Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken The Perfect Weeknight Dinner
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dinner option that feels like a restaurant-quality meal, look no further than air fryer teriyaki chicken. This dish brings together the sweetness of teriyaki sauce with tender, juicy chicken, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer.
Servings: 4
Calories: 237kcal
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup shoyu Japanese soy sauce
- ⅓ cup mirin sweet rice wine
- ⅓ cup sake
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ inch fresh ginger sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons water
- Non-stick cooking spray for air fryer basket
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine shoyu, mirin, sake, sugar, ginger, and garlic. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined.
- Add chicken to the bowl and ensure it’s fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best).
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- In a small saucepan, pour the reserved teriyaki sauce (about ¼ to ½ cup). Add cornstarch and water to a small bowl, mix into a slurry, then pour into the saucepan. Heat over medium heat while stirring until the glaze thickens.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray. Add marinated chicken to the basket in a single layer.
- Air fry at 380°F for 6 minutes, then flip the chicken. Brush with the prepared teriyaki glaze and air fry for another 5-6 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Allow the chicken to cool slightly before serving. Drizzle additional teriyaki glaze over the chicken if desired.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Cooking the chicken in a single layer ensures it crisps up and cooks evenly. If needed, cook in batches.
- Substitute chicken breasts: You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer a leaner cut of meat, but be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out quickly.
- Add spice: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade or glaze.
- Make your own teriyaki sauce: If you want to make your own sauce, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch to thicken it.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 237 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Sugars | 11g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 108mg |
| Sodium | 2002mg |
| Fiber | 0.3g |
| Potassium | 434mg |
| Vitamin A | 27 IU |
| Vitamin C | 1mg |
| Calcium | 26mg |
| Iron | 1mg |