Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is the weeknight hero you never knew you needed! Juicy, flavor-packed chicken bites get perfectly caramelized in the air fryer, all while soaking up that irresistible sweet-savory teriyaki glaze. You’re only a few simple steps away from a dish that tastes like your favorite takeout—except fresher, healthier, and way speedier.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I absolutely adore about this Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is how simple yet essential each ingredient is. Together, they provide that craveable balance of sweet, savory, and umami depth, all with minimal effort and maximum reward!

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breast (1–1.25 pounds): Thighs give you richer flavor and juiciness, while chicken breast keeps things lean—both work beautifully here, so use your favorite!
• Teriyaki sauce (2/3 cup): A good-quality bottled teriyaki sauce saves time, or use homemade if you have it on hand for extra personalized flavor.
• Chopped scallions (optional for garnish): These add a fresh pop of green and brightness to every bite.
• Sesame seeds (optional for garnish): A sprinkle delivers subtle crunch and makes your plate look extra special—don’t skip if you have them!
• Non-aerosol cooking spray: Helps ensure the chicken doesn’t stick and crisps up evenly in the basket.

Variations

This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a true chameleon—it’s so much fun to switch up based on what’s in your fridge or your mood. Here are a few ideas to make it your own, whether you’re keeping it classic or craving a twist.

• Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken: Toss in pineapple chunks with the chicken before air frying for that lovely sweet-and-tangy island vibe.
• Spicy Teriyaki Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to your marinade if you crave a little heat.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use a reduced-sodium teriyaki sauce if you’re watching your salt intake—still all the flavor, less sodium.
• Veggie-Loaded: Mix in bell peppers, broccoli florets, or snap peas to cook alongside the chicken for a one-basket meal.

How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken dry with a clean paper towel—this simple trick helps the marinade stick and gets you closer to that restaurant-worthy texture. Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes, about 1 to 1.5 inches across, then transfer them to a medium bowl, ready to soak up all that teriyaki flavor.

Step 2: Marinate in Teriyaki Joy

Pour the teriyaki sauce straight over your chicken cubes and toss to coat every piece completely. Cover the bowl and let the magic happen—at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour for more depth. If you’re marinating for more than 30 minutes, just pop the bowl in the fridge for food safety.

Step 3: Preheat and Prep the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F, and while it preheats, spray the basket with non-aerosol cooking spray. This not only helps prevent sticking but encourages those glorious golden edges we all love in Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Arrange your marinated chicken cubes in a single, even layer in the basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is glistening and caramelized and the internal temperature hits 165°F. Watch as the sauce thickens, clings, and transforms every bite into sticky-sweet deliciousness.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

As soon as your Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is done, plate it up and shower with scallions and sesame seeds for a final flourish. Serve immediately—trust me, this one vanishes fast!

How to Serve Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Garnishes

Finish your chicken with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a handful of freshly sliced scallions. Not only do they add color and crunch, but they also bring freshness that’s such a nice contrast to the rich glaze. For an extra flourish, a few torn cilantro leaves are lovely too!

Side Dishes

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is delicious over a bed of fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, but you can also serve it with sticky rice, noodles, or even simple quinoa. For vegetables, think steamed broccoli, bok choy, or a crisp cucumber salad. Anything bright and fresh will balance the sweet-savory sauce beautifully!

Creative Ways to Present

Try threading the finished chicken bites onto skewers for a fun party platter, or tuck them inside lettuce wraps with crunchy veggies for a lighter meal. You can also serve over a rainbow veggie stir fry for a show-stopping weeknight bowl—or even stuff into a bao bun for a playful Asian-inspired slider!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken keeps beautifully for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making leftovers a real treat for lunch or dinner the next day!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze cooked teriyaki chicken! Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It’s good for up to 2 months, and is a lifesaver on extra-busy days when you want dinner in a flash.

Reheating

For best results, reheat chilled or thawed Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes, just until warmed through. This keeps the edges crisp and the center moist—so much better than microwaving!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s equal parts quick, delicious, and sure to earn you second helpings, give this Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken a try! It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser—so easy and bursting with classic flavor. I can’t wait for you to experience just how effortless homemade takeout can be—happy cooking!

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