Air-Fried Chicken Teriyaki: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Chicken teriyaki is a popular dish that combines sweet, savoury, and tangy flavours. It's usually made with chicken pieces covered in a sweet and savoury sauce. This dish can be made in an air fryer in less than 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy weeknight meal. The air fryer gives the chicken a nice grilled flavour and helps caramelise the sauce, coating the chicken nicely.

Choosing the right cut of chicken

Opting for Skin-On Chicken:

Using chicken with the skin on is an excellent choice for air fryer chicken teriyaki. The skin helps retain moisture, resulting in juicy and succulent meat. It also provides a delightful texture and serves as a perfect base for the teriyaki sauce to cling to. This option is especially recommended if you want to achieve that irresistible glazed finish.

Boneless Chicken Thighs:

Boneless chicken thighs are a popular choice for this recipe. They offer a good balance between cooking time and flavour. Medium-sized, boneless chicken thighs are ideal as they cook relatively quickly and provide a generous amount of meat. This cut also pairs well with the teriyaki sauce, absorbing its flavours beautifully.

Other Options:

If you prefer white meat, you can opt for boneless and skinless chicken breasts. This option is leaner and provides a different texture. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, and you'll need to ensure the chicken doesn't dry out. Additionally, you can explore using drumsticks, wings, or even bone-in chicken thighs. These choices offer convenience and can be just as tasty, but keep in mind that they may require a longer cooking time.

Freshness and Quality:

Regardless of the cut you choose, always opt for the freshest and highest quality chicken available. Look for organic, free-range, or pasture-raised options, as these can significantly enhance the taste and texture of your dish.

Remember, the right cut of chicken for air fryer teriyaki depends on your personal preference and the specific attributes of the chicken available to you. Don't be afraid to experiment with different cuts to find your favourite, and always follow food safety guidelines when handling and cooking chicken.

Marinating the chicken

Firstly, prepare your chicken thighs by placing them bottom side up and making a few cuts on the thicker parts. This technique helps the chicken cook faster and prevents it from shrinking during the cooking process. You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs or opt for skin-on chicken thighs, which will result in juicier meat and a better texture.

Once your chicken is prepared, it's time to make the marinade. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, and, optionally, cooking wine or sake. You can also add other ingredients like sesame seeds, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar to enhance the flavour. Mix these ingredients well until you have a marinade that is evenly combined.

Now, place the chicken in a bowl or a large food storage bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that it is well coated. Massage the marinade into the chicken, making sure it reaches all the nooks and crannies. This step is important as it ensures that the chicken absorbs the flavours of the marinade.

After coating the chicken, it's best to let it marinate for at least two hours. However, if you have the time, it's even better to let it sit overnight in the refrigerator. This extended marination time allows the flavours to truly penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more intense and juicy end product.

Once the chicken has finished marinating, it's time to move on to the next step of cooking it in the air fryer. But don't forget to preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken!

Making the teriyaki sauce

To make the sauce, simply add all the ingredients to a small saucepan and whisk or mix them together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. The sauce will thicken as it cooks, which should take around 3 to 10 minutes depending on the recipe. You'll know it's ready when you see lots of small bubbles on the surface.

Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before using. This teriyaki sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. It can also be frozen for several months.

When you're ready to use the sauce, brush it onto your chicken before and during the air frying process. The sauce will caramelize and form a nice coating on the chicken. Just be careful not to let it burn, as the sugar content can cause it to char easily.

Air-frying the chicken

Place the chicken thighs skin side up in a single layer in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 350°F and air fry for 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, flip the chicken over and air fry with the skin side down for another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches 165°F.

Brush a generous amount of teriyaki sauce on the bottom side of the chicken thighs. Flip the chicken over and baste the skin side as well.

Air fry with the skin side up at 325°F for 3-5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken and form a coating. Keep a close eye on the chicken and be careful not to let the sauce burn. Pull out the chicken thighs as soon as the sauce is thick and sticky.

Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve with steamed rice.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer chicken teriyaki 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 and Noodles

Teriyaki chicken pairs well with rice and noodles, adding a juicy and savoury element to the dish. For a classic combination, serve the chicken with steamed rice, either plain or fried. For a healthier option, opt for brown rice or cauliflower rice. If you prefer noodles, try chow mein or udon noodles in a soup or stir-fry.

Vegetables

To round out your meal, include a variety of vegetables on the side. Steamed broccoli and carrots are simple yet tasty options. For a more exotic choice, try an Asian cucumber salad with miso and sesame, or a stir-fry with vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and snow peas.

Salad

For a lighter option, serve the chicken teriyaki on a bed of fresh greens. A simple salad of mixed leaves, tomatoes, and cucumbers can be a refreshing accompaniment. Alternatively, an Asian-inspired salad with ingredients like edamame, bamboo shoots, and roasted corn kernels will also complement the flavours of the teriyaki chicken.

Sandwich

For a heartier meal, make a sandwich with the chicken teriyaki. Layer the chicken with fresh vegetables and a tangy sauce or dressing of your choice between two slices of crusty bread.

Sides and Appetizers

If you're looking for some smaller bites or sides to accompany your chicken teriyaki, there are plenty of options. Try air fryer tater tots, lemon pepper wings, or easy biscuit air fryer donuts. For a healthier choice, opt for air fryer Brussels sprouts with garlic and Parmesan.

Remember, the beauty of this dish is its versatility, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavours and combinations to find your perfect plate!

Frequently asked questions