Name: Air Fryer Chicken Teriyaki
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2/3 cup teriyaki sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 to 3 teaspoons light brown sugar (optional); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 to 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (diced into 1-inch pieces); 1 teaspoon olive oil (for coating the air fryer basket); Green onions (thinly sliced, optional for garnishing); Toasted sesame seeds (optional for garnishing)

why make this recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Teriyaki is a fantastic dish to prepare for a quick and flavorful meal. Cooking chicken in an air fryer helps to achieve a crispy texture while keeping the chicken juicy and tender inside. The teriyaki sauce adds a delightful sweetness and savory flavor that is loved by many. Plus, this recipe is simple, quick, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

how to make Air Fryer Chicken Teriyaki

Ingredients:

2/3 cup teriyaki sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 to 3 teaspoons light brown sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (or about 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated)
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
1 to 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (diced into 1-inch bite-sized pieces)
1 teaspoon olive oil (for coating the air fryer basket)
Green onions (thinly sliced, optional for garnishing)
Toasted sesame seeds (optional for garnishing)

Directions:

The Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, olive oil, optional light brown sugar, garlic powder, ginger, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
The Chicken: Add the diced chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes.
The Air Fryer: Lightly drizzle about 1 teaspoon of olive oil over the air fryer basket and set it to 385°F.
The Chicken: Transfer the marinated chicken to the preheated air fryer in a single layer without overlapping. Discard the excess marinade.
Cook the chicken at 380-390°F for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Touches: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over rice.

how to serve Air Fryer Chicken Teriyaki

Serve your Air Fryer Chicken Teriyaki over a bed of steamed rice for a perfect meal. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for a healthier option. Feel free to sprinkle extra teriyaki sauce over the top for added flavor.

how to store Air Fryer Chicken Teriyaki

To store leftover chicken teriyaki, let it cool to room temperature. Place the chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

tips to make Air Fryer Chicken Teriyaki

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours or even overnight.
Ensure the chicken pieces are cut to the same size for even cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
If you want a sweeter sauce, add more light brown sugar to the marinade.

variation

You can make this recipe with tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian option. Just press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized cubes and marinate as you would with chicken.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Yes, using store-bought teriyaki sauce is perfectly fine and saves time. Just check the label for your preferred flavor and ingredients.

2. What can I serve with Air Fryer Chicken Teriyaki?
You can serve it with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. A side salad also pairs nicely.

3. How long does it take to cook chicken in an air fryer?
It usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes at 380-390°F, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.