Best Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

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Introduction

When it comes to quick, easy, and delicious meals, air fryer recipes have become an absolute game changer. They allow you to create crispy, golden-brown dishes with less oil and in less time. If you’re a fan of savory, umami-rich flavors, then Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is a must-try. This recipe combines the irresistible taste of homemade teriyaki sauce with the convenience of air frying to produce a dish that’s tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and full of flavor.

Teriyaki chicken is a classic Japanese-inspired dish known for its sweet and savory marinade, made with ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. When cooked in the air fryer, the chicken turns out perfectly cooked and flavorful, without the mess of frying. Whether you are making dinner for your family or preparing a special meal for guests, Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken, explaining why it’s such a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep. You’ll also find step-by-step instructions, tips, and helpful variations to make this dish your own. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: The air fryer makes cooking quick and efficient, allowing you to prepare a delicious meal in about 30 minutes.
• Crispy and Tender: The chicken is perfectly crisped on the outside while staying tender and juicy inside.
• Flavorful: With a simple, homemade teriyaki marinade, this dish is packed with bold, savory, and sweet flavors.
• Healthier Option: Cooking in the air fryer requires less oil, making it a healthier choice compared to traditional frying methods.
• Customizable: You can tweak the marinade or sauce to suit your tastes, making this recipe adaptable for different flavor preferences.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 30 minutes (10 minutes for prep, 15-20 minutes for air frying)
• Servings: This recipe serves about 4 people, depending on the portion size.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving):
  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbs: 15g
  • Fat: 18g

Ingredients

For the Teriyaki Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: You can also use thighs if you prefer dark meat. The chicken breasts should be of uniform size for even cooking.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps crisp up the chicken and adds flavor.
• Salt and pepper: For basic seasoning.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: To help the chicken crisp up in the air fryer.

For the Teriyaki Marinade:

• ¼ cup soy sauce: Use a low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option or tamari if you need a gluten-free version.
• 2 tablespoons honey: Provides sweetness to balance the savory soy sauce.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness to the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger: For a fragrant and spicy kick.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds depth of flavor.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds richness and a touch of smokiness.
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar: For additional sweetness and caramel flavor.
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, for a hint of heat.
• 1 tablespoon water: To thin out the sauce slightly.

For Garnish (Optional):

• Sesame seeds: Adds crunch and a touch of nuttiness.
• Chopped green onions: For a fresh, savory garnish.
• Sliced chili peppers: Adds color and an extra kick if desired.

Step-by-Step Preparation

First Step: MAKE THE TERIYAKI MARINADE

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Add a tablespoon of water to thin the mixture to your desired consistency.
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the marinade and adjust if needed. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more honey or brown sugar. If you want more acidity, add extra vinegar. For a spicier kick, include more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha.

Second Step: MARINATE THE CHICKEN

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Season both sides of the chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the teriyaki marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, marinate the chicken for 1-2 hours.

Third Step: PREPARE THE AIR FRYER

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
2. Prepare the Chicken for Cooking: After marinating, remove the chicken from the marinade (discard any excess marinade). Pat the chicken with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, then lightly coat both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle the chicken with cornstarch to help it achieve a crispy texture during cooking.

Fourth Step: AIR FRY THE CHICKEN

1. Arrange the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure there’s enough space between each piece for proper air circulation, which ensures even cooking.
2. Cook the Chicken: Air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the outside is golden and crispy.
3. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has cooked through completely. If needed, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, checking every minute to prevent overcooking.

Fifth Step: GLAZE THE CHICKEN

1. Make the Glaze: While the chicken is cooking, transfer the remaining teriyaki marinade to a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens into a glaze. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Glaze the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, brush the thickened teriyaki glaze generously over the chicken breasts, coating them evenly. Let the glaze set for a couple of minutes.

Final Step: GARNISH AND SERVE

1. Garnish: Sprinkle the chicken with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and optional chili peppers for added flavor and color.
2. Serve: Slice the chicken into strips or serve it whole with your favorite side dishes, such as steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple salad.

How to Serve Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some great serving ideas:

1. With Steamed Rice

The natural sweetness and savoriness of the teriyaki glaze are perfect when paired with fluffy steamed rice. The rice will soak up the sauce, making every bite more delicious.

2. Serve with Vegetables

For a balanced meal, serve the chicken with a side of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. The crunch and freshness of the vegetables complement the richness of the teriyaki chicken.

3. With a Simple Salad

A light, refreshing salad can be a great contrast to the flavorful teriyaki chicken. Consider a simple cucumber and avocado salad or a Japanese-inspired salad with sesame dressing.

4. As a Wrap

For a fun and easy meal, slice the teriyaki chicken and wrap it in a tortilla or lettuce leaves with your favorite veggies. Add some additional sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Recipe Variations

While Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is delicious as written, you can experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make it your own:

1. Use Chicken Thighs

If you prefer dark meat, you can swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are juicier and tend to stay more tender, making them a great option for this recipe.

2. Add Pineapple

For a tropical twist, add some pineapple to your marinade or serve the chicken with grilled pineapple on the side. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs wonderfully with the savory teriyaki glaze.

3. Make it Spicy

If you like your food spicy, add extra crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade or glaze. You could also drizzle the chicken with sriracha or chili oil before serving.

4. Make it Gluten-Free

To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari sauce in place of soy sauce, and ensure your ingredients (like sesame oil and cornstarch) are certified gluten-free.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavor it will absorb. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but longer is better.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For the best results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Give the chicken enough space for the hot air to circulate, ensuring a crispy exterior.
3. Use a Meat Thermometer: Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked. The recommended internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C).
4. Make Extra Sauce: If you like extra sauce, consider doubling the teriyaki marinade and using half as a glaze and the other half for dipping.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is a flavorful and easy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a special family dinner. With its crispy texture, tender chicken, and sweet-savory glaze, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. This dish is quick to make, customizable to your tastes, and much healthier than traditional frying. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious flavors of homemade teriyaki chicken with the convenience of the air fryer.