Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner option, then this Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is just what you need! This recipe has become a favorite in our household because it’s not only super easy to whip up, but it also bursts with flavor that everyone loves. Whether you’re juggling a busy weeknight or planning a cozy family gathering, this dish fits perfectly into your routine.

The beauty of this Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is that it cooks in under 15 minutes while delivering juicy, succulent chicken coated in a sticky teriyaki sauce. You can feel good about serving it too, as it’s low-carb and gluten-free. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be on your regular rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in no time, making it perfect for those hectic evenings when you need dinner fast.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: With its sweet and savory flavors, even picky eaters will be asking for seconds!
• Healthy and Wholesome: Made with simple ingredients, this meal is not only delicious but also packed with protein.
• Versatile and Fun: You can easily customize it to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs.
• Make-Ahead Option: Marinate the chicken ahead of time to save even more time when cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! They are simple and wholesome, ensuring you get the most flavorful Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken without any fuss.

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using diced tofu for a plant-based alternative that soaks up the teriyaki flavor beautifully.
• Add some veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or broccoli florets into the air fryer for an all-in-one meal.
• Change the sauce: Experiment with different sauces like sweet chili or honey garlic for a new twist.
• Serve differently: Instead of serving over rice, try wrapping the chicken in lettuce leaves for a fun and fresh way to enjoy it!

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 lovely crispy texture. Cut the chicken into 1-1.5 inch cubes and place them in a medium bowl.

Step 2: Marinate with Teriyaki Sauce

Pour your teriyaki sauce over the chicken pieces and toss until they are well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour if you have time. Marinating allows all those delicious flavors to soak into the chicken!

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

While your chicken marinates, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Give your air fryer basket a quick spray with non-aerosol cooking spray to prevent sticking. Once ready, add the marinated chicken in a single layer.

Step 4: Cook Until Perfectly Done

Cook the chicken for about 12-15 minutes until its internal temperature reaches 165°F. The air fryer will work its magic here, giving you tender meat with a delightful glaze.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer. Serve immediately garnished with chopped scallions and sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy this flavorful dish hot and fresh!

Now you’re all set to make your own delicious Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken! I hope you enjoy sharing this meal with loved ones as much as I do!

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Creating the perfect Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is easy if you keep a few helpful tips in mind!

• Choose the right cut of chicken: Opting for boneless skinless chicken thighs will yield juicier results, but chicken breast works well too. The key is to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption from the teriyaki sauce.

• Marinate for flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes enhances its taste. For best results, marinate it in the refrigerator for up to an hour to deepen the teriyaki flavor.

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Cooking in a single layer ensures that each piece of chicken gets enough hot air circulation. This helps achieve that crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

• Check internal temperature: Using a meat thermometer will guarantee your chicken reaches 165°F, ensuring it’s safe to eat and perfectly cooked without being dry.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the chicken to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps retain its juices, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

How to Serve Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Serving your Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken can be as fun as making it! With a few simple additions, you can turn this delicious meal into a vibrant feast.

Garnishes

• Chopped scallions: These add a fresh crunch and pop of color, enhancing both the presentation and flavor.
• Sesame seeds: Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds on top gives a wonderful nutty flavor and beautiful texture contrast.
• Sliced radishes: For an extra crunch and a touch of spice, thinly sliced radishes can elevate your dish visually and taste-wise.

Side Dishes

• Steamed broccoli: A classic pairing with teriyaki, steamed broccoli adds nutritional value while complementing the sweet-savory flavors of the chicken.
• Brown rice: Nutty brown rice serves as an excellent base to soak up any extra teriyaki sauce while providing hearty fiber.
• Cucumber salad: A refreshing cucumber salad brings a crisp texture and balances out the richness of the teriyaki sauce with its lightness.
• Cauliflower rice: For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is not only healthy but also adaptable to absorb flavors beautifully—perfect with teriyaki!

Now you’re ready to enjoy your quick and easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken! Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this dish is sure to impress. 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 enjoy it throughout the week, making your busy days a little easier.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For best results, separate the sauce from the chicken if you have excess sauce.

Freezing

• Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely before freezing.
• Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking!

Reheating

• To reheat, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can use a microwave on medium power until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken that might help you out:

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

Absolutely! While boneless skinless thighs or breasts work best, you can also use chicken tenders or even diced chicken wings. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly.

How do I make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken spicy?

For a spicy kick, add some chili flakes or sriracha to your teriyaki sauce before marinating the chicken. It’ll give your dish an exciting flavor boost!

Can I make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is great for meal prepping. You can marinate the chicken up to a day in advance and cook it fresh when you’re ready.

What can I serve with Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, quinoa, or stir-fried vegetables. You can also toss it into salads for added protein!

Is Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken gluten-free?

Yes! Just ensure that your teriyaki sauce is labeled gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free options that work perfectly with this recipe.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this delicious Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken! With its quick cooking time and mouthwatering flavors, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy exploring this recipe and feel free to get creative with your favorite sides or garnishes. Happy cooking!