor. Then, you use a reserved portion to create a glaze that you brush on after the chicken is almost cooked. This two-step process builds layers of flavor and prevents the sauce from burning.
Final Thoughts
This air fryer teriyaki chicken recipe truly delivers on its promise of flavor, convenience, and speed. It’s the perfect answer to the “what’s for dinner?” dilemma and is sure to become a cherished favorite in your home.
When you’re ready for your next easy dinner adventure, I highly recommend the rich, savory goodness of this creamy garlic parmesan chicken. And don’t forget to browse all our chicken recipes for endless weeknight inspiration!
If you make this recipe, I’d love to know what you think. Please leave a comment below!
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1-inch cubes
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch for thickening, later
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
Instructions
Make the Marinade:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Reserve ⅓ of the marinade in a small saucepan for later. Pat the chicken dry, add to the marinade, and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour if time allows.
Preheat & Load the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking. Cook for 16–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Make the Glaze:
- While the chicken cooks, whisk 1 teaspoon of cornstarch into the reserved marinade. Simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze (about 2–3 minutes).
Glaze the Chicken:
- During the final 2–3 minutes of air frying, brush the thickened glaze over the chicken. Let it finish cooking until the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
Garnish & Serve
- Transfer the glazed chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot with rice and your favorite vegetables.
Video
Notes
- You can prep the marinade up to 5 days ahead and store it in an airtight jar in the fridge.
- Marinating the chicken is optional but highly recommended for maximum flavor.
- Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs — just monitor cook time closely to avoid drying out.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or certified GF soy sauce.
- If making a large batch, cook in two rounds to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
- Optional Marinate Time 15-60 Minutes
