Air fryer teriyaki chicken offers a delightful way to enjoy a classic dish with a healthier twist. With its juicy, tender meat and flavorful glaze, this dish brings a taste of the East right into your kitchen. You can whip it up quickly in an air fryer, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead. Follow along to unlock the secrets to making this delicious meal that pairs well with rice, vegetables, or on its own as a satisfying dish.
Why We Love This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
This air fryer teriyaki chicken stands out for several reasons. First, the air fryer cooks the chicken evenly while sealing in moisture, resulting in tender, juicy pieces that don’t dry out. The method also significantly cuts down on cooking time compared to traditional methods. Second, the teriyaki sauce coats the chicken perfectly, introducing a sweet and savory flavor that’s hard to resist. Using the air fryer means you can enjoy that delectable caramelization without the need for excessive oil or frying. Moreover, this dish is versatile and adaptable, allowing you to serve it in numerous ways, ensuring there’s something for everyone at the table.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
- 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Start by preparing the marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the sugar dissolves. This will be your teriyaki sauce.
- Take the chicken and place it in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour half of the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Reserve the other half for later use. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to two hours for more flavor.
- After marinating, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel for a better sear.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Brush this mixture over each chicken piece to help achieve a crispy exterior.
- Place the chicken thighs or breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Cook in the air fryer for 12 to 15 minutes, turning them halfway through. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and brush with the reserved teriyaki sauce for added flavor.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
How to Serve Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
To elevate your air fryer teriyaki chicken, consider serving it over a bed of steamed white or brown rice. The rice acts as a great vehicle for soaking up the rich flavors of the teriyaki sauce, adding a satisfying texture to each bite. You can also pair the chicken with stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to bring a crunchy element to your meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh chopped green onions on top for a hint of color and flavor enhancement. For a light option, wrap the chicken in lettuce leaves with some sliced cucumbers and carrots for a refreshing and low-carb bite. The versatility of this dish allows you to tailor your serving style based on your mood or dietary needs.
Expert Tips for Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
For the best results, marinate your chicken for as long as possible. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, creating a more delicious final dish. If you’re short on time, even a 30-minute marinade can add flavor, but letting it sit for longer enhances the taste. Another tip is to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary, as air circulation is key to ensuring even cooking and achieving that crispy texture. Additionally, don’t skip the cornstarch slurry; it helps to caramelize the chicken’s exterior, giving it a beautiful golden finish. Make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure doneness. Lastly, feel free to experiment with the marinade; adding a splash of citrus juice or some crushed red pepper flakes can customize the flavor to your liking.
How to Store Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
To store your air fryer teriyaki chicken, let it cool completely at room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. You can keep the chicken in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the chicken. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag, ensuring to remove excess air. Frozen teriyaki chicken can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it in the air fryer or microwave. This way, you can maintain the juicy texture and flavor of the chicken.
Variations of Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
You can get creative with air fryer teriyaki chicken by trying different proteins or adding unique flavors. For instance, swapping out chicken for tofu allows for a tasty vegetarian option. Marinate the tofu the same way, then follow the same cooking method. You can also try different marinades, such as adding pineapple juice for sweetness or using a spicy sauce to give your dish an extra kick. Consider incorporating vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms, placing them in the air fryer alongside the chicken for a complete meal. Another variation is to serve the teriyaki chicken in a sandwich or wrap, using toasted buns or lettuce leaves to create a delightful hand-held option. There are endless possibilities, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and styles for your own twist on this classic dish.
FAQ about Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
If you’re curious about air fryer teriyaki chicken, you likely have some questions. One common concern is how to ensure your chicken is cooked evenly. It’s crucial to preheat your air fryer and avoid overcrowding the basket to let the hot air circulate effectively. Additionally, many wonder how to achieve a sticky glaze. You can brush the reserved teriyaki sauce onto the chicken after cooking, creating that shiny, appetizing look. If you have leftover chicken, you’ll want to know how to reheat it without drying it out. Reheating in the air fryer at a lower temperature for a shorter time works wonders, keeping the meat juicy. This dish is also suitable for meal prep! Just store the marinated chicken separately from your sides until you’re ready to cook. Enjoy the versatility and deliciousness of your air fryer teriyaki chicken!
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar Brown sugar enhances the sweetness of the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar Rice vinegar adds a nice tang.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil Sesame oil gives it a nutty flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is best for flavor.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated Use fresh ginger for a more intense flavor.
For the Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts Thighs are preferred for juiciness.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch Helps create a crispy exterior.
- 2 tablespoons water Used to make the cornstarch slurry.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparing the Marinade
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the sugar dissolves to create the teriyaki sauce.
- Place chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, pour half of the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated; reserve other half for later.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
Cooking the Chicken
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off. Pat dry with a paper towel.
- Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Brush over each chicken piece.
- Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Remove chicken from air fryer and brush with reserved teriyaki sauce before serving.
- Let chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
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