Get ready to fall in love with Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken! This quick and easy dish is a flavor-packed weeknight hero—think tender, juicy chicken kissed by the air fryer’s magic, then drenched in a glossy, sweet-meets-savory teriyaki glaze. It’s sticky, saucy, and downright irresistible—so good, you might just lick your plate clean!
Teriyaki Chicken in the air fryer is the best way to get juicy chicken thighs or bite-size chicken breast pieces with golden brown edges using less oil.
With my flavorful Teriyaki Sauce made from simple ingredients like low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic, this air fryer chicken recipe delivers bold, savory flavors fast. You can also make Beef Teriyaki, Teriyaki Noodles or even a super simple Teriyaki Vegetables too.
When making a Hawaiian Lunch Plate don't forget to add traditional Hawaiian Macaroni Salad or Air Fryer Spam.
The cooking process is quick, cleanup is easy, and it's perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights. Toss cooked chicken in extra teriyaki sauce and serve over white rice, cauliflower rice, or in air fryer chicken teriyaki bowls for a delicious dinner the whole family will enjoy.
For more flavorful and easy chicken dishes, check out my Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu, Trader Joe's Orange Chicken Air Fryer Recipe, Air Fryer BBQ Chicken, Easy Chicken Fajitas, Chicken Crescent Roll Ups, and Sweet Honey Glazed Air Fryer Chicken!
Ingredients Needed for Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
- Chicken. Boneless skinless chicken thighs are best for juicy, succulent chicken, but boneless chicken breasts or even chicken tenderloins work great too.
- Water. Acts as the base for the homemade teriyaki sauce, helping everything blend smoothly.
- Soy Sauce. Brings that essential salty, umami flavor. Low sodium soy sauce, coconut aminos, or even gluten-free teriyaki sauce can be used depending on your dietary needs.
- Brown Sugar. Adds deep sweetness and richness. Coconut sugar or maple syrup are great alternatives with slightly different flavor notes.
- Honey. Gives the sauce a glossy texture and sweet stickiness—warm it slightly for easy mixing.
- Ground Ginger. Adds a subtle warmth and classic teriyaki depth. Fresh grated ginger works if you want a punchier kick.
- Garlic. One clove is all you need for that aromatic bite. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Cornstarch. Thickens the sauce into that perfect teriyaki glaze. Tapioca flour also works well if you prefer a grain-free option.
- Green Onions. Optional, but perfect for a pop of freshness and color right before serving.
- Sesame Seeds. Sprinkle these on top for a hint of nutty flavor and a pretty finish.
- Cooking Spray. Helps keep the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket and ensures even browning.
How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
- Start by trimming boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts and cutting them into bite size pieces. In a small bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce ingredients—water, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, ground ginger, and freshly minced garlic. Pour half of this delicious teriyaki marinade over the chicken and let it soak up those savory flavors for at least 30 minutes (or up to 3 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor).
- Take the remaining marinade and pour it into a small saucepan. Stir in a quick slurry made from cornstarch and water, then heat over medium heat until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze. This will be your extra teriyaki sauce to coat the cooked chicken—trust us, it's the best part.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer and air fry for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken thighs.
- Once cooked, toss your air fryer teriyaki chicken with the thickened sauce and top with sesame seeds and green onions for a flavorful finish. Serve over white rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice, or basmati rice—whatever suits your cravings.
FAQs
Yes! Store-bought teriyaki sauce is a great shortcut—just make sure to choose a flavorful one and skip the thickening step if it’s already glazed.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs are ideal for juicy results, but boneless chicken breasts or tenderloins work well too.
It can be! Just use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos and double-check all other ingredients.
For best results, thaw your chicken first so it marinates and cooks evenly in the air fryer.
Absolutely. Chicken wings in the air fryer with teriyaki sauce are next-level—just adjust the cook time as needed.
Storage & Freezing
Storage: Store any leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container or a resealable ZipLoc bag. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep or easy lunches on busy weeknights.
Freezing: Freeze your air fryer teriyaki chicken in a freezer-safe bag or airtight plastic container for up to 3 months. Be sure to let the chicken cool completely before freezing to avoid condensation and freezer burn.
Reheating: To bring back that just-cooked flavor, reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes. It crisps right back up while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken up to 3 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until you're ready to air fry. For the best results, let the marinated chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
Substitutions & Variations
- Chicken. Boneless skinless chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, but you can use chicken breasts, chicken tenderloins, or even chicken wings for a fun twist.
- Soy Sauce. Swap with low-sodium soy sauce, coconut aminos for a gluten-free option, or regular soy sauce if sodium isn’t a concern.
- Brown Sugar. Coconut sugar or maple syrup make great natural sweetener swaps without losing that caramel-like richness.
- Honey. Agave syrup or maple syrup can replace honey in a pinch—just warm them slightly to mix smoothly.
- Ground Ginger. Fresh grated ginger can be used for a stronger, zesty flavor.
- Garlic. Fresh garlic is ideal, but garlic powder will still give that savory bite if needed.
- Cornstarch. Tapioca flour or arrowroot powder can work as thickening agents for the teriyaki glaze.
- Green Onions. Chives or finely diced yellow onion can work in a pinch for topping.
- Sesame Seeds. Toasted sesame seeds or even black sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and pretty finish.
- Cooking Spray. If you’re out, brush a little sesame oil or neutral oil onto the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
Pro Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor. Let your chicken soak in the teriyaki marinade for at least 30 minutes—longer if you have time! The extra soak makes for juicy chicken bursting with savory, sweet, and tangy goodness.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket. For the best texture and even browning, lay the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If needed, cook in batches—it’s worth it for that golden brown finish.
- Use a Meat Thermometer. To ensure your cooked chicken is perfectly safe and juicy, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should hit 165°F right in the center.
- What to Serve With Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken. This dish is amazing over a bed of white rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice, or fluffy basmati rice. Add steamed veggies or a side of edamame for a complete meal with colorful, delicious balance.
Have you tried this Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken recipe?
Please leave a comment below if you have tried making this recipe. I love to hear from you and enjoy reading about what you think. Be sure to tag @devourdinner when posting to social media. I can't wait to see your photos!
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes You'll Love
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables
- Air Fryer Chicken Crescent Roll Ups
- Sweet Honey Glazed Air Fryer Chicken
- Frozen Chicken Patties in Air Fryer
- Easy Chicken Fajitas (Air Fryer & Instant Pot)
Teriyaki Chicken Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds Chicken - Thighs or Breast
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1 Cup Water
- ¼ Cup Soy Sauce
- 4 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Honey
- ½ teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 1 clove Garlic - Minced
Slurry
- 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons Water
Instructions
- Trim chicken thighs or breasts and remove excess fat
- Cut chicken into bite size cubes and place in a bowl
Teriyaki Sauce
- In a separate bowl combine water, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, ground ginger and garlic and stir to combine
- Tip: Heating the honey in the microwave for 10-15 seconds helps the mixing process with the other ingredients.
- Pour half the marinade over the cubed chicken and allow chicken to marinate for 30minutes
Thicken Teriyaki Sauce
- Pour remaining marinade in a small saucepan
- Mix slurry of water and cornstarch and pour into marinade
- Heat over medium/high heat and stir until thickened
- Set aside and glaze over cooked chicken
Air Fryer Cooking
- Preheat Air Fryer to 350F degrees
- Place marinated chicken cubes into hot air fryer. Air Fry for 12-14 minutes turning chicken cubes over half way through.
- Chicken should reach internal temperature of 165F Degrees.
- Remove Chicken and toss with remaining sauce.
- Garnish with Sesame Seeds and Green Onions (optional)
Notes
How to Marinate Teriyaki Chicken
Add cubed chicken to marinade ingredients and allow to marinate for 30 minutes up to 3 hours. Place Chicken in refrigerator to marinate for longer than 30 minutes. Allow chicken to sit out for 30 minutes prior to Air Frying for best results.Storage & Make Ahead
- Store: Keep in an airtight container or ZipLoc bag in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Make Ahead: Marinate chicken up to 3 hours in advance; let sit at room temp for 30 minutes before cooking.
Nutrition Disclaimer
All nutrition values are approximate and calculated by a plugin and are provided as a courtesy. Adding or subtracting ingredients will change the nutritional value.
Hadji Abderrahmane
Love this recipe! Thank you for sharing such a simple and healthy idea — really appreciate the effort on the site.
Devour Dinner
Hi Hadji, thank you for a the great review. We love delicious recipes that are easy to make too! This is a favorite for us as well.