Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

If you’re looking for a quick and tasty dinner that everyone will love, then you’ve found it! This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is my go-to recipe for busy weeknights. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, and the chicken turns out juicy and delicious every single time. Plus, who can resist that sticky, sweet teriyaki sauce?

This dish is perfect for family gatherings or when you’re just craving something comforting yet light. With its low-carb and gluten-free profile, it checks all the boxes for a satisfying meal without any fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: Cooks in under 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Family-friendly: Kids love the sweet teriyaki flavor, ensuring happy faces at the dinner table.
• Make-ahead convenience: Marinate the chicken ahead of time for an even easier dinner experience.
• Flavor-packed: The combination of tender chicken and savory teriyaki sauce is simply irresistible.
• Healthy option: Low in carbs and packed with protein, it’s a nutritious choice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delightful Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken, you only need a few simple and wholesome ingredients. These are staples that you might already have in your kitchen!

For the Chicken

• 1-1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast
• 2/3 cup teriyaki sauce

For Garnish (Optional)

• Chopped scallions
• Sesame seeds

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Swap the protein: Try using tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian twist that absorbs all those delicious flavors!
• Add veggies: Toss in some broccoli or bell peppers in the air fryer for a complete one-pan meal.
• Change the sauce: Experiment with different sauces like sweet chili or honey mustard for a unique flavor profile.
• Make it spicy: Add some sriracha or red pepper flakes to your teriyaki sauce for an extra kick.

How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First things first! Pat your chicken dry with a clean paper towel. This ensures it gets that nice crispy texture when cooked. Cut your chicken into 1-1.5 inch cubes and transfer them into a medium bowl.

Step 2: Marinate

Next, pour your teriyaki sauce over the cubed chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover it up and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—this step is crucial as it allows all those delicious flavors to soak into the chicken. If you’re marinating longer than 30 minutes, pop it in the fridge!

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

While your chicken marinates, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Don’t forget to spray the air fryer basket with some non-aerosol cooking spray! This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 4: Cook

Now it’s time to cook! Place the marinated chicken into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 12-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked while remaining juicy.

Step 5: Serve

Once done, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve immediately. If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped scallions and sesame seeds on top for an added touch of flavor and presentation!

Enjoy this wonderful Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken with rice or steamed vegetables, and watch how quickly it disappears from your table!

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Making the perfect Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is all about a few key techniques that will elevate your dish. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your chicken turns out juicy and flavorful every time!

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors of the teriyaki sauce to penetrate deeply into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
• Cut Evenly: By cutting your chicken into uniform 1-1.5 inch cubes, you ensure that all pieces cook evenly, preventing some from being overcooked while others are underdone.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cooking the chicken in a single layer helps it cook evenly and develop that delicious crispy exterior. If you have too much chicken, consider cooking in batches.
• Check Internal Temperature: Using a meat thermometer to check that your chicken reaches 165°F ensures it’s cooked perfectly and safe to eat. This step prevents dry or undercooked pieces.
• Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking gives juices time to redistribute, keeping each bite tender and succulent.

How to Serve Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Serving Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is just as fun as making it! The vibrant colors and rich flavors make it an attractive centerpiece for any meal. Here are some ideas to enhance its presentation and flavor profile:

Garnishes

• Chopped scallions: Fresh scallions add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that brightens up the dish.
• Sesame seeds: These tiny seeds provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the teriyaki sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Steamed broccoli: A classic pairing with teriyaki chicken, steamed broccoli adds a crisp texture and bright green color while balancing out the sweetness of the sauce.
• Cauliflower rice: A low-carb alternative to traditional rice, cauliflower rice soaks up the teriyaki sauce beautifully and makes for an excellent base.
• Cucumber salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with sesame dressing can cut through the richness of the chicken, adding a light crunch to your meal.
• Quinoa: This protein-packed grain offers a nutty flavor and fluffy texture, making it a fantastic complement to the savory teriyaki chicken.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken will not only taste amazing but also look stunning on your dinner table! Enjoy this quick weeknight meal with family or friends; they’re sure to be impressed!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is perfect for meal prep, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or lunches. You can easily whip up a batch in advance and enjoy it throughout the week!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Place the chicken in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the cooked chicken cool completely.
• Transfer the chicken to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring in between until heated.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delicious recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

How do I make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken gluten-free?

To make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken gluten-free, simply choose a gluten-free teriyaki sauce. There are many brands available that offer great flavor without gluten ingredients.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for the Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs provide a juicy texture, using boneless skinless chicken breasts is perfectly fine. Just keep an eye on cooking time as they may cook slightly faster.

What should I serve with Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice (or cauliflower rice), and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Feel free to get creative with your sides!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken as much as I do! It’s quick, full of flavor, and sure to impress your family or guests. Whether it’s for dinner or meal prep, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Happy cooking!