Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

If you’re looking for a quick and delightful dinner option, you’ve come to the right place! This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is not just any chicken dish; it’s a harmonious blend of juicy, tender chicken and sticky, sweet teriyaki sauce that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. It’s one of those recipes that feels special yet comes together in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even casual family gatherings.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re serving it up with rice for a cozy family dinner or tossing it into a salad for a light lunch, this Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken fits the bill beautifully. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 15 minutes of cooking time, you can get dinner on the table in a flash!
• Full of flavor: The teriyaki sauce infuses the chicken with a rich and savory sweetness that everyone loves.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this dish, making it a hit at any meal.
• Healthy option: Low-carb and gluten-free, this recipe fits well into many diets without sacrificing taste.
• Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! This recipe uses simple and wholesome elements that you may already have in your kitchen. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

For the Chicken

• 1-1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast
• 2/3 cup teriyaki sauce

For Garnish (optional)

• Chopped scallions
• Sesame seeds

Variations

One of the best parts about this Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try using boneless skinless turkey or tofu for a plant-based option!
• Add some veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or broccoli during cooking for added nutrition.
• Spice it up: Add some red pepper flakes to the marinade if you’re craving a bit of heat!
• Try different sauces: Experiment with different marinades like honey garlic or sweet chili sauce for unique flavors.

How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken dry with a clean paper towel. This step helps achieve that delicious crispy exterior when air frying. Cut your chicken into 1-1.5 inch cubes and add them to a medium bowl.

Step 2: Marinate

Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and toss to coat every piece thoroughly. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to an hour if you have time). Marinating allows those wonderful flavors to soak in!

Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F while your chicken is marinating. This ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and gets perfectly crisped up on the outside. Don’t forget to spray your air fryer basket with non-aerosol cooking spray before adding the chicken!

Step 4: Cook

Add the marinated chicken to your air fryer basket in a single layer—this helps everything cook properly without steaming. Cook for about 12-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Cooking times may vary slightly based on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on it!

Step 5: Serve

Once cooked, remove your Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken from the basket. Serve immediately topped with chopped scallions and sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy this fantastic dish while it’s hot!

And there you have it—a quick, easy, and utterly delicious meal that’s bound to become a favorite in your household!

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Making the perfect Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is easier than you think! Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out flavorful and juicy every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and homemade or high-quality teriyaki sauce will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly. Fresh ingredients provide a richer taste and improve overall quality.
• Marinate for maximum flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or even up to one hour) helps the flavors penetrate deeply into the meat, resulting in a more delicious and tender chicken.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket: Cooking the chicken in a single layer allows hot air to circulate evenly, ensuring that each piece cooks thoroughly and retains its juiciness. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
• Check doneness with a meat thermometer: To avoid overcooking your chicken, use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures safety while keeping the chicken moist.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes after air frying lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, enhancing its tenderness and flavor.

How to Serve Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Serving your Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken beautifully can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some fun ways to present this delightful dish!

Garnishes

• Chopped scallions: A sprinkle of fresh scallions adds a bright, oniony flavor that complements the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds introduce a nutty crunch that elevates both texture and taste, making every bite a little more special.
• Lime wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a zesty pop that balances the sweetness of teriyaki sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Steamed broccoli: Crisp-tender broccoli adds color and nutrients, creating a balanced plate. It complements the sweet sauce without overpowering it.
• Brown rice: Serving your teriyaki chicken over fluffy brown rice makes for a hearty meal. The rice soaks up any extra sauce, providing an extra layer of flavor.
• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, bell peppers, and cilantro offers freshness and protein, making your meal even healthier.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini add depth and variety to your plate with their natural sweetness.

Now you’re all set to enjoy an amazing meal with this Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken! Whether it’s for dinner or meal prep, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time and store it for quick meals during your busy week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Place the chicken in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the cooked chicken cool down completely.
• Transfer the chicken to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can use a microwave. Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between until warmed.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken.

Can I use different cuts of chicken for Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken?

Yes! While boneless skinless thighs or breasts are recommended, you can also use chicken tenders or even cubed tofu for a vegetarian option.

How do I make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken gluten-free?

To ensure your Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is gluten-free, use a gluten-free teriyaki sauce. Many brands offer delicious options that fit this requirement.

What should I serve with Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken?

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or stir-fried vegetables. You can also enjoy it over a fresh salad for a lighter meal!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken as much as I do! It’s not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor that will please everyone at your table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Happy cooking!