Teriyaki Chicken Air Fryer Recipes: 5 Ways to Wow Your Tastebuds

Name: Teriyaki Chicken Air Fryer Recipes: 5 Ways to Wow Your Tastebuds
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon minced ginger; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; Sesame seeds for garnish

By:

Christina R. Jones

June 2, 2025

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If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal, let me tell you – teriyaki chicken in the air fryer is where it’s at! This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, the combination of tender chicken bathed in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce is pure bliss. And the best part? You can whip it up in no time, with minimal prep and just a handful of ingredients!

The air fryer makes everything even better, giving you that crispy, caramelized exterior while keeping the chicken juicy and tender inside. Plus, cleanup is a breeze! You can have this dish on the table in about 45 minutes, including marinating and cooking time. Imagine the delightful aroma filling your kitchen as you prepare this meal – it’s enough to make anyone’s mouth water! So grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this simple yet scrumptious recipe that’s sure to impress your family or guests. You won’t regret it!

teriyaki chicken air fryer recipes - detail 1

Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken Air Fryer Recipes

Let’s gather everything you need to make this mouthwatering teriyaki chicken! I promise it’s all straightforward, and you might already have many of these ingredients in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results. They cook evenly and soak up the flavor beautifully.
1/4 cup soy sauce: This is your base for the marinade, adding that salty, umami flavor we all love. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your sodium intake.
2 tablespoons honey: This adds a touch of sweetness to balance the soy sauce. Feel free to use maple syrup for a different twist!
2 tablespoons rice vinegar: It brings a lovely acidity that brightens up the dish. If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar works in a pinch.
1 tablespoon sesame oil: This ingredient contributes a rich, nutty flavor that’s essential for that authentic teriyaki taste.
1 tablespoon minced garlic: Fresh garlic adds a robust kick! You can use garlic powder if you’re in a hurry, but fresh is always better.
1 tablespoon minced ginger: Just like garlic, fresh ginger brings warmth and depth to the marinade. Grate it finely for the best flavor.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: This will help thicken the sauce during cooking. It’s a little secret for that glossy finish!
2 tablespoons water: This is mixed with the cornstarch to create a slurry that you’ll brush on the chicken at the end.
Sesame seeds for garnish: These are optional but add a delightful crunch and a beautiful touch when serving.

Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also impressively easy to make. Let’s keep that momentum going and dive into the preparation steps next!

How to Prepare Teriyaki Chicken in the Air Fryer

Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, it’s time to whip up this delicious teriyaki chicken! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a fantastic meal on the table before you know it. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

First things first, we need to marinate our chicken to infuse it with all those amazing flavors. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Give it a good whisk until everything is well blended.

Next, add your chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure they’re fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything into a zip-top bag for convenience. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting it sit for an hour or even overnight will really boost the flavor!

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

While your chicken is soaking up all that goodness, it’s a great time to preheat your air fryer. Set it to 380°F (193°C). Preheating is essential because it helps the chicken cook evenly and develop that nice crispy exterior we all love. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, just let it run for about 5 minutes before adding the chicken. You want it hot and ready!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Once your chicken has marinated and the air fryer is preheated, it’s time to cook! Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and place them in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not overcrowded; you want them to get that perfect golden color.

Cook the chicken for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you might need to add a couple of extra minutes, so keep an eye on them. They should be cooked through and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Apply the Slurry

Here comes the secret weapon for that glossy finish! In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. When your chicken has about 2 minutes left to cook, brush this mixture over the chicken. This will thicken the sauce and give your teriyaki chicken that beautiful, shiny coating. Just a little brush will do, so don’t go overboard!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Before serving, sprinkle a few sesame seeds on top for that lovely crunch and a touch of elegance. You can serve your teriyaki chicken alongside steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. Trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds!

Nutritional Information

Before we dive into enjoying this delicious teriyaki chicken, let’s take a look at the nutritional information! Just a quick note: keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients you use or brands you choose, so these values are approximate and may not be precise for every batch.

For one serving of this tasty teriyaki chicken (which is one chicken breast), here’s what you can typically expect:

Calories: 250
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 12g
Sugar: 8g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 30g

So, whether you’re keeping track of calories or just want to savor a flavorful meal, this teriyaki chicken is a fantastic option that won’t weigh you down. Let’s keep the good vibes going and move on to why you’ll absolutely love this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This teriyaki chicken comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
Flavorful Delight: The combination of soy sauce, honey, and garlic creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
Healthier Option: Cooking in the air fryer means less oil, making this dish a lighter choice without sacrificing flavor.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the marinade to suit your taste – add more honey for sweetness or extra garlic for a kick!
Minimal Cleanup: The air fryer simplifies cooking and reduces mess, so you can enjoy your meal without the hassle of a big cleanup.
Perfectly Juicy: The air fryer locks in moisture, ensuring your chicken is tender and juicy every time.
Great for Meal Prep: This recipe is fantastic for prepping lunches or dinners ahead of time – just reheat and enjoy!

Tips for Success with Teriyaki Chicken Air Fryer Recipes

Ready to elevate your teriyaki chicken game? Here are some practical tips to ensure your air fryer recipe turns out perfectly every time!

Select the Right Chicken: Always opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor absorption. If you prefer dark meat, thighs can work wonderfully too – they’re juicier and have a richer flavor.
Marinate Longer for Flavor: If you can plan ahead, marinating your chicken for a few hours or even overnight will give you a deeper, more robust flavor. Just make sure to keep it in the fridge during that time!
Adjust Cooking Time for Thickness: Chicken breasts can vary in size, so if you’re working with particularly thick pieces, be sure to check for doneness a bit earlier or later. An instant-read thermometer is a great tool for ensuring the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Don’t Skip the Slurry: Applying the cornstarch slurry in the last few minutes of cooking is key for that shiny, glossy finish. It makes a world of difference in presentation and texture!
Feel Free to Customize: If you love a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the marinade or drizzle on some sriracha before serving. Want a touch of sweetness? Toss in a bit more honey or even some pineapple juice for variation.
Serve It Right: Pair your teriyaki chicken with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. Don’t forget to garnish with sesame seeds and maybe even some sliced green onions for a pop of color!
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the crispiest results, give your chicken some space in the air fryer. If you’re making a double batch, cook them in two rounds rather than cramming everything in at once.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating mouthwatering teriyaki chicken that’ll impress everyone at the dinner table. Happy cooking!

Variations on Teriyaki Chicken Air Fryer Recipes

Let’s get creative with our teriyaki chicken! One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Here are some delicious variations and substitutions to keep your taste buds excited!

Pineapple Teriyaki: Add some fresh or canned pineapple chunks to your marinade for a sweet, tropical twist. The pineapple juice will enhance the sweetness and the acidity, balancing beautifully with the savory elements.
Spicy Teriyaki: Want to kick things up a notch? Add some sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick. You can also drizzle some spicy chili oil over the chicken before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
Honey Garlic Variation: If you’re a garlic lover like me, double the minced garlic in the marinade! You could also add a splash of garlic powder for a deeper flavor. This makes for a rich, garlicky glaze that complements the sweetness perfectly.
Sesame Ginger Chicken: Boost the sesame flavor by adding toasted sesame seeds to the marinade and as a garnish. You can also increase the amount of fresh ginger for that extra zing!
Citrus Teriyaki: Squeeze in some fresh orange or lime juice for a zesty, bright flavor. This variation pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the honey and soy sauce, making it refreshing and vibrant.
Vegetable Add-ins: Toss some bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas in the air fryer alongside the chicken for a complete meal in one basket! Just make sure to cut the veggies into similar sizes for even cooking.
Different Proteins: Don’t feel limited to chicken! This marinade works beautifully with tofu, shrimp, or even pork. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly, as shrimp and tofu may cook faster than chicken.

These variations not only add excitement to your meals but also allow you to experiment based on what you have on hand. So don’t hesitate to mix and match – the sky’s the limit when it comes to creating your perfect teriyaki chicken dish!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? No problem! Properly storing your teriyaki chicken will keep it delicious for days. Here’s how I recommend handling any extras:

Storing Leftovers: Once your teriyaki chicken has cooled down to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. I find glass containers work great because they don’t retain odors like plastic can. Make sure to seal it tightly to keep all that amazing flavor in!
Refrigeration: Store your leftover chicken in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It’s a fantastic option for meal prep, and you’ll love having it ready to go for quick lunches or dinners!
Freezing: If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze the chicken! Just make sure it’s wrapped well in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag or container. It should keep well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Now, let’s talk reheating! You want to make sure your chicken stays juicy, so here are my go-to methods:

Microwave: If you’re in a rush, the microwave is the quickest option. Place your chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Heat in 30-second intervals, flipping halfway through, until warmed through. Just be careful not to overdo it, or it can dry out!
Air Fryer: For the best results, I love reheating in the air fryer. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C), and place the chicken in the basket. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method helps maintain that crispy exterior we all adore!
Oven: You can also reheat in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to prevent drying and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method is great if you’re reheating a larger batch.

By following these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to savor your teriyaki chicken leftovers just like it was fresh out of the air fryer. Enjoy every last bite!