Elevate dinner with this Air-Fryer Teriyaki Chicken—a perfect blend of crispy, juicy chicken thighs and a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce. This quick and easy recipe is a healthier take on a takeout favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on for flavor, juiciness, and crispiness.
- Olive oil: Helps seasoning stick and promotes crispy skin when making Air-Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder: Enhance the chicken’s natural flavor when preparing Air-Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs.
- Soy sauce: Adds salty, umami depth to the sauce.
- Brown sugar & honey: Sweetens and caramelizes the sauce.
- Mirin: Adds acidity and sweetness for a balanced flavor.
- Toasted sesame oil: Provides nutty richness.
- Garlic & ginger: Fresh aromatics for bold flavor.
- Lime zest: Optional, for a citrusy kick.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for Air-Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs.
- Water: Balances and smooths the sauce.
Alternative Ingredients
- Soy sauce: Substitute with tamari for gluten-free or coconut aminos for a milder, slightly sweet flavor.
- Mirin: Use rice vinegar with a pinch of sugar or dry sherry if mirin is unavailable.
- Toasted sesame oil: Swap with neutral oil like avocado oil, though it will lack the nutty aroma.
- Lime zest: Replace with lemon zest for similar citrusy brightness or omit entirely.
- Cornstarch: Use arrowroot powder or flour for thickening if cornstarch isn’t on hand.
Nutritional Benefits
- Chicken thighs: High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair, with essential vitamins and minerals found in Air-Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs.
- Garlic & ginger: Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, aiding digestion and immunity.
- Soy sauce: Provides a source of sodium and amino acids but is better balanced when using low-sodium options.
- Honey & amp; brown sugar: Natural sweeteners in moderation for quick energy and better taste balance.
- Lime zest: Adds vitamin C, supporting immune health and collagen production.
- Sesame oil: Contains healthy fats, including omega-6 fatty acids, for heart and brain health.
Expert Tips
- Pat the chicken dry: This ensures the skin crisps up beautifully in the air fryer when making Air-Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Leave space between chicken thighs for even cooking and crispiness in Air-Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs.
- Double the sauce: Make extra teriyaki sauce to drizzle over rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
- Flip halfway through: Turning the chicken ensures even browning and perfectly cooked skin.
- Use a meat thermometer: Check for an internal temperature of 165°F to avoid undercooked or dry Air-Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs.
- Garnish for flair: Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and flavor.
FAQs
Yes, but the cooking time will be shorter, and you may not get as much crispiness.
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Yes, but homemade gives you control over the sweetness and saltiness levels.
Yes! Prepare the sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure you don’t overcook it. Aim for 165°F internal temperature.
You can freeze cooked chicken, but the skin may lose crispiness when reheated.
Use arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour as a thickening alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Air-Fryer Teriyaki Chicken with steamed jasmine rice and roasted vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for a balanced, flavorful meal. Add a side of pickled cucumbers or miso soup for a fresh, Japanese-inspired touch!
Storage Suggestions
Store leftover Air-Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken (without the sauce) for up to 3 months; reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.
You’ll also enjoy:
- Tofu Salmon Rice Bowl
- Korean Beef Stew
- Spicy Lemongrass Chicken
- Pad Thai Ramen
- Miso Butter Salmon
- Spicy Edamame
Air-Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 6 chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce low-sodium
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp mirin (or rice vinegar)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
- zest of 1 lime (optional, for brightness)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
Air-Fry the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up.6 chicken thighs
- Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 15 minutes, then flip and cook for another 10–15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
- Heat the toasted sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.1 tsp toasted sesame oil, 1 clove garlic, 1 tsp fresh ginger
- Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, mirin, water, and lime zest (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp mirin, zest of 1 lime, 1/4 cup water
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 teaspoon of water to make a slurry. Add this to the sauce, stirring constantly.1 tsp cornstarch
- Simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
Glaze the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is done, brush the teriyaki sauce generously over the thighs.
- Return the chicken to the air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes to caramelize the glaze slightly.
- Transfer the chicken thighs to a serving plate. Drizzle any remaining teriyaki sauce over the top.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
Notes
- For Crispier Skin: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure the skin crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
- Adjust the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Cooking Time Variations: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the chicken thighs; use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Make Extra Sauce: Consider doubling the sauce for extra flavor to drizzle over rice or vegetables.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with steamed rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: I am a health and wellness coach with a degree in health science from Arizona State University. However, I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. Any information or advice provided on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if you have a medical condition. The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice or a substitute for it.
Loved it! Easy to prepare, excellent taste