How do you make chicken tender and not rubbery?

For juicier and tender chicken, marinate it overnight. Consider using a gluten-free, acidic marinade such as olive oil and lemon juice, or opt for a breadier option like baking soda, egg whites, and buttermilk.

Do you need to put oil on chicken in an air fryer?

I recommend lightly spraying the fried chicken with oil before and during air frying. This way, the pieces aren't entirely submerged in oil, and they absorb less oil in the process.

How do you crisp chicken in an air fryer?

A small amount of oil is usually necessary to achieve a crispy texture. A drizzle or a quick oil spray is all you need for restaurant-quality fries and golden brown air-fried chicken.

Can you use store-bought teriyaki sauce as a marinade?

Suppose you want to simplify this recipe or don't have enough time to make a homemade teriyaki sauce; you can use a store-bought sauce instead.

Can I avoid using the stove for the sauce?

If you're making a single serving and want to avoid the cleanup, skip the stove and heat the sauce in the microwave. Whisk the ingredients in a bowl, and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds until the sauce thickens.

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken - Cook it Real Good

This air fryer teriyaki chicken recipe is sweet and flavorful, prepared in under 30 minutes! The final result is crispy chicken thighs with a golden caramelized glaze that'll make you can't wait for the next bites. This is a restaurant-quality meal homemade edition, with simple ingredients you'll find sitting on your kitchen counter.

For those who know me, I laaafff my air fryer. It's no secret that it has spent time my days in the kitchen, turning it into a perfect tool for cooking easy meals. Let's keep the momentum going with this delicious air fryer teriyaki chicken recipe, thanks to its irresistible flavours and simplicity.

I'm really proud for this homemade teriyaki sauce. Proof that I do more than just binge-watch Netflix, hahaha, just kiddin'. There's something incredibly satisfying about making your own sauce from scratch, plus it leaves room for customization. Whether you like it with honey or sugar, you can add so many levels of deliciousness you don't get from store-bought sauce.

So, if you're looking to impress your family or simply treat yourself to a delightful meal, I'll share my tips and hacks for the best air fryer teriyaki chicken recipe in this guide.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Air fryer teriyaki chicken is a game-changer for your weeknight dinners. Here are all the reasons this recipe will have you hooked:

Quick and easy: Imagine, under 30 minutes! Teriyaki chicken thighs are the perfect meal for busy days. Like when Belle (my favorite cousin, I've mentioned her before, rite?) suddenly suggests coffee but...we all know it’s a gossip meetup *lol*, but the table still needs food.
Healthy: Air frying requires less oil than traditional frying methods, resulting in a healthier and lighter meal.
Flavorful: The sweet and keen flavors of air-fried teriyaki chicken blend wonderfully together, creating a tempting sensation with every bite. My kids called it, "Yummy yamma...".
Versatile: Air fryer teriyaki chicken can be easily adapted to different dietary preferences, such as low-carb.
Family-friendly: This recipe is loved by kids and adults alike, making it a go-to dish for family gatherings. Even if you have picky young eaters at home, this dish will have them licking their fingers.
Minimal prep time: Thanks to the air fryer, your hands-on time is minimal for this recipe, and you're left with less cleanup.

INGREDIENTS FOR AIR FRYER TERIYAKI CHICKEN

Here are all the ingredients you'll need for this flavorful air fryer chicken teriyaki recipe:

FOR THE CHICKEN

Four boneless chicken thighs
Salt and black pepper to taste

FOR HOMEMADE TERIYAKI SAUCE

2 ½ tablespoons sake
2 ½ tablespoons mirin
3 tablespoons soy sauce (or low-sodium soy sauce)
3 tablespoons honey
Sesame seeds for garnish

HOW TO COOK TERIYAKI CHICKEN IN THE AIR FRYER

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, season the boneless chicken thighs with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper on both sides.

Place the chicken thighs in the preheated air fryer basket and cook for 14 minutes.

Flip halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and the skin turns golden brown and crispy.

As the chicken thighs are cooking, prepare the teriyaki sauce. Combine the sake, mirin, soy sauce, and honey in a small saucepan and stir the mixture over low-medium heat for 3 minutes. Let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent it from burning, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

When the chicken thighs are cooked in the air fryer, place them in the teriyaki saucepan and coat them evenly on both sides.

After coating, place the chicken back in the air fryer basket and cook for another 3-5 minutes at 200°C (400°F). This step helps the sauce caramelize beautifully onto the chicken, enhancing its flavor.

Once the chicken is ready, slice it and serve with white rice, sprinkled with sesame seeds for garnish. This is the perfect meal that's sure to impress and satisfy!

WHAT KIND OF CHICKEN SHOULD I USE?

High-quality chicken is essential for achieving the best taste and texture in your air-fried teriyaki recipe. Organic, free-range, or pasture-raised chicken is an option, as these options typically provide superior flavor and a more tender texture.

For this particular recipe, I recommend using boneless chicken thighs. They are ideal because they stay juicy and flavorful throughout the cooking process.

TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST AIR FRYER TERIYAKI CHICKEN

To ensure your air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs turn out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

Don't marinate the chicken with sauce: the high sugar content can cause it to burn. Instead, apply the sauce after the chicken is cooked and air fry it for 3-5 minutes. When sugar is exposed to heat, it breaks down and caramelizes, creating a beautiful, rich glaze.
Use moderate temperature: it might be tempting to set the air fryer temperature as high as possible, but the trick for the perfect crispy exterior is using moderate temperature. Adjust the cooking time to 14 minutes at 200°C (400°F) and give the chicken thighs time to turn crunchy and brown.
Use a meat thermometer: to guarantee the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat, use a meat thermometer. Additionally, The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F).
Choose the right soy sauce: use low-sodium or regular Japanese soy sauce thinned with water to avoid an overly salty and unbalanced sauce. Regular soy sauce is recommended to maintain the right flavor profile rather than light or dark soy sauce.
Don't overcook: be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. Therefore, closely monitor the cooking time to keep the chicken juicy and tender.
Don't overcrowd: to ensure your air fryer teriyaki chicken cooks to perfection, air fry in two separate batches. Moreover, leave some space between each piece in the air fryer basket to allow for even crisping.
Thicken the sauce correctly: if the sauce doesn't thicken as desired, use a cornstarch slurry made from equal parts water and cornstarch. This helps achieve the right consistency. However, if the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with water.

HOW TO SERVE AIR FRYER TERIYAKI CHICKEN

Air fryer teriyaki chicken can be served in various ways. Once your chicken is cooked, garnish it with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, and serve it hot. Here are a few serving suggestions:

With rice: Japanese short-grain white or brown rice blends wonderfully with teriyaki chicken thighs, soaking in the delicious sauce.
With vegetables: air fry or steam some of your favorite vegetables such as air fryer broccoli, crunchy roasted peas, roasted lemon garlic asparagus, and bell peppers, or toss the chicken on a vegetable stir fry with noodles.
With a salad: slice the chicken thighs and add them to a fresh green salad for a lighter meal. My favorites are cabbage and crunchy noodle salad, crunchy kale salad with lemon tamari dressing, easy greek salad, and chickpea and kidney bean salad.
In a wrap: use the teriyaki chicken in a wrap with lettuce, avocado, and a drizzle of extra sauce for a quick lunch.

TERIYAKI CHICKEN INGREDIENTS SUBSTITUTION

Do dietary restrictions or taste preferences? Here are a few substitution ingredients for this delicious teriyaki chicken recipe:

Brown sugar instead of honey: if you prefer a slightly less sweet sauce, substitute honey with brown sugar. This will give a deeper sweetness to your homemade teriyaki sauce.
Play around with seasonings: add some black or red pepper flakes to spice things up. Chilli flakes or fresh chili peppers also work wonders. You could also add garlic for some extra flavor and some minced or grated ginger.
Use chicken wings instead of thighs: chicken wings have a higher skin-to-meat ratio, resulting in a crispier exterior when air-fried. This makes them perfect for absorbing the teriyaki sauce.

HOW TO STORE AIR FRYER TERIYAKI CHICKEN

I always recommend enjoying it when it is warm. However, if there are still leftovers, here's how to store them properly:

Store leftovers: In the refrigerator, store the chicken and the sauce in separate airtight containers. The chicken can last up to 4 days, and the sauce can last up to 2 weeks.
Freeze: Let the chicken cool completely at room temperature for longer storage. Then, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat frozen chicken thighs, thaw them at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight. Then reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the air fryer will help retain its crispy texture.

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