If you love sweet, savory, slightly sticky teriyaki chicken but don’t love standing over a stove or ordering expensive takeout, this recipe is about to become a favorite. Air fryer teriyaki chicken delivers everything you want—juicy chicken, caramelized edges, and bold teriyaki flavor—with minimal effort and almost no cleanup.
The air fryer is the secret weapon here. It cooks chicken evenly, locks in moisture, and helps the sauce caramelize without burning. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping lunches, or creating a crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe gives you restaurant-quality results at home.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn:
- How to make teriyaki chicken in the air fryer step by step
- Best chicken cuts to use
- Homemade vs store-bought teriyaki sauce
- Exact temperature and cook times
- Tips for juicy, flavorful chicken
- Easy variations and swaps
- Serving ideas for bowls, wraps, and plates
- Storage, reheating, and meal prep tips
- FAQs for perfect results every time
Let’s get started.
Why Make Teriyaki Chicken in the Air Fryer?
Teriyaki chicken is traditionally cooked on the stovetop or grill, but the air fryer makes it faster, cleaner, and more consistent.
Benefits of Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
- Juicy inside, caramelized outside
- Faster than oven or stovetop
- Less oil required
- No splattering or sticky pans
- Perfect for small or large batches
- Easy cleanup
The circulating hot air cooks the chicken evenly while allowing the sauce to thicken and glaze beautifully—without burning.
Best Chicken for Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
You can use several cuts depending on your preference.
Best Options
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs (most juicy and flavorful)
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (leaner option)
- Chicken tenders
- Chicken chunks for bowls
Recommendation
Chicken thighs are highly recommended for teriyaki chicken because they stay moist and absorb flavor better, especially when air fried.
Ingredients (Simple & Flexible)
For the Chicken
- Chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt and black pepper
- Olive oil (optional)
For Teriyaki Sauce (Homemade Option)
- Soy sauce (or low-sodium soy sauce)
- Honey or brown sugar
- Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- Garlic (minced)
- Fresh ginger (optional)
- Cornstarch + water (for thickening)
Shortcut Option
- Store-bought teriyaki sauce
Both options work well—homemade gives deeper flavor, store-bought saves time.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer (basket or oven-style)
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Saucepan (if making sauce)
- Meat thermometer
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken in the Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
Season lightly with:
- Salt
- Black pepper
Optional: Lightly coat with olive oil to help browning.
S & B Yakitori Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Seasoning Mix, No Artificial Flavors, 1.12 Ounce (Pack of 10)
Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce (Optional Homemade)
In a small saucepan, combine:
- Soy sauce
- Honey or brown sugar
- Vinegar
- Garlic
- Ginger
Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
Mix cornstarch with water, add to sauce, and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
This helps the chicken sear and stay juicy.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook at 380°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Add Teriyaki Sauce
Brush or spoon teriyaki sauce over the chicken.
Return chicken to the air fryer and cook an additional 2–4 minutes until sticky and caramelized.
Watch closely to avoid burning.
Step 6: Rest & Slice
Let chicken rest for 3–5 minutes, then slice or serve whole.
Cooking Time Guide
| Chicken Type | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thighs (boneless) | 380°F | 12–16 min |
| Breasts | 380°F | 14–18 min |
| Tenders | 380°F | 10–12 min |
| Cubed chicken | 380°F | 9–11 min |
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
✔ Use Thighs for Best Flavor
They stay juicier and caramelize better.
✔ Add Sauce at the End
Teriyaki sauce contains sugar and can burn if added too early.
✔ Don’t Overcrowd
Cook in batches for even browning.
✔ Use a Thermometer
Guarantees perfectly cooked chicken.
✔ Let It Rest
Resting keeps juices inside the chicken.
Flavor Variations
1. Spicy Teriyaki Chicken
- Add sriracha or chili flakes to sauce
2. Honey Teriyaki Chicken
- Use extra honey for sweeter glaze
3. Garlic Teriyaki Chicken
- Double the garlic for bold flavor
4. Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken
- Serve with grilled pineapple chunks
5. Low-Sugar Teriyaki
- Use sugar-free sweetener and low-sodium soy sauce
What to Serve with Teriyaki Chicken
Rice & Grain Options
- Steamed white rice
- Brown rice
- Jasmine rice
- Fried rice
- Quinoa
Vegetable Sides
- Steamed broccoli
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Green beans
- Snap peas
- Roasted carrots
Bowl Ideas
- Teriyaki chicken rice bowls
- Teriyaki chicken quinoa bowls
- Low-carb cauliflower rice bowls
Teriyaki Chicken Serving Styles
Dinner Plates
Serve sliced chicken over rice with veggies and extra sauce.
Meal Prep Bowls
Portion chicken, rice, and vegetables into containers.
Wraps & Lettuce Cups
Great for lighter meals.
Party Platters
Slice and serve with toothpicks and sesame seeds.
Garnish Ideas
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
- Cilantro
- Lime wedges
Small touches make a big difference visually and flavor-wise.
Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips
Meal Prep Instructions
- Cook chicken fully
- Cool completely
- Store in airtight containers
Keeps well for 4–5 days in the fridge.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration
- Airtight container
- Up to 5 days
Freezing
- Freeze cooked chicken (without rice)
- Up to 2 months
Reheating
- Air fryer: 350°F for 3–5 minutes
- Microwave: Use low power and cover
Nutrition Overview
Teriyaki chicken can be part of a balanced meal.
Nutrition Highlights
- High protein
- Moderate fat
- Customizable sugar levels
- Pair with vegetables for balance
Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt.
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks (Crispy Outside, Juicy Inside – Every Time)
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Air Fryer Garlic Chicken (Juicy, Flavor-Packed & Ready in Minutes)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw first for best texture.
Do I marinate the chicken?
Optional. Air frying works well without long marinating.
Can I cook sauce and chicken together?
Add sauce only near the end to avoid burning.
Best temperature?
380°F gives juicy chicken with caramelized glaze.
Can I make this keto?
Yes—use sugar-free teriyaki sauce.
Final Thoughts: Better Than Takeout
Air fryer teriyaki chicken proves you don’t need a wok or grill to get bold, sticky, crave-worthy flavor. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you get juicy chicken coated in glossy teriyaki sauce—perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or entertaining.
This recipe is:
✔ Fast
✔ Foolproof
✔ Family-friendly
✔ Customizable
Once you try teriyaki chicken in the air fryer, it’ll become a regular in your rotation.
