Perfectly Air-Fried Teriyaki Chicken

This air fryer teriyaki chicken recipe is an easy, convenient way to create a mouthwatering dish that rivals restaurant-quality teriyaki chicken. The result is juicy and crispy chicken thighs, perfectly coated in a sweet, umami-rich teriyaki glaze that elevates the flavor with every bite.

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If you’re looking for a straightforward way to prepare flavorful teriyaki chicken without the hassle, this air fryer recipe is the ideal solution. The dish uses juicy chicken thighs paired with a homemade teriyaki sauce that’s simple to make yet bursting with flavor.

Since getting my air fryer, I’ve fallen in love with using it to prepare chicken. It creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy – and this recipe is no exception! I want to share with you how I make teriyaki chicken using my air fryer. It’s incredibly simple, and the outcome is always tasty!

If you enjoy air-fried chicken, be sure to check out my other recipes for air fryer cajun wings and air fryer chicken breast. They are quick, flavorful, and family favorites!

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Ingredients

To make air fryer teriyaki chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken Thighs: For this recipe, boneless skin-on chicken thighs are the best choice. The skin crisps up beautifully in the air fryer while keeping the meat juicy. If you prefer chicken breasts, feel free to use them, but take care not to overcook.

• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: For the sauce, low-sodium soy sauce works best, or you can dilute regular Japanese soy sauce with water. If you use full-strength soy sauce, your glaze will be too salty. I recommend using Kikkoman’s soy sauce for a balanced flavor.

• Mirin: Mirin is a sweet Japanese cooking wine that can be found in most Asian grocery stores and online. It adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce.

• Sake: Sake is another traditional ingredient in teriyaki sauce. If you prefer to avoid alcohol in your cooking, you can skip this ingredient.

• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar, white sugar, or honey can be used as sweeteners. I prefer brown sugar for its rich flavor, but feel free to use whichever you prefer.

How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

1. Season the Chicken Thighs: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step ensures that the chicken is flavorful and well-seasoned.

2. Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket with the skin facing up. Air fry them for about 15-20 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown on the outside while remaining juicy inside.

3. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: While the chicken cooks, prepare the teriyaki sauce by combining all of the sauce ingredients (soy sauce, mirin, sake, and brown sugar) in a pan. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over low heat and let it cook until it thickens to your desired consistency.

4. Coat the Chicken in Sauce: Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a plate and generously coat it with the thickened teriyaki sauce. This will infuse the chicken with the sweet, savory flavor.

5. Garnish and Serve: For the final touch, sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the teriyaki chicken and serve it with your favorite side dishes, such as rice or steamed vegetables. Enjoy!

Tips & Notes

• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Always use low-sodium soy sauce (or dilute regular soy sauce with water) to ensure the teriyaki sauce isn’t too salty. I keep a bottle of low-sodium soy sauce in my pantry for making lighter, more balanced sauces.
• Air Fryer Tip: Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in the air fryer basket and avoid flipping them. This method ensures the skin gets crispy and delicious.
• Sauce Thickening: To thicken the sauce, use low to medium-low heat. High heat can cause the sauce to burn quickly, so be patient. Partially covering the pan with a lid helps it thicken faster.
• Troubleshooting Sauce Consistency: If the sauce doesn’t thicken to your liking, use a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water). If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it with water.

Variations

• Ginger: If you love the zing of ginger, add freshly grated ginger to the sauce while it simmers. It will add a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Garlic: Minced garlic is a great addition to the teriyaki sauce for extra depth of flavor.
• Chili: For a spicy kick, add chili flakes or fresh chili peppers to the sauce. While not traditional, they offer a flavorful variation.

How to Serve Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

• Rice: Prepare some short-grain white rice, a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with teriyaki chicken. Alternatively, you can use jasmine rice or brown rice.
• Vegetable Salad: Toss together a simple vegetable salad with ingredients like cucumber, carrot, and avocado. Top with a Japanese sesame dressing, which complements the flavors of the chicken beautifully.
• Steamed or Air-Fried Vegetables: Serve your chicken with steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers. These can also be air-fried for an extra touch of crispiness.
• Miso Soup: For a well-rounded Japanese meal, consider serving miso soup. It’s quick to make and adds a comforting, savory element to your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this teriyaki chicken recipe authentic?

Yes, this recipe uses all the classic ingredients for traditional teriyaki chicken. The only difference is that the chicken is cooked in an air fryer instead of being grilled or pan-fried.

Where can I find Japanese ingredients?

You can find most of these ingredients in any Asian grocery store or online. They are commonly used in Japanese cooking.

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

While you can use store-bought sauce for convenience, homemade teriyaki sauce allows you to adjust the flavor to your liking. I recommend making it from scratch for the best results.

How do I thicken the sauce?

The sauce thickens naturally when simmered on low heat. If needed, you can use a cornstarch slurry to help it reach the right consistency.

Can I make the sauce without a stove?

For a quicker method, you can heat the ingredients in the microwave. Just whisk the sauce ingredients together and microwave until thickened.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat before serving.