Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Craving that irresistible balance of sweet and savory, but without the guilt or greasy mess? Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is your new go-to weeknight dinner that brings all the bold flavors of traditional Japanese teriyaki with a modern, healthier twist. Using an air fryer lets you get juicy, caramelized chicken with crispy edges while skipping the excess oil and hassle of stovetop cooking.

This recipe is fast and straightforward, but it’s also quite flavorful, thanks to a homemade teriyaki glaze that’s sticky and garlicky and perfectly balanced by soy sauce, ginger, honey, and a splash of rice vinegar. Whether you are trying to get ahead midweek and meal prep for the week or simply need a delicious and fast Asian dinner to impress, Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken strikes all the right chords – quick, healthy, plus it’s ready in under 30 minutes.

What’s even better? It’s incredibly versatile. Spoon it over steamed jasmine rice, use it in a salad, or stuff it into lettuce wraps for a light lunch. For everyone from multi-tasking parents to cooking beginners, this dish is sure to be a winner and a great way to get takeout-inspired flavors without all the effort and all the satisfaction.

What Is Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken?

This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is a speedy, easy, and tasty alternative to the traditional Japanese dish. Teriyaki chicken has traditionally been cooked through grilling or pan searing, then glazed in a sticky, sweet-savory coating typically built from soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. In this iteration, the air fryer takes over where traditional cooking left off and provides crispy-edged, juicy chicken in a fraction of the time and with significantly less fat.

This recipe is so famous for its perfect camaraderie of health with taste. The intense heat circulation of the air fryer also caramelizes the teriyaki glaze, giving it a crispy crust without drying out the meat inside. It’s one of those family-friendly meals perfect for a rushed weeknight dinner, meal prep, or entertaining.

Whether you’re new to Japanese-inspired cooking or just looking for ways to use your air fryer creatively, Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Convenient: Ready in under 30 minutes from prep to plate.
• Healthier Option: Air frying uses less oil than pan-frying or deep frying.
• Bold Flavors: The homemade teriyaki glaze blends salty, sweet, and umami-rich goodness.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike.
• Versatile Uses: Serve it with rice, noodles, veggies, or wraps.

This recipe makes teriyaki chicken more accessible and doable even on your busiest days without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Health Benefits of Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken This is one of those recipes you can’t get enough of. Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is not only delicious but also healthy. When you choose the right ingredients and use lean meat, Air frying is a healthier alternative for the health-conscious home cook, using a fraction of the oil used during deep frying.
Chicken, particularly if it’s skinless breast or thigh meat, contains a good-quality protein needed for muscle repair, immune function, and energy.
Additionally, homemade teriyaki sauce can be controlled for sugar and sodium levels, making it healthier than most store-bought versions. Let’s break down the key benefits below.

📊 Health Benefits Table

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken From OoohDelish!

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Juicy, flavorful Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken made easy with just a few ingredients. Perfectly cooked chicken with a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze, a delicious dish that’s both quick and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Air Fryer, Main Course

Cuisine Asian, Japanese

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• Air Fryer (The key to achieving the perfect crispy texture.)
• Mixing Bowl (For whisking together the teriyaki marinade ingredients.)
• Tongs (For safely flipping the chicken in the air fryer.)
• Basting Brush (To apply extra marinade for glazing.)
• Measuring Spoons (For accurate measurements of the marinade ingredients.)

Ingredients

  

• 4 Chicken Breasts Boneless and skinless (Chicken breasts cook quickly and are perfect for this recipe.)
• ¼ cup Soy Sauce Low-sodium soy sauce is a great option.
• 2 tbsp Honey Adds sweetness and helps the chicken caramelize.
• 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar Balances out the sweetness with a tangy kick.
• 1 tbsp Sesame Oil Gives the marinade a rich, nutty flavor.
• 2 cloves Garlic Minced (Fresh garlic adds an aromatic savory depth.)
• 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger Grated (Grated ginger gives the dish a refreshing zesty kick.)
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch Helps thicken the marinade for a glossy finish.
• 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds Optional (For added crunch and flavor after cooking.)
• 2 Green Onions Sliced (A fresh garnish with a slight peppery note.)

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil (if using). Stir well to combine.
• Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to allow the flavors to infuse.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
• Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place the thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes to retain its juices.
• Serve and Garnish: Slice the chicken and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve with steamed rice or your favorite side dish.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs will give a juicier result.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less honey based on your preference.

 

Keyword crispy chicken, quick recipe, teriyaki chicken

Best Chicken Cuts to Use

While boneless skinless chicken thighs are most traditional for teriyaki, this recipe is flexible.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Juicier and more flavorful; perfect for teriyaki.
• Chicken Breasts: Leaner, ideal for a low-fat version (just be careful not to overcook).
• Chicken Drumsticks or Wings: Great for appetizers; cook time will increase slightly.

No matter the cut, make sure pieces are relatively uniform in size for even cooking in the air fryer.

How to Make Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

A homemade sauce makes all the difference. Skip the bottled stuff; this one is easy to clean!

Ingredients for Teriyaki Sauce:

• Soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
• Honey or brown sugar
• Fresh garlic and ginger
• Rice vinegar or mirin
• Cornstarch + water (for thickening)

Method: Simmer everything in a saucepan for 5–7 minutes until thick and glossy. You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

How to Serve Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

This dish is incredibly versatile, making it easy to build a whole meal around.

Top Serving Suggestions:

• With Steamed White Rice – the classic combo.
• Over Vegetable Stir Fry – load it with broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas.
• On Noodles – soba, ramen, or rice noodles make it more filling.
• In Lettuce Wraps – fresh, low-carb, and great for lunch.
• As a Bento Box Addition – pair with edamame, pickles, and fruit for a Japanese-style lunch.

Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or crushed peanuts for extra flair.

Variations and Flavor Twists

Want to change things up? Here are some fun variations to try:

• Spicy Teriyaki Chicken – Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the marinade.
• Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken – Stir in pineapple chunks for sweet tropical flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version – Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Low-Sugar Version – Swap honey with monk fruit or stevia sweetener.

These little changes can take your Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken in new directions without straying from its delicious roots.

Can You Meal Prep or Freeze It?

Absolutely! Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is meal prep–friendly and stores well.

Storage Tips:

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for best results.

Meal Prep Tip: Keep the sauce separate when storing, then toss and reheat for fresher flavor and texture.

Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

• Preheat Your Air Fryer to get crispy edges.
• Don’t Overcrowd the basket cook in batches if needed.
• Flip Halfway Through for even browning.
• Marinate the Chicken for at least 30 minutes if time allows, it deepens the flavor.

Follow these tips, and you’ll nail the texture and taste every time.

Conclusion: Why Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Deserves a Spot on Your Weekly Menu

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken proves that healthy and good-tasting can be very good for close friends. A few months back, I got an air fryer, and I’ve been trying all my recipes. And its warm, juicy bites covered in a thick, glistening teriyaki fulfill that hankering without all the heaviness and guilt of other yes-you-can-have-a-fried foods. With the air fryer, you retain the crispy coating and tender chicken without all the oil, which makes this a winning choice for clean eating.
In addition to its fantastic taste and texture, this meal is packed with health benefits. The chicken provides lean proteins to repair muscle and ensure feelings of fullness, and the garlic, ginger, and homemade teriyaki blend uses functional food ingredients to help keep us well. You can also tailor the sauce to gluten-free, low-sodium, low-sugar diets to show just how versatile and family-friendly this meal can be.
So whether you’re meal prepping for the week, trying to please some picky eaters, or want to do something different with your air fryer, you must try these teriyaki chicken thighs! It provides restaurant-level satisfaction with a fraction of the calories, and the whole thing comes together in less than 30 minutes. So the next time you search for a tasty, no-hassle dinner, let this air fryer favorite work its magic.

FAQs: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

🥄 Share Your Twist on Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken! 🍗✨

Did you add a touch of honey for extra sweetness? Or maybe you tossed in some garlic for a savory punch? Whatever your twist is, we want to hear all about it!

📸 Snap a pic of your Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken and drop it in the comments — bonus points for pairing it with fresh sides or a vibrant sauce!

💬 Got a flavor-packed secret? Maybe a spicy kick with sriracha or a fresh, tangy salsa? Share your unique take and let’s inspire each other!

📢 Tag us on social media using #OoohDelishTeriyaki — your special version could be the next star recipe!

Your creative flair might just turn into the next viral sensation! 💥🎉

References

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