Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

The aroma of teriyaki chicken wafts through the kitchen, warming your heart as it fills the space with a sweet and savory scent. This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken takes just over an hour to make and is a surefire way to satisfy your cravings with its juicy, flavorful bites. The air fryer ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked while retaining a tender texture, making it a healthy alternative to traditional frying.

This recipe is perfect for busy families, weeknight dinners, or meal prep enthusiasts. Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for quick meals throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The air fryer cooks the chicken evenly, ensuring juiciness in every bite.
• Teriyaki sauce provides a delightful, rich flavor without the extra calories.
• The quick marinating process infuses the chicken with intense taste in under an hour.
• Garnishing with scallions and sesame seeds enhances both the presentation and flavor.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to whip up this delicious dish:

For the Chicken

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

For Serving

• Chopped scallions – optional for garnish
• Sesame seeds – optional for garnish

Store any leftover teriyaki sauce for future use.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken thighs can be replaced with chicken breast.
• Teriyaki sauce can be homemade or store-bought.
• Use green onions instead of scallions for garnish.
• Substitute sesame seeds with crushed nuts for texture.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to create your Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken.

1. Pat and Cut

Pat the chicken dry with a clean paper towel, cut the chicken into 1-1.5 inch cubes, and add it to a medium bowl.

2. Marinate

Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and toss to coat it all. Cover the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour. Note: If marinating for longer than 30 minutes, then place the chicken into the refrigerator.

3. Preheat

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and spray the air fryer basket with non-aerosol cooking spray.

4. Cook

Add the chicken to the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook it for 12-15 minutes, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

5. Serve

Once the chicken is done cooking, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately garnished with scallions and sesame seeds, if desired.

How to Store It

Fridge: 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Yes, for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Cut the chicken uniformly for even cooking.
• Allow the chicken to marinate for the full hour for maximum flavor.
• Make sure to preheat your air fryer for crispy edges.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket to ensure thorough cooking.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
• Serve with a side of spring rolls for an Asian-inspired feast.
• Enjoy it over a fresh salad for a lighter option.