Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is a quick and delicious weeknight dinner option that cooks in under 15 minutes. The chicken turns out juicy and is covered in a sticky, flavorful teriyaki sauce that everyone will love. With its low-carb and gluten-free profile, this dish is perfect for various occasions, from family dinners to meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Cooking Time: This recipe takes less than 15 minutes to cook in the air fryer, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful & Delicious: The teriyaki sauce infuses the chicken with rich flavors that are sure to please your taste buds.
- Healthy Option: Low-carb and gluten-free, this dish fits well into many dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.
- Easy Cleanup: Cooking in an air fryer means less mess and easier cleanup compared to traditional frying methods.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice, veggies, or salads for a complete meal that suits everyone’s taste.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken a breeze. Ensure you have everything ready to create this scrumptious dish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Air fryer
- Medium bowl
- Clean paper towels
- Tongs or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Air fryer: This tool cooks the chicken quickly while keeping it tender and juicy, giving you that fried texture without the extra oil.
- Medium bowl: Perfect for marinating the chicken evenly in the teriyaki sauce, ensuring every piece is flavorful.
- Clean paper towels: Helps dry the chicken properly before cooking, which enhances crispiness.
- Tongs or spatula: Useful for flipping and serving the chicken without damaging its tender texture.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1-1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast
- 2/3 cup teriyaki sauce
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped scallions
- Sesame seeds
How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with a clean paper towel. Cut the chicken into 1-1.5 inch cubes and add them to a medium bowl.
Step 2: Marinate
Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken pieces and toss to coat them thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to an hour in the refrigerator if marinating longer.
Step 3: Preheat Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Spray the air fryer basket with non-aerosol cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Cook
Add the marinated chicken pieces to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 12-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even results.
Step 5: Serve
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer. Serve immediately garnished with chopped scallions and sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken!
How to Serve Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is versatile and can be paired with various sides and garnishes to elevate your meal. Here are some serving suggestions that will complement the flavors of this delicious dish.
Over Rice
- Steamed White Rice – The fluffy texture of steamed rice absorbs the teriyaki sauce perfectly.
- Brown Rice – For a healthier option, brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
In Wraps
- Lettuce Wraps – Use crisp lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps filled with teriyaki chicken and veggies.
- Tortilla Wraps – Flour or corn tortillas can be filled with chicken, avocado, and shredded cabbage for a tasty handheld meal.
With Salads
- Asian Slaw – A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing pairs well with the savory chicken.
- Cucumber Salad – A light cucumber salad adds freshness and balances the dish’s richness.
Garnished
- Chopped Scallions – Sprinkle over your air fryer teriyaki chicken for an extra burst of flavor.
- Sesame Seeds – Toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and enhance the dish’s presentation.
How to Perfect Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
To achieve the best results when cooking Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken, consider these helpful tips.
- Marinate Properly – Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor absorption.
- Preheat the Air Fryer – Preheating ensures even cooking and helps achieve that desired crispy exterior.
- Do Not Overcrowd – Cook in a single layer for optimal air circulation, ensuring all pieces cook evenly.
- Check Temperature – Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
- Experiment with Sauces – Feel free to try different brands or homemade teriyaki sauces for unique flavor profiles.
- Rest Before Serving – Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking allows juices to redistribute.
Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Pairing your Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken with the right sides can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent side dish options:
- Steamed Broccoli – Simple and nutritious, steamed broccoli adds color and complements the flavors beautifully.
- Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad mixed with veggies offers a protein-packed side that’s filling yet healthy.
- Fried Rice – Use leftover rice to whip up a quick fried rice loaded with peas, carrots, and eggs for added texture.
- Roasted Vegetables – Toss seasonal vegetables in olive oil and roast them until caramelized for an earthy side.
- Edamame Beans – These protein-rich beans served warm make for a satisfying snack or side dish alongside your meal.
- Miso Soup – A comforting bowl of miso soup provides warmth and depth, making it an ideal pairing with teriyaki chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken, avoiding common mistakes can ensure a delicious meal. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using too much sauce – Adding excess teriyaki sauce can lead to soggy chicken. Stick to the recommended amount for optimal flavor and texture.
- Skipping marination – Not marinating the chicken can result in bland meat. Allow at least 30 minutes for the flavors to soak in.
- Crowding the air fryer – Placing too much chicken in the basket can prevent even cooking. Cook in batches if necessary for best results.
- Ignoring temperature checks – Not checking the internal temperature could mean undercooked chicken. Always ensure it reaches 165°F for safety.
- Not letting it rest – Serving immediately after cooking can make the chicken dry. Let it rest briefly for juicier bites.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
- For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm the chicken on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat on medium power in short bursts, checking often until warmed through.
- Stovetop – Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken?
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is a quick and easy dish made with marinated chicken cooked in an air fryer until tender and flavorful.
How long does it take to cook Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of cooking time after marinating, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes! You can substitute boneless skinless thighs with breasts or even use chicken tenders depending on your preference.
Is Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free teriyaki sauce, this dish can easily be made gluten-free, making it suitable for various diets.
What should I serve with Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken?
Pair this dish with steamed rice, veggies, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal that everyone will enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is not just quick; it’s also incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or different marinades. Enjoy this delightful meal any night of the week!
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights, delivering a deliciously juicy meal in under 15 minutes. This dish features tender chicken coated in a sticky, flavorful teriyaki sauce that appeals to both kids and adults. Perfectly low-carb and gluten-free, it’s a versatile option for family dinners or meal prep. Enjoy it on its own or paired with rice, veggies, or salads for a complete meal that satisfies every palate. Get ready to savor this mouthwatering air-fried delight that promises to become a staple in your home!
Ingredients
- 1–1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast
- 2/3 cup teriyaki sauce
- Optional garnishes: chopped scallions
- Optional garnishes: sesame seeds
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and cut into 1-1.5 inch cubes.
- In a medium bowl, toss chicken with teriyaki sauce until evenly coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and spray the basket with non-aerosol cooking spray.
- Place marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped scallions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 4 oz (113g)
- Calories: 238
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
