Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

• The chicken turns out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside thanks to air frying.

• You can make your own teriyaki sauce for a more balanced, fresh flavour — or use store‑bought sauce if you’re short on time.

• It’s versatile: serve as a main with rice and salad, or as an appetizer with extra sauce for dipping.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breast cubes)
cornstarch
Teriyaki sauce (store‑bought or homemade)
For homemade teriyaki sauce: soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), crushed garlic, crushed ginger, optional pepper, sesame oil
sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cut chicken into cubes (use thighs for more tender, juicy bites; breast works too).

2. Prepare teriyaki sauce if making from scratch (mix soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sweetener, garlic, ginger, sesame oil — optionally add pepper).

3. Reserve about half the sauce; use the rest to marinate the chicken for 30 minutes.

4. After marinating, add cornstarch to the chicken and mix so each piece is coated — this helps give a nice crust.

5. Preheat your air fryer to 200 ℃ (≈ 390 °F) for 5 minutes.

6. Lightly oil the air fryer basket, then arrange the chicken cubes in a single layer.

7. Air fry for 7 minutes. Then brush the reserved teriyaki sauce over the chicken, flip the pieces, brush the other side, and air fry for another 7 minutes.

8. Ensure the chicken reaches internal temperature of at least 165 °F (≈ 74 °C).

9. If desired, brush with extra sauce before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4 people
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Marinate: 30 minutes
Cook time: ~19 minutes
Total time: ~54 minutes

Variations

• Swap chicken with firm tofu for a vegan alternative (press tofu to remove excess moisture).

• Use shrimp or beef instead of chicken — adjust air‑fry time accordingly.

• For gluten‑free: use tamari instead of soy sauce; replace cornstarch with rice flour if preferred.

• Add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas to make it more filling and colorful.

• Adjust sweetness or spice by using different sweeteners (honey, maple syrup, brown sugar) or adding chili flakes.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftover Teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to a month.

• To reheat, warm it up in the air fryer until heated through — this helps retain crispness.

FAQs

How long do I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken cubes for about 30 minutes before air frying.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes — chicken breast works, though thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful.

Do I need cornstarch?

Cornstarch helps give the chicken a light, crisp coating and thickens the sauce a bit, but you could skip it if preferred.

My sauce is store‑bought; can I skip making teriyaki sauce from scratch?

Absolutely. Store‑bought teriyaki sauce works fine if you prefer convenience.

What temperature should the air fryer be set at?

Preheat to 200 °C (about 390 °F) before air frying.

Do I need to flip the chicken during cooking?

Yes — flip after the first 7 minutes, brush more sauce, then cook another 7 minutes for even cooking and glaze coverage.

How can I make it gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and substitute cornstarch with rice flour if needed.

Can I make a vegan version of this recipe?

Yes — use firm tofu instead of chicken, press out excess moisture, then marinate and air fry similarly.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes — add veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas for added color and nutrition.

How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze up to a month. Reheat in the air fryer for best texture.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a delicious, easy, and healthier alternative to traditional fried dishes. Whether you’re meal prepping or putting dinner on the table fast, this recipe delivers consistent flavor and texture every time. Perfectly crispy, saucy, and satisfying — it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.