Craving restaurant-quality teriyaki chicken without the mess? This air fryer teriyaki chicken is your perfect solution. Juicy, golden-crisp chicken thighs are coated in a homemade teriyaki glaze that’s sweet, savory, and packed with umami flavor—every bite is irresistible.
Why You’ll Love It
- No messy deep-frying or pan-searing required
- Crispy outside, tender and juicy inside
- Customizable homemade teriyaki sauce
- Quick, easy, and packed with flavor
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breast)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or regular soy sauce diluted with water)
- 2 tbsp mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 2 tbsp sake (optional, for authentic flavor)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey for a sweeter twist)
How to Make It
- Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. - Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Place chicken thighs skin-side up in the basket. Cook for 15–20 minutes, until crisp and golden. - Make the Teriyaki Sauce
While the chicken cooks, add soy sauce, mirin, sake, and brown sugar to a small pan. Simmer on low heat until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. - Coat the Chicken
Transfer the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the teriyaki glaze. - Serve
Garnish with sesame seeds and enjoy hot with your favorite sides.
Tips for Success
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to avoid overly salty results.
- Don’t flip the chicken—this keeps the skin crispy.
- Simmer the sauce gently to prevent burning.
- For thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).
Customize It
- Add freshly grated ginger for warmth.
- Stir in minced garlic for extra aroma.
- Sprinkle chili flakes for a spicy kick.
What to Serve With It
- Steamed white rice – A perfect base for soaking up sauce
- Japanese sesame salad – Light and refreshing
- Steamed or air-fried vegetables – Think broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots
- Miso soup – Comforting and traditional
FAQs
Is this recipe authentic?
Yes, it uses traditional Japanese ingredients with a modern air fryer twist.
Where can I find the ingredients?
Look for soy sauce, mirin, and sake at Asian grocery stores or online.
Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce?
Sure! But homemade gives you better control over flavor and sweetness.
How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
No stovetop?
No problem—microwave the sauce in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until thickened.
Crispy Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
This air fryer teriyaki chicken is a quick and easy recipe for juicy, crispy chicken coated in a rich, sweet, and savory teriyaki glaze. Perfect for a delicious homemade meal in just 20 minutes.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 336 kcal
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons mirin
- 3 tablespoons sake
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- In a pan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar or honey. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and coat it with the teriyaki sauce.
- Slice or serve whole with rice and your favorite side dishes.
Nutrition
Serving: 1chicken thigh | Calories: 336kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 617mg | Potassium: 285mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 88IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg