Name: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 boneless chicken thighs; Salt and pepper (to taste); 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 3 tablespoons mirin; 3 tablespoons sake; 3 tablespoons (brown) sugar or honey

Jump to Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the savory-sweet magic of Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken—a dish that delivers golden, crispy chicken glazed in a sticky, homemade teriyaki sauce in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods. Perfectly balanced between juicy and crunchy, this recipe is a genuine weeknight lifesaver that brings together your favorite Japanese flavors in a way that’s both easy and incredibly satisfying. You’ll soon see why Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is always at the top of my comfort food list.

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken relies on simple yet essential ingredients that work together to create layers of rich flavor and perfect texture. Each component brings something special to the table, from golden-crispy skin to that irresistible teriyaki glaze. Here’s what you’ll need and why each is a must-have for this unforgettable dish.

Boneless Chicken Thighs: They stay juicy during air frying and offer more flavor than chicken breasts.
Salt and Pepper: Just a light seasoning before cooking draws out savory notes without overpowering the glaze.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Forms the salty, umami base of the sauce while letting you control the saltiness.
Mirin: Adds a subtle sweetness and classic tang, giving the sauce its authentic Japanese character.
Sake: Gently enhances the marinade with mellow depth and tenderizes the chicken as it cooks.
Brown Sugar or Honey: Brings just the right sticky sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully.

How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Starting with a hot air fryer is the secret to getting that extra crispy exterior—it mimics the way an oven’s heat immediately starts sealing in the juices. Your chicken will thank you by staying moist on the inside!

Step 2: Season the Chicken

While the air fryer heats up, season the boneless chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Don’t be shy here; a good seasoning makes all the difference, ensuring every bite has a hint of savory depth beneath the punchy teriyaki sauce.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

Place the seasoned thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer (don’t crowd them, as airflow is what makes the skin so irresistible). Let them cook for 15–20 minutes, flipping about halfway through if you’d like, until they’re golden brown, crispy at the edges, and fully cooked in the center.

Step 4: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

While the chicken is sizzling away, grab a small pan and add the soy sauce, mirin, sake, and brown sugar or honey. Heat the mixture over low to medium heat, stirring gently as it begins to bubble and thicken. You’re after a glossy, syrupy consistency—just be sure to keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!

Step 5: Coat the Chicken in Sauce

Once your chicken is perfectly cooked, add it straight to the pan with the teriyaki sauce. Turn each piece so both sides are thoroughly coated, soaking up the sticky glaze. You’ll see it clings beautifully to the crispy skin and seeps into every nook and cranny. This is where the dish comes alive!

Step 6: Slice and Serve

If you like, slice the glazed chicken thighs into strips or bite-sized cubes for easy serving. Arrange them on a plate or over a mound of steamy white rice. With Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken, that first saucy bite will have everyone at the table swooning.

How to Serve Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Garnishes

Brighten things up with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and some finely chopped green onions. These little flourishes add color, crunch, and a pop of fresh flavor—the finishing touch that makes your Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken look straight out of a restaurant!

Side Dishes

Classic steamed white rice is a no-brainer, soaking up all that luscious sauce. But don’t stop there! Lightly steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or even a tangy Asian cucumber salad all round out the meal beautifully, transforming your chicken into a complete feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, pile the sliced chicken onto a platter with bowls of pickled ginger, edamame, or sautéed bok choy on the side. Or, set out lettuce leaves and let everyone make their own teriyaki chicken wraps. Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is endlessly versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The sauce actually gets more flavorful as it sits, soaking deeper into the chicken and making for the tastiest leftovers you’ll ever have.

Freezing

If you want to save extra portions, freeze cooled chicken (with or without sauce) in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results so it reheats evenly and stays juicy.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop the chicken in the microwave, oven, or even back into the air fryer for a few minutes. Warm gently until steaming hot—if you’ve stored the sauce separately, drizzle it over after reheating to keep that glossy look and flavor punch.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well and will still get a crispy edge in the air fryer, just be careful not to overcook as they’re leaner and can dry out faster than thighs.

What if I don’t have sake or mirin?

No worries—substitute sweet white wine or a splash of apple juice for mirin, and swap sake for dry sherry or extra broth if needed. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!

How do I know if my chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer: your Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The exterior will be golden and juices should run clear.

Can I double the sauce for extra flavor?

Of course! If you’re a sauce lover like I am, just double the amounts for the teriyaki sauce ingredients. You’ll have plenty for both coating the chicken and drizzling over your rice or veggies.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

With just one swap, it can be—replace regular soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative like tamari. That way, your Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken will be safe for gluten-free diets and still packed with flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious, I can’t recommend Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken enough. It’s a true kitchen hero for busy nights and special occasions alike. Give it a try and don’t be surprised when it becomes one of your new favorites too!

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 9 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Deliciously juicy and flavorful Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken recipe that is easy to make and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless chicken thighs
Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons mirin
3 tablespoons sake
3 tablespoons (brown) sugar or honey

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer: First, preheat your air fryer to 390 °F (200 °C).
Season the chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper from both sides.
Air fry the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket and air fry them for 15-20 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Prepare the teriyaki sauce: Add all teriyaki sauce ingredients to a pan, stir, heat, and simmer gently until thickened.
Cover the chicken in sauce: Place the cooked chicken thighs in the pan and coat them in the teriyaki sauce.
Serve: Cut the teriyaki chicken into slices or cubes, and serve with white rice and side dishes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Fry
Cuisine: Asian