Tillie Doyle
Air fryer teriyaki chicken is a quick, easy, and healthy dish that can be made in less than 30 minutes. The chicken is cooked in an air fryer, which gives it a nice grill flavor and makes it crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The cooking time for air fryer teriyaki chicken depends on the size and type of chicken pieces used, with boneless chicken breast pieces taking around 8 minutes and chicken thighs taking around 15-20 minutes. The teriyaki sauce can be store-bought or made from scratch and thickened with cornstarch. The sauce is added to the chicken before, during, and after cooking to ensure a nice coating.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prep time | 5 minutes |
| Cooking time | 15-20 minutes |
| Total time | 30 minutes |
| Chicken type | Thighs or breasts |
| Marinating time | 5 minutes to 1 hour |
| Temperature | 350°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C) |
| Serving suggestions | Rice, salad, or sandwich |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Ingredients
The ingredients you will need for making air fryer teriyaki chicken are:
- Chicken thighs or breasts: You can use boneless skin-on chicken thighs for authentic teriyaki chicken, as the skin gets crispy while the meat stays juicy and soft. Alternatively, you can use chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them. Cut the chicken into equal-sized bite-sized pieces.
- Cornstarch: This is used to thicken the teriyaki sauce. Cornstarch can also be combined with panko breadcrumbs and used to coat the chicken before air frying for a crispy texture.
- Teriyaki sauce: You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own by combining ingredients like low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, mirin (a sweet cooking wine), sake, brown sugar or honey, garlic, and ginger.
- Rice wine: You can use Chinese rice cooking wine (Michiu) or Japanese sake.
- Sesame seeds: Use toasted black and white sesame seeds to sprinkle over the cooked chicken.
- Onion: This is optional, but you can add it to the bowl when coating the chicken with teriyaki sauce.
- Cooking spray: Use a non-stick cooking spray to grease the air fryer basket before adding the chicken.
- Eggs: Beat eggs in a small bowl and dip the chicken pieces into the egg before coating them with the cornstarch and breadcrumb mixture.
- Salt and pepper: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper before air frying.
- Green onions: Use sliced green onions as a garnish for a restaurant-quality finish.
Frying Eggplant: Air Fryer Tips and Tricks
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Air fryer temperature and duration
The temperature and duration for cooking teriyaki chicken in an air fryer depend on the type of chicken pieces used. For chicken thighs, the temperature should be set between 350°F and 400°F (180°C to 200°C). The duration of cooking varies between 15 to 20 minutes. If you are using chicken breasts, the temperature should be set between 360°F and 380°F, and the duration should be around 12 to 15 minutes.
For chicken thighs, it is recommended to cook them skin-side down first for about 6 to 8 minutes, and then flip them over and cook for another 6 to 7 minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and the model of your air fryer, so it is always good to check if the chicken is cooked through by cutting into it to ensure it is not pink inside.
For chicken breasts, it is suggested to cut them into bite-sized pieces before cooking. The recommended duration for cooking is around 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the chicken halfway through. Similar to chicken thighs, the internal temperature of the chicken breasts should reach 165°F.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that some recipes suggest pre-cooking the teriyaki sauce and using it to coat the chicken before placing it in the air fryer. This adds a nice glaze to the chicken and enhances the flavor. The sauce can be made by boiling the ingredients in a saucepan and then simmering until it reaches the desired thickness.
Sweet Potato Air Fryer Timing: Perfectly Cooked Every Time
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Chicken preparation
To make teriyaki chicken in an air fryer, you can use either chicken thighs or chicken breasts. If you are using chicken breasts, cut them into equal-sized bite-sized pieces. If you are using chicken thighs, you can either use boneless or bone-in thighs with the skin on. If you are using boneless thighs, trim them and cut them into bite-sized pieces. If you are using bone-in thighs, pat them dry and season them with salt and pepper on both sides.
Place the chicken in a bowl and cover with teriyaki sauce, stirring well to ensure every piece is coated. You can also add onion to the bowl if you like. Leave the chicken to marinate for at least 5 minutes, or up to an hour if you want the sauce to really soak in. If you are in a hurry, you can skip the marinating process altogether.
If you are using chicken thighs, place them skin-side up in the air fryer basket and do not flip them. If you are using chicken breasts, place them in the basket smooth-side down. If you are using breadcrumbs, dip the chicken pieces in egg and then in the breadcrumbs before placing them in the basket. Make sure the pieces are in a single layer with minimal overlap.
Air-Fryer Shrimp: Perfectly Cooked in Just Minutes
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Teriyaki sauce preparation
Teriyaki sauce is a versatile and flavorful Japanese sauce that can be used in various ways to add a sweet and savory taste to your dishes. It is a thick, sweet, and savory sauce with a bold, tangy flavor. The word "teriyaki" loosely translates to "glossy broil," referring to the shiny luster the sauce gives to grilled foods.
To prepare teriyaki sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar or honey
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Mirin
- Sesame oil
- Cornstarch
- Water
Combine the soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, garlic, ginger, mirin, sesame oil, and water in a bowl. Mix well to ensure that all the ingredients are incorporated. You can adjust the amounts of these ingredients based on your taste preferences. For a healthier option, you can use honey instead of sugar. If you want a more complex flavor, add some cooking wine like Chinese rice wine (Michiu) or Japanese sake.
Once you have a well-combined mixture, it's time to thicken it. Cornstarch is often added to teriyaki sauce as a thickening agent. Create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water, and then integrate it into the sauce mixture. The amount of cornstarch you add will depend on your desired thickness.
Transfer the sauce mixture to a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat. Cook the sauce for about 3 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness. You will know it's ready when you see lots of small bubbles on the surface. Remove the sauce from the heat and allow it to cool. Your teriyaki sauce is now ready to use!
You can use this homemade teriyaki sauce as a marinade, basting agent, or dipping sauce. It is a versatile sauce that pairs well with grilled foods, stir-fries, steaks, and seafood dishes. For air fryer teriyaki chicken, coat the chicken pieces in the sauce, let it marinate for at least 5 minutes to an hour, and then cook in the air fryer for a delicious weeknight meal.
Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Clams, Defrosting Not Needed!
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Serving suggestions
Air fryer teriyaki chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delicious meal:
Rice or Quinoa Bowl
A classic way to serve teriyaki chicken is with a bed of rice or quinoa. White or brown rice pairs well with the dish, and you can even try garlic butter ramen noodles for an indulgent twist. For a healthier option, quinoa provides a nutritious base that complements the chicken.
Salad or Sandwich
For a lighter option, serve the chicken on a bed of greens with an Asian-inspired salad. You can include ingredients like cucumber, miso, and sesame for a refreshing and flavorful combination. Alternatively, you can make a teriyaki chicken sandwich, offering a heartier option that's perfect for lunch or a casual dinner.
Sides and Vegetables
Steamed broccoli and green beans are excellent side dishes to accompany the chicken. You can also serve it with a rice dish like egg-fried rice, providing a contrast of textures and flavors.
Garnishes and Toppings
Garnishing the dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds adds a restaurant-quality finish. You can also sprinkle the chicken with toasted black and white sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
Leftovers and Meal Prep
Air fryer teriyaki chicken makes for excellent leftovers and can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 4 days. It's also ideal for meal prep—simply place cooked rice, chopped teriyaki chicken, and cooked vegetables in meal prep containers. Reheat in the microwave before serving.
Special Occasions
This dish can also be dressed up for special occasions. Serve it with garlic butter ramen noodles and steamed vegetables for a Mother's Day dinner or a weekend meal.
With its versatility and ease of preparation, air fryer teriyaki chicken is a fantastic option for a quick weeknight meal or a special gathering.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Preheat for Perfectly Cooked Treats
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It takes between 15 to 20 minutes to cook teriyaki chicken in an air fryer.
You should preheat your air fryer to between 360°F to 400°F.
You should marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce for at least 5 minutes, or up to an hour if you want it to really soak in.
You can serve teriyaki chicken with rice, or make it into a sandwich or salad.
Teriyaki chicken will keep for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
