Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Super flavorful Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken cooks up perfect every time! It’s tender and juicy on the inside with a tasty teriyaki sauce coating the outside. Perfect for busy nights, this easy dish pairs wonderfully with rice and veggies, making it suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes minimal time to prepare and cook, making it great for weeknight meals.
• Flavorful: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic creates a mouthwatering teriyaki flavor that everyone will enjoy.
• Healthy Option: Using chicken breasts ensures a lean protein choice that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
• Versatile: Serve over rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal that can easily be adapted to your taste.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet and savory flavors, making it a hit among all ages.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the necessary kitchen tools before you start.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small saucepan
• Whisk

Why These Tools Matter

• Air fryer: Cooks food quickly while keeping it crispy without excess oil.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for marinating the chicken evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure precise ingredient measurements for consistent results.
• Small saucepan: Used to thicken the teriyaki sauce effortlessly.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, (about 1 pound)
– ½ cup soy sauce
– ⅓ cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, or apple cider vinegar
– 1 clove garlic, (minced)
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
– ¼ cup water
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– sesame seeds and chopped green onions, (for garnish)

How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the large boneless skinless chicken breasts into 2-inch pieces. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, combine:
1. ½ cup soy sauce
2. ⅓ cup brown sugar
3. 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
4. 1 clove minced garlic
5. 1 teaspoon sesame oil
6. ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade sauce in another bowl and set aside.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken pieces in the bowl. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to enhance flavor.

Step 4: Cook in Air Fryer

Add the marinated chicken pieces to the air fryer basket. Space them evenly in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Close the basket and cook at 375°F for about 8 minutes. After this time, open the basket and flip each piece of chicken. Close it again and cook for an additional 8 minutes, or until fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

In a small saucepan, place the reserved marinade sauce over medium heat. In another small bowl, whisk together:
1. ¼ cup water
2. 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Add this cornstarch slurry to your saucepan mixture while whisking until it thickens.

Step 6: Serve Your Dish

Baste the cooked chicken with your thickened teriyaki sauce and serve over rice! Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation. Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken!

How to Serve Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Serving Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken can be both creative and simple. The delicious flavors of teriyaki sauce pair beautifully with a variety of sides and garnishes. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Over Rice

• Serve the teriyaki chicken on a bed of steamed white or brown rice for a classic combination that absorbs the sauce perfectly.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pair with colorful stir-fried veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas tossed in soy sauce for added crunch and nutrition.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use crisp lettuce leaves to wrap the chicken for a fresh and light meal option. Top with shredded carrots and a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce.

On Noodles

• Serve over cooked noodles such as soba or rice noodles, adding sesame oil and scallions for an Asian-inspired dish.

With Quinoa

• For a healthier twist, serve the chicken on quinoa. This high-protein grain adds a nutty flavor that complements the teriyaki nicely.

As Part of a Salad

• Slice the chicken and add it to a salad with mixed greens, mandarin oranges, almonds, and a sesame dressing for a refreshing meal.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

To ensure your Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Marinate Longer: For deeper flavors, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours in the refrigerator.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Place chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This allows even cooking and browning.
• Check Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safety.
• Baste for Flavor: Basting the chicken with thickened teriyaki sauce while cooking enhances flavor and keeps it moist.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will provide vibrant flavors compared to powdered versions.
• Experiment with Garnishes: Add toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions just before serving for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

A well-rounded meal goes beyond just the main dish. Here are some excellent side dishes that complement Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken beautifully.

1. Steamed Broccoli: A nutritious side that adds color and crunch; steam until tender but still bright green.
2. Fried Rice: Make quick fried rice using leftover rice, peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs for an easy side packed with flavor.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Toss cubed sweet potatoes in olive oil and seasonings before roasting until crispy on the outside.
4. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sesame seeds provides a cool contrast.
5. Edamame: Lightly salted edamame pods are an excellent finger food that pairs well with any Asian-inspired dish.
6. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can round out your meal perfectly; add tofu and seaweed for extra protein.
7. Grilled Zucchini: Slice zucchini into rounds or strips, grill them until tender; they add great texture alongside the chicken.
8. Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that’s quick to prepare; sauté cauliflower rice with garlic for added flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of.

• Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always allow time for the chicken to soak in the teriyaki sauce for at least 20 minutes.
• Overcrowding the Air Fryer: Placing too many pieces of chicken in the air fryer can prevent even cooking. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure that each piece gets that crispy exterior.
• Ignoring Temperature Checks: Failing to check the internal temperature might result in undercooked chicken. Always ensure it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safety.
• Forgetting to Baste: Neglecting to baste with the thickened sauce can lessen flavor. Take a moment to coat your chicken right before serving for maximum taste.
• Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or old ingredients, especially garlic, can affect taste. Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in flavor and quality.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

• Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken?

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious and quick recipe that features tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful teriyaki sauce, cooked perfectly using an air fryer.

How do you know when the chicken is done?

To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can I customize my Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during cooking or modify the sauce with different spices to suit your taste.

What should I serve with Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken?

Serve it over rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is not only flavorful but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep! Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the sauce ingredients to suit your palate. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its deliciousness!