Name: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 21 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: Japanese-American Fusion
Ingredients: 6 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs; 1 tbsp avocado oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp ground ginger; ½ tsp black pepper; ¾ tsp kosher salt; ¼ cup Bachan’s teriyaki sauce (or teriyaki sauce of your choice); Optional: sesame seeds for garnish; Optional: sliced green onions for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 11 reviews

If you are craving a dish that combines incredible flavor, crispy texture, and effortless preparation, this Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is here to rescue your dinner plans. Imagine juicy chicken thighs enveloped in a perfectly spiced crust, then glazed with a sticky, sweet teriyaki sauce that practically sings with every bite. It’s a meal that feels both special and simple enough for weeknights, delivering restaurant-quality results without any fuss. This recipe harnesses the magic of the air fryer to achieve that crave-worthy crispiness while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside—making it an instant favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with raw chicken thighs with pale pink and light cream colors, placed near six small white or clear bowls containing different ingredients on a white marbled texture. Starting from the top center going clockwise, there is a small bowl of dark brown liquid sauce, a white bowl with four piles of powders and crushed spices in light tan, black and white specks, and light brown colors, a clear bowl with light yellow oil, a small white bowl with bright red seasoning, and another clear bowl with pale yellow granular powder. The scene is bright and clean looking, with all ingredients neatly arranged on the white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward, authentic, and work together beautifully to build layers of taste, color, and mouthwatering aroma. Every component plays an essential part, from the spices that add warmth and depth to the teriyaki sauce that ties it all together with a luscious glaze.

6 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs: Choose based on your preference; bone-in adds extra juiciness, while boneless cooks faster and is easier to eat.
1 tbsp avocado oil: A high-heat oil that helps crisp the skin without overpowering flavors.
1 tsp garlic powder: Provides subtle pungency and savory notes that complement the sweet sauce.
1 tsp onion powder: Adds a mild sweetness and depth to the spice blend.
1 tsp smoked paprika: Delivers a smoky, earthy flavor that gives the chicken an irresistible color and aroma.
½ tsp ground ginger: Brings warmth and a hint of zing to balance the dish.
½ tsp black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
¾ tsp kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and tenderizing the chicken.
¼ cup Bachan’s teriyaki sauce (or your favorite teriyaki sauce): The star of the dish for that sticky, sweet-savory finish.
Optional: sesame seeds + sliced green onions for garnish: These add lovely texture and freshness as a finishing touch.

How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First things first, patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels is crucial. This step might feel small, but it makes a huge difference for crispiness by removing excess moisture. Lay the thighs out and press gently on both sides until no dampness remains—this primes them perfectly for air frying.

Step 2: Season with Spice Blend

Place the chicken in a large bowl, drizzle with avocado oil, and sprinkle all the spices—garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground ginger, black pepper, and kosher salt—over the top. Use your hands or tongs to toss everything gently until every piece is evenly coated in flavor.

Step 3: Arrange Chicken in Air Fryer

Lightly spray or brush oil on the air fryer basket to prevent sticking, then arrange the thighs in a single layer, making sure they are spaced apart. Crowding the basket can cause steaming and prevent that desirable golden-brown crust from forming.

Step 4: Cook Until Crisp

Set your air fryer to 380°F. For boneless thighs, cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook an additional 6 to 8 minutes. For bone-in thighs, air fry 12 minutes on one side, flip, and cook for another 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for a beautifully brown exterior with crispy edges and chicken that’s nearly cooked through.

Step 5: Glaze with Teriyaki Sauce

Brush each piece generously with your teriyaki sauce, then pop the chicken back in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes. This step thickens and caramelizes the sauce, coating the chicken in a shiny, sticky glaze that’s bursting with flavor.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Then, sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired for a fresh crunch and a nutty finish that perfectly complements the rich, sticky sauce.

How to Serve Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

The image shows a white bowl with three main layers. The bottom layer is light brown cooked rice with a soft texture, filling the bowl. On top of the rice, there are thick pieces of grilled chicken with a shiny, caramelized orange-brown crust, sliced to show juicy white meat inside. The chicken is sprinkled with small white sesame seeds and chopped green onions. At the side of the bowl, there is bright green steamed broccoli with a slightly bumpy texture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding sesame seeds and sliced green onions is a simple way to elevate your dish visually and texturally. The sesame seeds add a subtle nutty crunch, while the green onions bring a pop of freshness and bright color that balances the sweet and smoky notes of the chicken.

Side Dishes

This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a boost of freshness, a side of sautéed or steamed veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy makes a perfect, well-rounded meal that feels wholesome and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken sliced over a bed of crunchy cabbage slaw or inside warm tortillas with avocado and pickled vegetables for an Asian-inspired chicken taco. You can also turn it into a vibrant bowl with rice, roasted veggies, and a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce for an eye-catching meal that’s just as tasty as it looks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled down to room temperature before sealing to keep the texture as fresh as possible.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. Portion the pieces so you can thaw only what you need. When freezing, it’s best to leave out garnishes like green onions and add fresh ones after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes to bring back crispness without drying it out. Alternatively, warming gently in the oven works well. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that coveted crispy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe?

Yes, you can swap chicken thighs for breasts, but keep in mind that breasts tend to be leaner and can dry out more easily. Adjust cooking times accordingly and watch closely to avoid overcooking.

What if I don’t have avocado oil?

Any high-smoke-point oil like canola, grapeseed, or vegetable oil will work just fine. Avocado oil is preferred for its health benefits and mild flavor, but don’t stress if you don’t have it on hand.

Can I make my own teriyaki sauce instead of using store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade teriyaki sauces are wonderful and let you control sweetness and saltiness. A simple mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a splash of mirin or honey will do the trick.

Is it necessary to flip the chicken during cooking?

Flipping the chicken halfway through helps ensure even cooking and a balanced crisp on both sides. It’s recommended to get the best texture and color.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to use a gluten-free teriyaki sauce and double-check that all spices are gluten-free. Many store-bought teriyaki sauces contain soy sauce with gluten, so look for labeled options.

Final Thoughts

Trying this Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is like inviting a little happiness to your dinner table. With easy steps, vibrant flavors, and that perfect crispy yet juicy bite, it’s bound to become one of your go-to meals. So don’t wait—grab your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and dive into the deliciousness that’s waiting for you!