If you’re craving a savory, sweet, and slightly sticky dish that’s fast, flavorful, and family-approved, this teriyaki chicken air fryer recipe is your new go-to. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick dinner fix or someone trying to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor, air fryer teriyaki chicken ticks all the boxes. In this article, you’ll learn how to make perfectly cooked teriyaki chicken using your air fryer—from marination to glaze. Plus, we’ll dive into cooking tips, delicious variations, and answers to your most-searched questions like, “Can you cook teriyaki chicken in an air fryer?” Let’s get started!
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From Busy Mom to Air Fryer Believer
I’m Riley Morgan, a mom of two in Raleigh, North Carolina, and I can confidently say the teriyaki chicken air fryer recipe I’m about to share changed how we do dinner around here. Before my air fryer, meals felt like a scramble between homework, laundry, and the dog needing a walk. But one night, craving something better than takeout, I threw together a quick marinade, grabbed some chicken thighs, and gave it a go.
What came out? Juicy chicken with crispy edges, coated in a sticky, sweet-savory teriyaki glaze. It wasn’t just dinner—it was a moment of calm, of connection, and let’s be honest, a victory. Now, teriyaki chicken air fryer nights are a staple in our home. My kids love it, I love it, and clean-up takes minutes. Win-win.
That first batch wasn’t perfect, but it was enough to keep trying. I started testing variations—chicken tenders, gluten-free tweaks, spicier versions—and each one reminded me how much this little countertop device could actually do.
Why teriyaki chicken air fryer Just Works
This teriyaki chicken air fryer recipe hits that sweet spot between comfort food and weeknight practicality. You get all the bold teriyaki flavor with none of the pan-frying hassle or greasy stovetops. The air fryer crisps the edges while keeping the inside tender and juicy. It’s fast, it’s family-friendly, and it never disappoints.
Whether you’re new to air frying or just need a fresh idea, this teriyaki chicken air fryer recipe is as foolproof as it gets. You can even batch it for meal prep. Serve it over rice, in lettuce wraps, or next to steamed broccoli—it’s as flexible as your week demands.
Ingredients & Prep Made Simple for Teriyaki Chicken Air Fryer
What You Need for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken Air Fryer Results
Making teriyaki chicken air fryer style doesn’t take a lot of fancy ingredients. In fact, everything you need might already be in your pantry. The goal here is to balance salty, sweet, and umami in a marinade that cooks down into a glossy glaze.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Soy sauce (use low-sodium to cut salt)
- Brown sugar and honey
- Fresh garlic and grated ginger
- Sesame oil and rice vinegar
- Cornstarch slurry (for the sauce)
Step-by-Step Instructions to make Teriyaki Chicken Air Fryer
Step 1 – Prep the Chicken Thighs
Start by placing the chicken thighs skin-side down on a clean surface. Use a knife to make a few shallow cuts in the thicker parts of the meat. This helps them cook evenly and keeps them from curling up during air frying.
Sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper, then let them rest for at least 10 minutes.
If you have time, season them a few hours ahead or even overnight—just store them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Step 2 – Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine all the ingredients for your homemade teriyaki sauce. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat, and let it simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce thickens slightly and you see small bubbles forming across the surface.
Set aside half the sauce for dipping or drizzling later, and keep the rest handy for basting the chicken.
Tip: You can make the sauce up to 2 weeks in advance and store it in the fridge.
Step 3 – Air Fry the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket or tray. Brush the tops generously with the teriyaki sauce.
Air fry at 350°F (180°C) for 8 minutes, then flip the thighs over. Brush the second side with more sauce, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C), and cook for another 6 minutes, brushing again halfway through.
The chicken should be cooked through and beautifully glazed.
Step 4 – Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute. Slice into strips, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and drizzle with the remaining teriyaki sauce. Serve over warm rice for a complete, delicious meal.
Need more prep-friendly ideas? Our chicken wings in the air fryer are always a hit.
This is why teriyaki chicken air fryer recipes are trending—they deliver restaurant-level flavor in just minutes, with no messy stovetop and minimal cleanup.
Cooking Tips & Flavor Variations
Tips for Cooking Teriyaki Chicken Air Fryer
Getting the best results with teriyaki chicken air fryer recipes isn’t hard—but these simple tips can take your dish from good to great. First, always preheat your air fryer. This ensures that the chicken starts cooking evenly the moment it hits the basket.
Next, don’t overcrowd. Air circulation is key in any air fryer, and stacking chicken pieces slows down the cook time and leads to soggy spots. Arrange your chicken in a single layer for that perfect sear.
Flip halfway through. Whether you’re cooking thighs or teriyaki chicken tenders, turning the pieces ensures even browning on both sides. And don’t forget to check for doneness using a meat thermometer. The USDA recommends 165°F (74°C) as the safe internal temperature for chicken.
Finally, brush your thickened sauce on just after the chicken comes out of the fryer. This locks in flavor and keeps the glaze glossy without burning it in the heat.
Other Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love:
Want to make your own crispy masterpiece at home or explore other chicken favorites?
Try these:
- Homemade Southern Fried Chicken Recipe
- Air Fryer Fried Chicken for Crispy Results at Home
- Chicken Tenders air fryer
- Air fryer Chicken Fajita
- Air Fryer Cornbread
- Frozen Chicken nuggets
- Chicken Patties Air fryer
Fun Flavor Variations to Try
Once you’ve nailed the base recipe, try mixing it up. A favorite in my house is the spicy version. Just add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the marinade. It balances beautifully with the sweetness of the teriyaki glaze.
For a tropical twist, add pineapple chunks to the air fryer in the last five minutes of cooking. They caramelize slightly and pair perfectly with the umami of the chicken.
You can also swap chicken thighs for breasts or tenders. Just adjust your cook time accordingly—tenders usually take about 8 minutes. Either way, this teriyaki chicken air fryer stays juicy, thanks to the even heat and short cooking time.
For more sweet-meets-savory ideas, check out our Quick Cilantro Lime Rice recipe next.
FAQs
How do you cook teriyaki chicken in the air fryer?
Start by marinating your chicken in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Place the chicken in a single layer and cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway. Finish by brushing with a thickened glaze made from your reserved marinade.
Can I put raw chicken in the air fryer?
Absolutely. The air fryer is designed to cook raw meats safely and efficiently. Just ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving. This applies whether you’re using thighs, breasts, or teriyaki chicken tenders.
Do you add teriyaki sauce before or after cooking chicken?
Do both. Marinate before cooking to infuse flavor, and brush with a thickened glaze after cooking for that signature glossy coating. This technique is what makes teriyaki chicken air fryer recipes so crave-worthy.
How long do you air fry teriyaki chicken?
For boneless thighs, 10 minutes at 380°F is typically enough, flipping at the halfway point. Tenders may only need 8 minutes. If you’re unsure, a meat thermometer is your best friend.
Can you marinate chicken too long in teriyaki sauce?
Yes. Beyond 24 hours, the acid in the sauce can break down the chicken’s texture. Stick to a 30-minute to 2-hour marination window for best results.
A Weeknight Hero You’ll Come Back To
Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a full family, this teriyaki chicken air fryer recipe delivers flavor, ease, and satisfaction every time. It’s one of those meals that feels special, even when it’s made in under 30 minutes.
Best of all, it’s flexible. You can make it spicy, pair it with roasted veggies, or serve it over rice noodles. However you serve it, this dish proves that fast food at home doesn’t have to mean boring.
From my busy kitchen to yours—happy air frying.
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Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken – Quick, Juicy & Flavorful
This easy air fryer teriyaki chicken recipe delivers bold flavor, juicy texture, and a sticky homemade glaze. A fast weeknight dinner that’s always a hit!
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
Add chicken thighs and half of the marinade to a ziplock bag or bowl. Marinate 30–120 minutes in the fridge.
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Place chicken in the basket in a single layer.
Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Simmer reserved marinade in a saucepan. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
Brush sauce over the cooked chicken.
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Serve hot with rice or steamed vegetables.
Notes
Notes:
Do not marinate the chicken longer than 24 hours.
Chicken tenders or breasts also work—adjust cooking time.
Add sriracha or red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg