Description
This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken thighs with a crispy, caramelized exterior coated in a glossy, sticky teriyaki sauce. Using the air fryer ensures a quick cook time with beautifully browned skin and flavorful seasoning, perfect for a fast and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
Sauce and Garnish
- ¼ cup Bachan’s teriyaki sauce (or teriyaki sauce of your choice)
- Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
- Optional: sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Dry the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs thoroughly dry using paper towels, pressing both sides carefully. This step is essential to achieve a crisp and browned finish in the air fryer.
- Season the chicken: Place the chicken in a large bowl and drizzle with avocado oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground ginger, black pepper, and kosher salt over the chicken. Toss with your hands or tongs until each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Prepare the air fryer: Lightly mist the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer with space between each piece to ensure even browning and crisping.
- Cook the chicken: For boneless thighs, air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes, then flip and cook an additional 6–8 minutes. For bone-in thighs, air fry at 380°F for 12 minutes, then flip and cook another 10–12 minutes. The chicken should be browned and nearly cooked through at this stage.
- Apply teriyaki sauce: Brush each cooked thigh generously with the teriyaki sauce. Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for 2–3 more minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and cling to the chicken, creating a sticky, glossy finish.
- Rest and garnish: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes so the juices settle. Finish by sprinkling with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you desire added texture and freshness.
Notes
- Drying the chicken thoroughly before seasoning is critical to achieve crispy skin.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Bone-in thighs generally require longer cooking time than boneless.
- Adjust the amount of teriyaki sauce according to your preference for sweetness and glaze.
- Use a high-quality teriyaki sauce for best flavor results.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking keeps it juicy and tender.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 21 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese-American Fusion
