This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is so flavorful you would want this daily! Tender and juicy on the inside, coated with that incredible teriyaki sauce outside it’s HEAVENLY, let me tell you! It cooks perfectly every single time! I pair with a bed of white rice and my favorite veggies for dinner nights because it works every single time.

I’ve been there at those busy days where all you want is fast, delicious meals that doesnt have me working hard on the kitchen!, and this recipe hits ALL those notes and YOU deserve that too!
If you’re looking for a quick and healthy side dish, this Air Fryer Butternut Squash is a must-try—perfectly tender, caramelized, and so easy to make.
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Why Use an Air Fryer for Teriyaki Chicken?
Alright, you might wonder about using an air fryer. I get it! I’m a creature of habit and cook the same stuff all the time. Change can be weird, lol! But hear me out! The air fryer isn’t a dust collector—it’s a game-changer. It makes your chicken SUPER crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside! WAY faster than baking, and NO overheating the kitchen plus EASY cleanup. It’s a SAVIOR. It takes MINUTES to prep. So, say goodbye to tedious cooking methods, air fry only from now!
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Ingredients You’ll Need
Okay, folks, this Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken recipe is SUPER easy—you’ll only need some basic stuff to get this going, and I PROMISE you that it will be better than any takeout! Don’t worry about the measuring stuff just yet, all the correct numbers are at the end! I know you’re eager, so, HERE YOU GO!
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut them into pieces so that they can soak up the flavor and crisp perfectly in that air fryer!
- Soy Sauce: This will give a great saltiness, YUM!.
- Brown Sugar: Sweetness balance to go with savory flavors!.
- Vinegar: Rice or apple cider, we use this to get the chicken softer!
- Garlic: A MUST!
- Sesame Oil: for that earthy, nutty touch to the flavor!
- Ground Ginger: A touch of spice!
- Water & Cornstarch: Mix them for a thicker sauce!
- Garnish: Sesame seeds and chopped green onions at the END, for extra points.
- (Include Overhead Shot of labeled ingredients here – Remember to add this on)

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How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Okay listen up, this teriyaki chicken was usually cooked in the oven BUT i said, i dont need this stress in my life and that is the main thing i dont want!. So here is how you’re gonna get it done SUPER fast! This air fryer version saves HALF THE TIME while keeping ALL of that savory taste that is going to wow every family member at the table!.
Prep: Get that chicken in pieces and in a bowl! (2 inches!) Let them sit while we get the sauces ready!
Combine: In a smaller bowl mix up all that soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, and ginger— save about ¼ cup aside so we can make that thick sauce for later.


Marinade: pour ALL of that sauce over the chicken in a bowl then cover the bowl and put it in your fridge! Just 20 minutes should work so they are getting nice flavor!


Air Fry: Now dump those yummy chicken pieces into your air fryer making sure they don’t OVERLAP. Set the heat at 375°F and cook for 8 mins! then, FLIP THE chicken and cook another 8 mins. Check the temp, it should reach 165°F!.
Heat the Sauce: take that saved sauce (1/4 cup), add the slurry we made with water and cornstarch into a small pan. Start the stove and keep it in low until we see it thickening with a consistent stirring!.

Serve: The FUN part!, sauce every piece in teriyaki sauce and garnish! over white rice with green onions and sesame seed.

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Tips for the Best Air Fryer for Teriyaki Chicken
Cooking is fun, I’m aware that it can be also frustrating if the expected outcome is different! You are in luck because with these tips, i have mastered cooking in general in the last years!. Check this TIPS:
Do not Overcrowd: The main thing, avoid to fill the air fryer, try in batches to help each piece cook fully to it’s potential, not piled up, the outcome WILL BE different. We want all those juicy pieces ok?!
Temp: Keep the cooking at the consistent 400 degrees mark – for consistent results always.
Flip It flip your chicken when cooking for optimal CRISPYNESS, so easy!
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Variations on the theme
Now, who wants only teriyaki?! lol okay sometimes we like some more alternatives and choices. Feel free to use another sauces for marinates like barbecue or even some citrus flavored ones. As for the protein, no reason you cannot choose some salmon, turkey, tofu or shrimp or even some vegetarian meat alternatives!. The SKY IS the limit!. Go nuts!
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Serving Ideas
Now you got some GLORIOUS Teriyaki Chicken – what do we do now?. Don’t you fret because we can make some incredible dishes for every need!.
- Serve with White rice: A classic choice for rice dishes—it just WORKS!
- Steamed veggies on the side : Add in your go-to veggies like carrots, peas and broccoli so we can achieve an balanced diet.
- Make a teriyaki Bowl!: With a bed of your favorite veggies with our AMAZING teriyaki chicken on top with sesame seeds. PERFECT LUNCH!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken ?
Yes, just be sure to completely defrost before marinating it. Patting it dry before the marinate process it crucial too so water doesn’t meddle!
How long will the leftovers last ?
For 3 to 4 days, just be sure you store it in an airtight container.
Can I add other veggies in with the chicken in the air fryer ?
Yup! Bell peppers and onions work best!. Put it in for the last 8- 10 mins, so it won’t be burned when the chicken has already started to be cooked!
Do i NEED to marinate for this to work ?
You do not, it taste better that way – BUT you do not!
Can i adjust this to my air fryer ?
Air fryers vary! Your temp might be more effective and the result quicker for less cooking time
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Guys, how cool was this?! I TOLD you it was a PIECE of cake, EASY peasy lemon squeezy!. My whole thing about this, is that weeknights does not have to be hard with simple recipes, ready in less than 20 minutes you will impress your entire house! Give this recipe a try and i know your tummy is going to be saying ‘THANK YOU’ – enjoy!
Print
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 46 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Deliciously tender and flavorful teriyaki chicken made in the air fryer. It’s quick, easy, and better than takeout .
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch pieces
- For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vinegar (rice or apple cider)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken into 2-inch pieces and place them in a bowl.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Set aside 1/4 cup of this mixture for later.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken pieces, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to marinate.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8 minutes, then flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small pan, mix the reserved sauce with the water-cornstarch slurry. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Serve and Garnish: Toss the cooked chicken in the thickened teriyaki sauce. Serve over white rice and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Notes
- Marinate Longer for More Flavor: While 20 minutes works, marinating for up to 1 hour gives even more flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve Suggestions: Pair with steamed rice, sautéed veggies, or even noodles for a complete meal.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a quick crisp-up.
Nutrition
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 22g