Air-Fryer Teriyaki Chicken: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Teriyaki chicken is a popular dish that combines sweet and savoury flavours. The chicken is usually coated in a sticky, sweet sauce. You can make it at home in an air fryer, and it's super quick and easy – it takes less than 30 minutes. You can marinate the chicken in a teriyaki sauce before cooking, or brush the sauce onto the chicken while it's cooking.

How to make teriyaki sauce

Yes, you can put teriyaki-marinated chicken in the air fryer! Here's a recipe for making teriyaki sauce at home:

Teriyaki sauce is a thick and sticky Japanese sauce with a bold, savoury-sweet flavour and lots of umami undertones. It is typically made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, honey, and mirin. Here is a simple recipe you can make at home:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup tamari or low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon honey (or agave nectar/sweetener of choice)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons mirin (or sherry with a pinch of sugar)
• 1/4 cup water mixed with 3 teaspoons cornstarch

Instructions:

• Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan and whisk together.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 4 minutes until thickened.
• Remove from the heat and let the sauce cool.
• Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Your homemade teriyaki sauce is now ready to be used as a marinade, basting agent, or dipping sauce. Enjoy!

How to prepare chicken for the air fryer

Preparing chicken for the air fryer is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Choose the Right Chicken:

Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can also use chicken tenderloins or cutlets for quicker cooking. Ensure the chicken is trimmed and cut into equal-sized bite-sized pieces or thin, flat pieces for even cooking.

Marinade or Brine (Optional):

You can enhance the flavour and juiciness of your chicken by marinating it in a sauce or brining it. For a simple marinade, combine soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and other Asian-inspired flavours. Alternatively, you can dry brine your chicken by sprinkling it with salt and letting it rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Prepare the Chicken:

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. If desired, lightly pound the chicken to an even thickness using a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm. This helps ensure even cooking.

Season the Chicken:

Drizzle or brush the chicken with a small amount of olive oil, avocado oil, or another high-heat oil. This helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken. Then, sprinkle your desired seasonings onto the chicken. You can use a simple blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, or get creative with other dried herbs and spices. Don't be afraid to be generous with the seasonings!

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend cooking chicken in the air fryer at temperatures between 375-415°F (190-210°C). The exact temperature and preheat time will depend on your air fryer model.

Cook the Chicken:

Place the seasoned chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space for air to circulate. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can affect cooking results. Cook the chicken for 6-10 minutes on one side, then flip it over and cook for an additional 3-8 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken pieces and the temperature of your air fryer.

Check Doneness:

To ensure your chicken is cooked through, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken is considered safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Rest and Serve:

Once your chicken reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender chicken. Serve your air-fried chicken with your favourite sides and enjoy!

How long to cook chicken in the air fryer

Teriyaki chicken is a great dish to cook in an air fryer, as it gives the chicken a nice grilled flavour and helps caramelise the sauce. The length of time you cook chicken in an air fryer depends on the type of chicken you are using, the temperature of the air fryer, and the size of the chicken pieces.

If you are cooking chicken thighs, it is recommended that you cook them for around 14-17 minutes at 350°F (180°C), flipping them over halfway through. If you are cooking chicken breasts, it is recommended that you cook them for around 15-18 minutes at 375°F (190°C), again flipping them over halfway through.

If you are cooking bite-sized pieces of chicken, it is recommended that you cook them for 8-10 minutes at 360°F (180°C). If you are cooking larger pieces of chicken, it is recommended that you lower the temperature to around 350°F (180°C) and increase the cooking time accordingly, checking regularly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

It is important to ensure that your chicken is cooked properly to avoid food poisoning. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this.

How to make chicken tender

Yes, you can put teriyaki-marinated chicken in the air fryer. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make chicken tenders in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Chicken tenderloins or chicken breasts cut into strips
• Olive oil or neutral-flavoured oil
• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Parsley and lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.
• In a mixing bowl, add the chicken tenders and oil. Mix well, ensuring each tenderloin is coated.
• Add the spices and seasonings to the bowl and mix until well combined.
• Place the chicken tenders into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Air fry the chicken tenders for 7-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• To check if the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F.
• For a crispy coating, you can bread the chicken tenders before air frying. Dip them in beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs.
• Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice and chopped parsley, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious, tender, and juicy air-fried chicken!

How to store leftovers

Teriyaki chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it in a freezer bag and keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Leftover teriyaki chicken can be used in a variety of dishes such as salads, pizzas, soups, Asian tacos, and quesadillas. You can also use it as a topping for rice bowls or stir-fry dishes.

• Store leftovers in airtight containers: Use containers with tight-fitting lids to keep the food fresh and prevent spills.
• Cool leftovers before storing: Allow the cooked chicken to cool down to room temperature before placing it in the fridge. Storing hot food can raise the temperature of the fridge, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow.
• Label and date leftovers: Use labels or markers to indicate what the leftovers are and when they were stored. This helps you keep track of how long they have been in the fridge.
• Store in appropriate portions: Divide the leftovers into single-serving containers to make it easier to reheat and serve.
• Consume within a few days: Try to eat the leftovers within 2-3 days to ensure optimal freshness and flavour.

By following these simple guidelines, you can safely enjoy your delicious air fryer teriyaki chicken leftovers for several meals!

Frequently asked questions