Marianne Martinez
Teriyaki chicken is a popular dish that can be made in an air fryer. It is a simple recipe that does not require a lot of ingredients and can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. The air fryer gives the chicken a nice grill flavour and helps caramelize the sauce, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. The chicken comes out juicy and super flavorful with a perfectly caramelized teriyaki glaze. The balance of sweet and savoury flavours in the teriyaki sauce pairs well with the chicken and makes it an excellent addition to rice, noodles, salads, wraps, or grain bowls.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Chicken thighs, boneless skin-on chicken thighs, chicken breast, cornstarch, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, low-sodium soy sauce, regular Japanese soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, honey, white sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame seeds, rice wine, green onions |
| Marinade | Marinate chicken in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes to overnight |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 350°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C) |
| Air Fryer Cooking Time | 15 to 18 minutes |
| Air Fryer Cooking Instructions | Place chicken thighs bottom side up or skin side up in the air fryer basket and cook for 6 to 10 minutes. Brush the chicken with teriyaki sauce and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F |
| Sauce Preparation | Combine teriyaki sauce ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer until thickened. |
| Serving Suggestions | Serve with rice, noodles, salad, steamed vegetables, or as a sandwich |
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What You'll Learn
Ingredients and preparation
To make teriyaki chicken in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:
- Chicken thighs or breasts
- Low-sodium soy sauce or regular Japanese soy sauce
- Mirin (a sweet cooking wine)
- Sake (optional)
- Brown sugar, white sugar, or honey
- Cornstarch
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Panko breadcrumbs (optional)
- Eggs (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Green onions (optional)
If you are using chicken breasts, it is recommended to cut the chicken into small cubes. For chicken thighs, you can either use boneless or bone-in with skin. If using boneless skin-on chicken thighs, place them bottom side up and make a few cuts on the thicker parts to allow the chicken to cook faster and prevent shrinking. If you are using skin-on chicken thighs, pat them dry and season with salt and pepper on both sides. For an extra crispy coating, you can dip the chicken into beaten eggs and then into a mixture of cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs before placing them in the air fryer.
Before cooking the chicken, prepare the teriyaki sauce by mixing soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), brown sugar or honey, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. You can adjust the sweetness by using either brown sugar, white sugar, or honey, or a combination of these ingredients. For a simple teriyaki sauce, you can also just combine soy sauce, cornstarch, and water. Pour about one-third of the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F to 400°F. Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray and place the chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. If you are cooking breaded chicken, cook at 375°F for 15 to 18 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through. For unbreaded chicken, cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, then brush the chicken skin with teriyaki sauce and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes or until the skin turns golden brown.
While the chicken is cooking, add the remaining teriyaki sauce to a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens, then remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Once the chicken is cooked and has rested for a few minutes, brush or toss it with the thickened teriyaki sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired, and serve over rice or with steamed or sautéed vegetables.
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Cooking methods and timings
Teriyaki chicken is a popular dish that can be easily cooked in an air fryer, resulting in juicy and flavorful chicken with a nice grill flavor. Here is a step-by-step guide on cooking methods and timings for preparing this delicious meal:
Marinating the Chicken:
Before cooking, it is recommended to marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce. Cut the chicken into small cubes or slices and remove excess moisture by patting them dry with paper towels. Prepare a mixture of cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs in a bowl. In a separate bowl, beat eggs and dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture before coating them with the cornstarch and breadcrumb mixture. Ensure the chicken is well coated. You can also season the chicken with salt and pepper before marinating. For best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour, or even overnight if possible.
Preheating the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes suggest preheating the air fryer between 350°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C). The specific temperature may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the chicken. For boneless chicken thighs, a temperature of 400°F is commonly used. If you are using chicken breasts, a lower temperature of 380°F is recommended. Preheat the air fryer for about 7 minutes or until it reaches the desired temperature.
Cooking the Chicken:
Spray the air fryer basket or insert with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap or overcrowd the basket. If needed, cook the chicken in batches. For boneless chicken thighs, cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, brush with teriyaki sauce, and then cook for an additional 5 minutes until the skin turns golden brown. For chicken breasts, cook at 380°F for 6 minutes, flip, brush with teriyaki sauce, and cook for another 5-6 minutes until done. Bone-in chicken thighs with skin may take a bit longer, cooking for 6 minutes on each side or until cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Preparing the Teriyaki Sauce:
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the teriyaki sauce by combining soy sauce, mirin (a sweet cooking wine), minced garlic, ginger, brown sugar or honey, and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly before tossing the cooked chicken in the sauce or brushing it over the chicken.
Serving Suggestions:
Air fryer teriyaki chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. It can be served with steamed rice and vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or garlic butter ramen noodles. You can also make it into a sandwich or enjoy it with a salad, such as an Asian cucumber salad with miso and sesame. For a restaurant-quality finish, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Storage and Reheating:
Leftover teriyaki chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. For meal prep, place cooked rice and vegetables in separate containers and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 375°F for 2 to 4 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat the chicken in the microwave until hot.
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Making the teriyaki sauce and glaze
To make the sauce, combine all the ingredients in a bowl or measuring cup and stir until most of the sugar is dissolved. You can also add the garlic and ginger to the cornstarch slurry for extra flavour. If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute honey for sugar.
Once you have a well-mixed sauce, pour about half of it onto the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for the best results, let it sit overnight. While the chicken is marinating, you can make the glaze by pouring the remaining sauce into a small saucepan and placing it over medium heat. Add cornstarch and water to a small bowl and mix to create a slurry, then pour it into the saucepan. Stir the mixture until it thickens and heats through.
If your sauce doesn't thicken, you can add more cornstarch slurry, and if it becomes too thick, you can thin it with some water. Remember to keep the heat low to medium-low as teriyaki sauce burns quickly when the heat is too high. You can also partially cover the pan with a lid to speed up the thickening process.
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Serving suggestions and sides
Air fryer teriyaki chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions and sides to accompany your delicious, juicy, and flavorful chicken:
Rice
Rice is a classic side dish that pairs well with teriyaki chicken. You can serve the chicken on a bed of steamed rice, such as white or brown rice, to soak up all the delicious sauce. For a more indulgent option, try garlic butter ramen noodles or egg fried rice. If you want to add some crunch and texture, you can also make rice balls and fry them to serve as a side.
Vegetables
Steamed or sautéed vegetables are a healthy and colorful addition to your plate. Broccoli and green beans are simple yet tasty options, but you can also get creative with other vegetables of your choice. If you're looking for something more exotic, try an Asian cucumber salad with miso and sesame—a refreshing and crunchy side dish.
Noodles
If you're a noodle lover, teriyaki chicken goes well with a variety of noodle dishes. Try it with some garlic butter ramen noodles or stir-fried noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal. You can also serve the chicken on a bed of noodles, topped with the teriyaki sauce, for a tasty alternative to rice.
Salads and Wraps
For a lighter option, serve your air fryer teriyaki chicken on a bed of fresh greens. You can make a simple salad with leafy greens, tomatoes, and your favorite vegetables, or get creative with an Asian-inspired salad, such as a sesame-ginger salad or a cucumber-miso salad. If you prefer something more handheld, wrap your teriyaki chicken in a soft tortilla or flatbread with some crisp vegetables and a drizzle of sauce for a tasty and portable meal.
Sides with a Crunch
If you're looking for something crispy and crunchy to accompany your juicy chicken, there are several options. One option is to make some homemade potato chips or wedges, which can be seasoned with a variety of spices to complement the teriyaki flavor. You could also bake or fry some wonton wrappers or egg roll wrappers, cutting them into triangles or strips, to create crispy chips to scoop up extra sauce.
Sandwiches
For a more casual dining experience, serve your teriyaki chicken in a sandwich or burger bun. You can top it with some fresh vegetables, such as lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, and a spread of mayonnaise or a teriyaki sauce-infused aioli.
Sides with a Sauce
If you want to add even more flavor to your meal, consider serving your teriyaki chicken with a side of sauce. This could be an extra helping of the teriyaki sauce, or you could try something different, like a spicy mayo, a sweet and sour sauce, or a tangy barbecue sauce.
With these serving suggestions and sides, your air fryer teriyaki chicken will be the star of the show, and you're sure to impress your family and friends with a delicious and versatile meal.
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Storing and reheating
Storing your teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the fridge will keep it fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just remember to let it thaw completely at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating chicken in an air fryer is a quick and efficient method that keeps the chicken crispy. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F-375°F (182°C) for a few minutes. You can lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a light coating of oil to prevent sticking and help restore crispiness. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, leaving space for hot air to flow. Reheat for 5-10 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 15 to 20 minutes to cook teriyaki chicken in an air fryer.
You should set your air fryer to around 350°F to 400°F when cooking teriyaki chicken.
To make teriyaki chicken in an air fryer, you'll need to first marinate your chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and cornstarch for at least 30 minutes. Then, preheat your air fryer to 380°F-400°F. Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray and place the chicken inside in a single layer. Air fry for 6 minutes, then flip the chicken and brush with teriyaki sauce. Cook for another 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
