Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is your go-to recipe for a quick and delicious weeknight meal. Ready in under 15 minutes, this dish features juicy chicken pieces coated in a sticky, flavorful teriyaki sauce. Perfect for busy evenings or casual gatherings, it’s both low-carb and gluten-free, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of cooking time, you can serve a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavorful Sauce: The teriyaki sauce adds an irresistible sweet and savory taste that everyone will enjoy.
• Healthy Option: Made with boneless skinless chicken, this dish is packed with protein while remaining low in carbs.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize your Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken with your favorite vegetables or side dishes for added nutrition.
• Easy Cleanup: Using an air fryer means less mess and hassle in the kitchen compared to traditional frying methods.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making the Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken, gather your essential tools. This will help streamline the cooking process and ensure perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Medium bowl
• Cooking spray
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: Cooks food quickly while producing crispy textures without excess oil.
• Medium bowl: Ideal for marinating chicken, ensuring even coating with teriyaki sauce.
• Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after cooking.
• Paper towels: Useful for drying the chicken before marinating, which helps achieve better texture.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1-1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast

For the Sauce

• 2/3 cup teriyaki sauce

Optional Garnishes

• Chopped scallions – optional for garnish
• Sesame seeds – optional for garnish

How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken dry with a clean paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Cut the chicken into 1-1.5 inch cubes and add them to a medium bowl.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken cubes.
2. Toss to coat all pieces evenly.
3. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour. If marinating longer than 30 minutes, place it in the refrigerator.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spray the air fryer basket with non-aerosol cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. Add the marinated chicken to the air fryer basket in a single layer.
2. Cook for 12-15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 5: Serve Your Dish

1. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer.
2. Serve immediately garnished with chopped scallions and sesame seeds if desired.

Enjoy your deliciously quick Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken that’s sure to impress!

How to Serve Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer it on a bed of rice or as part of a salad, there are numerous delicious serving options to enhance your meal.

With Steamed Rice

• Serve the teriyaki chicken over fluffy steamed rice for a classic combination. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce perfectly.

In a Wrap

• Use a tortilla or lettuce wrap to create a tasty handheld meal. Add fresh veggies like bell peppers and cucumbers for extra crunch.

On a Salad

• Toss the chicken on top of mixed greens with your choice of dressing. The teriyaki flavor adds an exciting twist to a simple salad.

With Noodles

• Pair the chicken with stir-fried noodles for an Asian-inspired dish. Add some vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for added nutrition.

As Appetizers

• Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve as appetizers for parties. Provide toothpicks and some extra teriyaki sauce for dipping.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Getting the perfect Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is easy with some helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for juicy and flavorful results every time.

• Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least an hour enhances its flavor and tenderness.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for even cooking and optimal crispiness.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the basket to ensure proper cooking and browning.
• Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking; this helps retain its juices.
• Experiment with Sauces: Try different brands of teriyaki sauce or make your own for unique flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Steamed Broccoli: A healthy green option that complements the savory flavors of teriyaki chicken.
2. Fried Rice: Stir-fried rice with vegetables is a great way to soak up extra sauce while adding texture.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad provides a crunch that balances well with the sticky chicken.
4. Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa pilaf is nutritious and adds an interesting flavor dimension alongside teriyaki chicken.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies bring additional nutrients and colors to your plate.
6. Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative to rice, cauliflower rice absorbs flavors beautifully and is easy to prepare.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will enhance your dish.

• Not Patting the Chicken Dry: Failing to pat the chicken dry can prevent it from browning properly. Always use a clean paper towel to remove excess moisture.
• Skipping the Marinade Time: Rushing the marinating process can lead to bland chicken. Aim for at least 30 minutes in the teriyaki sauce for maximum flavor.
• Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket: Placing too much chicken in the air fryer at once can result in uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary for even crispiness.
• Ignoring Temperature Checks: Not checking the internal temperature may lead to undercooked chicken. Ensure it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Forgetting to Preheat the Air Fryer: Skipping preheating can affect cooking time and texture. Always preheat your air fryer to 400°F before cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

• Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, checking often, until warm.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken.

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

You can use gluten-free teriyaki sauce or make your own using tamari instead of soy sauce.

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

Yes, chicken breasts work well, but they may require slightly different cooking times due to their lean nature.

What other marinades work well with this recipe?

Any marinade that complements chicken works great! Try honey garlic or ginger soy for delicious variations.

How long does it take to cook Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken?

Cooking typically takes about 12-15 minutes at 400°F, depending on your air fryer model and chicken thickness.

Can I add vegetables while cooking Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken?

Absolutely! Tossing in bell peppers or broccoli during the last few minutes adds a nutritious crunch to your meal.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is a quick, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. With its juicy texture and delicious sauce, it’s a versatile recipe you can customize with different proteins or marinades. Give it a try and enjoy this delightful meal!

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Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is the ultimate solution for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal. In just 15 minutes, you can enjoy tender chicken pieces bathed in a rich, sticky teriyaki sauce that tantalizes the taste buds. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or side dishes. Perfect for busy evenings or casual gatherings, this low-carb and gluten-free option will impress everyone at the table. With minimal cleanup required thanks to the air fryer, you can focus on savoring every bite of this delicious meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1–1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast
• 2/3 cup teriyaki sauce
• Chopped scallions – optional for garnish
• Sesame seeds – optional for garnish

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Instructions

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and cut into 1-1.5 inch cubes.
2. In a medium bowl, combine chicken and teriyaki sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray.
4. Place marinated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Serve immediately, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds if desired.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 ounces (113g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 85mg