Name: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491819H7M24S
Total time: PT-491819H7M24S
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; Salt and pepper, to taste; Cooking spray or a bit of oil; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 2–3 tbsp honey or brown sugar; 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp sesame oil (optional); 1 tsp fresh grated or ground ginger; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp water (for slurry)

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is a fast, flavorful dish that delivers juicy chicken coated in a sticky, savory-sweet glaze. Made with simple pantry staples and ready in under 30 minutes, I like making this recipe when I want something that feels like takeout but comes together effortlessly at home.

Ingredients

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

For the chicken:

1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (thighs are juicier)

Salt & pepper (to taste)

Cooking spray or a little oil (optional for crispiness)

For the teriyaki sauce:

1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)

1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)

1 tsp grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)

2 tbsp honey or brown sugar

1 tsp minced garlic

1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for thickening)

Directions

Prep the Chicken:
I start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized chunks, though leaving them whole works too. I season with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Cook in the Air Fryer:
I preheat my air fryer to 380°F (193°C), place the chicken in a single layer in the basket, and spray lightly with oil. I cook them for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).

Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
While the chicken cooks, I stir together soy sauce, honey (or sugar), vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic in a saucepan. I let it bubble over medium heat. Then I add in a slurry of cornstarch and water and simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens.

Combine Chicken and Sauce:
I toss the cooked chicken in the thickened sauce, or pour it over in a bowl. For extra caramelization, I sometimes pop it back into the air fryer for 2 minutes.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2–4 people

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 12–15 minutes

Total time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: I add a squeeze of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Pineapple Twist: I mix in diced pineapple before combining the sauce with the chicken for a tropical flavor.

Gluten-Free Option: I swap in tamari for the soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, I prefer using the microwave or tossing it back into the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness. The sauce may thicken more after storing, but I stir in a splash of water to loosen it up if needed.

FAQs

How do I keep the chicken from drying out in the air fryer?

I use thighs for extra juiciness, and I make sure not to overcook them. Checking with a meat thermometer helps me hit that perfect 165°F internal temp.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead. I store them separately and toss them together right before serving.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely—I just make sure to cook the chicken in batches so it still cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.

Is it okay to skip the sesame oil?

Definitely. I like the nutty flavor sesame oil adds, but the sauce still tastes great without it.

What can I serve with this dish?

I usually serve it over steamed rice or noodles, topped with green onions and sesame seeds. Adding a side of broccoli or stir-fried vegetables makes it a full meal.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken has become one of my go-to recipes when I want something fast, comforting, and packed with flavor. It’s versatile enough to change up depending on what I’m craving, and it always satisfies. Whether I’m meal-prepping or cooking dinner on a whim, it’s a recipe I keep coming back to.