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Glazed air fryer teriyaki chicken served over rice with sesame seeds and green onions

Easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

This air fryer teriyaki chicken delivers juicy, golden chicken bites coated in a sweet and sticky homemade glaze. It’s a quick and flavorful dinner that comes together in under 25 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights!
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Prep Time 7 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian-Inpired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 310 kcal

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.
    Chicken cubes in a bowl coated with homemade teriyaki marinade

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.
    Marinated chicken arranged evenly in an air fryer basket

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).
    Teriyaki sauce simmering in a saucepan with a whisk

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.
    Glaze being brushed onto air-fried chicken pieces

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.
    Air fryer teriyaki chicken plated with rice and garnishes

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
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