Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is a delightful dish that’s become a staple in many homes. The juicy, tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into something special. I remember the first time I made this dish; the aroma wafted through my kitchen, drawing my family in, and their enthusiastic response made it clear this recipe would quickly become a favorite. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare—ideal for those hectic weeknights. The air fryer not only reduces cooking time but also gives the chicken a satisfying slight char while keeping it juicy. Plus, it’s budget-friendly; using simple ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal at home. With a flavor profile that even kids adore, this teriyaki chicken is bound to appeal to all age groups. Pair it with rice or some colorful veggies for a well-rounded meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
"This teriyaki chicken was a huge hit at our family dinner! The air fryer made it so crispy without all the oil!"
Step-by-step overview
Making Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is straightforward and user-friendly. You’ll start by preheating your air fryer, which only takes a few moments. In the meantime, you’ll prepare the chicken by tossing it in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the teriyaki sauce, and ensure each piece is generously coated. After placing the chicken in the air fryer, it cooks quickly—only about 12-15 minutes! With minimal effort and maximum taste, you’ll deliver dinner to the table in no time.
What you’ll need
Here are the ingredients you’ll require for this tasty dish:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or fresh veggies, for serving
Feel free to swap out the chicken breast for thighs or even shrimp if you want to mix things up!
Directions to follow
- Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re well coated.
- Pour in the teriyaki sauce and mix again to ensure all the chicken is evenly coated.
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure it’s not overcrowded.
- Air fry the chicken for 12-15 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through to promote even cooking. The chicken should be cooked through and slightly charred.
- Finally, serve your delightful teriyaki chicken over rice or alongside fresh veggies. Drizzle extra teriyaki sauce if you desire!
Best ways to enjoy it
To elevate your Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken, consider serving it on a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa for a nutty flavor. You can also add a side of steamed broccoli or sautéed bell peppers for that extra crunch and color. For a fun twist, sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top before serving. Enjoying it as a wrap with lettuce leaves or in a rice bowl with other toppings can also create a delicious and filling meal.
The best way to save extras
Storing leftovers is easy with this teriyaki chicken. When you have any leftovers, transfer them into an airtight container and refrigerate. They should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you want to save some for a later date, you can freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Helpful cooking tips
For the best results, make sure that when you cut your chicken, the pieces are uniform to ensure even cooking. If you notice that your chicken tends to dry out, marinating it longer in the teriyaki sauce before cooking can dramatically improve the flavor and texture. Also, think about trying different brands of teriyaki sauce to discover personal favorites, as they can vary in sweetness and consistency.
Creative twists
Feel free to experiment with this recipe. You could add minced ginger or garlic for extra depth of flavor, or even a splash of pineapple juice for a fruity sweetness. If you’re looking for a spicy kick, a dash of sriracha can make the dish pop. You can also swap out the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, making the dish versatile for various diets.
Common questions
How long does it take to prep this dish?
Preparing the chicken and marinating it will take about 10-15 minutes. With the air fryer cooking time of 12-15 minutes, the entire process can be done in about 30 minutes!
Can I use frozen chicken?
While it’s best to use fresh chicken for even cooking, you can use frozen chicken if you thoroughly defrost it first. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
What should I serve with Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken?
This dish works wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or even as part of a salad. Pairing it with steamed vegetables adds brightness and color to your plate.
How do I ensure the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. If you find it’s not quite there after the suggested cooking time, just pop it back in for another couple of minutes.
This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken recipe is not only convenient but also incredibly delicious. Give it a try, and you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!
Print
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and delicious recipe for juicy teriyaki chicken made in an air fryer, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or fresh veggies, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper until coated.
- Pour in the teriyaki sauce and mix again to ensure even coating.
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Serve over rice or alongside fresh veggies, drizzling with extra teriyaki sauce if desired.
Notes
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in teriyaki sauce longer before cooking. Experiment with different brands of teriyaki sauce for varied taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian