If you need a "wow" recipe, this air fryer chicken teriyaki with a homemade sauce recipe is sure to please. It is so delicious, fast, and easy you won't know why you haven't already made it! While you can easily grab a bottle of your favorite teriyaki sauce to use, I love this sweet homemade sauce. It's a great last minute weeknight meal!
Air Fryer Chicken Teriyaki
Chicken teriyaki comes in a variety of styles and flavors. While the basic concept is the same, and traditional options are often served dry rather than saucy, it's about a slightly salty but sweet flavor and a skewered chicken.
You may normally bake these or grill them, but I love them in the air fryer. It gives me that little bit of crisp on the outside, but makes sure I don't overcook the chicken and turn it dry. It's really tasty and definitely easy for even a newbie to air fryer cooking.
What Air Fryer Should I Use?
If you haven't invested in an air fryer yet but want to, then the ones listed below are my top recommendations. I have either personally owned/used them or a trusted family member has. My current go-to choice is the Instant Pot Vortex, but the Cosori is an excellent runner up.
Should I Use Chicken Breasts or Thighs for Teriyaki?
Most restaurants will use chicken thighs for teriyaki chicken, or as my son used to call it, "chicken on a stick". I, however, am not personally a fan of chicken thighs, so I grab chicken breasts instead.
You can use either breasts or thighs, both will result in delicious teriyaki chicken. Just make sure that whatever you use the internal temperature has reached 165°F before serving. If you don't already have a meat thermometer, I highly recommend the ThermoPro digital meat thermometer. It's affordable and gives accurate readings every time.
What Goes with Chicken Teriyaki?
Ideally, you have a nice Asian inspired meal planned, but if not, that's okay. There are some other amazing recipes that go great with chicken teriyaki. Below are some of our favorites, but really, this can go with any starch and vegetable you like, or even tucked into a wrap!
- Homemade Fried Rice
- Easy Stir-Fried Vegetables
- Asian Pasta Salad
- Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
- Easy Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
This is also great with rice, eggrolls, any stir fry, steamed or roasted vegetables, or even sliced and put on top of a nice salad with an Asian style dressing.
Do I Need to Soak My Skewers Before Cooking?
Since the skewers will not be over an open flame, it is not necessary to soak them for this recipe. You can also choose to use metal skewers instead if you prefer a more eco-friendly reusable option in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Honey
- Brown sugar
- Soy sauce
- Apple cider vinegar
- Minced garlic
- Sesame oil
- Cornstarch
Kitchen Tools
- Cutting board (designated for meat)
- Knife
- Air Fryer
- Meat thermometer
- Marinade brush
- Bamboo skewers
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Teriyaki
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and cornstarch until combined. Set aside.
Generously spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray then set aside.
Slice your chicken into 1" strips.
Thread the strips of chicken onto a bamboo skewer.
Repeat until all of the chicken is on a skewer.
Place a single layer of chicken skewers into the air fryer basket.
Divide the marinade in half. Set aside one half of the sauce to use after chicken is cooked if needed. Using the marinade/pastry brush, spread sauce onto each side of the chicken.
Cook at 380°F for 5 minutes. Baste again with more sauce and continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes. Baste one last time and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Check to make sure the chicken is cooked through then serve. If more sauce is needed, make sure to use the non-contaminated ½ batch you set aside. You can also heat this on the stove top on medium heat to thicken if needed.
More Air Fryer Recipes
If you are a fan of using your air fryer, you may appreciate my debut cookbook: Mediterranean Air Fryer: 95 Healthy Recipes to Fry, Roast, Bake, and Grill. A perfect guide to using your air fryer for delicious Mediterranean Diet approved recipes.
Air Fryer Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
A simple and delicious chicken teriyaki is made fast and easy in the air fryer. Use the homemade sauce or any of your favorite bottled teriyaki sauces!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ⅛ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 ½ teaspoon conrstarch
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and cornstarch until combined. Set aside.
- Generously spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray then set aside.
- Slice your chicken into 1" strips.
- Thread the strips of chicken onto a bamboo skewer.
- Repeat until all of the chicken is on a skewer.
- Place a single layer of chicken skewers into the air fryer basket.
- Divide the marinade in half. Set aside one half of the sauce to use after chicken is cooked if needed. Using the marinade/pastry brush, spread sauce onto each side of the chicken.
- Cook at 380°F for 5 minutes. Baste again with more sauce and continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes. Baste one last time and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes.
- Check to make sure the chicken is cooked through then serve.
Notes
Substitute the homemade sauce with any favorite ready-made teriyaki sauce.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 253Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 96mgSodium: 1836mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 0gSugar: 11gProtein: 38g
