Air-Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

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.

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.

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.

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.