Name: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 cup soy sauce; 1 cup water; ½ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce; 3 tablespoons white distilled vinegar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon minced ginger; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 2-3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 23 reviews

If you’re craving a quick, flavorful dinner that feels like it came from a restaurant (but without the wait), you’ve got to try my Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. It’s seriously fan-freaking-tastic—the chicken comes out juicy with a perfect caramelized glaze thanks to the air fryer magic. Plus, this recipe is easy to customize and perfect for busy weeknights. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my best tips to help you nail it every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy, Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Air frying locks in moisture while giving you that deliciously crispy outside.
Easy Weeknight Friendly: Minimal prep and a fast cook time make this recipe a total lifesaver on busy days.
Flavor-Packed Marinade: The balance of soy, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger means mouthwatering teriyaki that’s never overpowering.
Flexible and Customizable: Use chicken breasts or thighs, and adjust marinade times for your schedule and taste preferences.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe uses simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create that classic teriyaki flavor. Each component plays a key role, and knowing how they blend helps you tweak the recipe just right.

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken, healthy air fryer chicken recipes, easy weeknight chicken dinner, flavorful teriyaki chicken, quick air fryer chicken - Flat lay of a few cloves of fresh garlic, a small pile of finely grated fresh ginger, a small white bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white bowl of clear water, a small white bowl of light brown sugar crystals, a small white bowl of dark Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl of clear white distilled vinegar, a small pile of pale yellow onion powder, and two raw boneless skinless chicken breasts with smooth pinkish flesh, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Soy Sauce: This is your salty, umami-packed base that gives teriyaki its signature depth.
Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken in the air fryer for that irresistible glaze.
Worcestershire Sauce: A surprising player that adds a touch of tangy complexity and rounds out the flavor.
White Distilled Vinegar: Balances sweetness with acidity, making the marinade bright and refreshing.
Garlic & Ginger: These aromatics really lift the marinade, giving it warmth and a subtle zing.
Onion Powder: Adds a gentle savory background note enhancing the overall taste.
Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Thighs are juicier and forgiving, but breasts are lean and cook quickly; either works wonderfully.

Note:
Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing things up with this Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge. You can easily adjust sweetness, add heat, or switch up your protein to keep it exciting—or healthier!

Variation: Sometimes I swap half the soy sauce for coconut aminos to make it gluten-free and a little sweeter, which my family loves.
Spicy Kick: Adding a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade will give your chicken a fiery twist that’s awesome for heat lovers.
Protein Swap: Not into chicken? Try this marinade on salmon fillets or tofu for a similarly satisfying meal.
Marinade Time: While 4-8 hours gives the best flavor, I’ve pulled this off with even 30 minutes when in a rush and still had delicious results.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Magic Marinade

Start by combining soy sauce, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, and onion powder in a large zip-top bag. Give it a good mix to dissolve the sugar and meld the flavors. I personally like to make the marinade a bit ahead, so the sugar fully melts and everything marries beautifully by the time I add the chicken.

Step 2: Prep Chicken Like a Pro

Grab your chicken breasts or thighs and pound them out gently to an even thickness. This step is a game-changer because it ensures the chicken cooks evenly in the air fryer without drying out thinner parts. Once your chicken is prepped, toss it into the marinade bag, press out most of the air, and seal it tight. Give it a good smoosh so every piece is coated in that tasty sauce.

Step 3: Let It Work Its Magic

I usually stick the bag in the fridge for about 4-8 hours to let the flavors soak in—this really amps up the taste. However, if you’re pressed for time, even 30 minutes will give you a nice flavor boost. Just try not to skip this step if possible, because the marinade is where that teriyaki magic happens.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Remove the chicken from the marinade—discard the extra liquid—and place the pieces in a single layer in a lightly oiled air fryer basket. You’ll need to cook in batches if your air fryer is small to avoid overcrowding; crowded baskets mean less crispy, more steamed chicken. Set the air fryer to 390°F and cook for about 10 minutes. Check with a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature hits 165°F—this keeps your chicken juicy and safe.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

After cooking, let your chicken rest for 5 minutes. This step helps the juices redistribute so each bite is tender and moist—trust me, it makes a noticeable difference! Then, slice it up and get ready to impress your taste buds.

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Even Thickness is Key: Don’t skip pounding the chicken; this prevents overcooked edges and underdone centers.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: I learned the hard way—crowding leads to steamed, soggy chicken instead of crispy perfection.
Use a Meat Thermometer: It’s the only way to nail doneness without drying out your chicken.
Discard Extra Marinade: To avoid soggy chicken and unsafe consumption, be sure not to reuse leftover marinade.

How to Serve Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this chicken with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for that fresh pop of flavor and crunch. Sometimes I add a few red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili for a little heat, especially if I didn’t add spice to the marinade.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or a quick fried rice, and a side of sautéed or steamed veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy. When I want to keep things light, I’ll go with a crisp Asian slaw or cucumber salad—it all balances the rich teriyaki flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ve sliced the chicken into thin strips and served it over noodle bowls with extra sauce drizzled on top, fresh herbs, and a wedge of lime. It feels so vibrant and special! You could also skewer bite-sized pieces for a unique appetizer platter that always gets rave reviews.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before sealing to avoid moisture buildup and sogginess. I usually slice it before storing so I can grab just what I need for quick meals.

Freezing

If I want to freeze leftovers, I wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap then place them in a freezer bag or container. Frozen teriyaki chicken keeps well for about 2 months. When thawing, I let it defrost overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

The best way I found to reheat teriyaki chicken without drying it out is popping it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes—this revives the crispiness. If you’re in a hurry, a quick microwave blast with a damp paper towel on top to keep moisture works too, but you won’t get that fresh-cooked texture.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually my personal favorite for this recipe because they tend to stay juicier and more forgiving in the air fryer. Just make sure you pound or even out thickness if they’re noticeably uneven to ensure even cooking.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?

The marinade does wonders in as little as 30 minutes, which is great for busy days. But for the most flavor punch, I recommend marinating 4 to 8 hours if you can plan ahead. Overnight is fine too!
Can I reuse the marinade as a sauce?

I don’t recommend reusing the marinade directly because it’s been in contact with raw chicken and could be unsafe. If you’d like to use some sauce, simmer a separate batch of the marinade ingredients on the stove until thickened and cooked through, then drizzle it over the cooked chicken.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries! You can bake this chicken in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes or until it reaches 165°F internally. Broiling briefly at the end can help caramelize the glaze if you want that extra crisp.
How do I get the chicken crispy without burning the teriyaki glaze?

Keeping the air fryer temperature at 390°F and monitoring the cook time closely helps. I also recommend removing the chicken when it first hits 165°F internal temp and letting it rest; this keeps sugars from burning but still lets the glaze caramelize nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe has been a go-to in my kitchen for good reason—it’s quick, delicious, and ALWAYS hits the spot. If you haven’t cooked teriyaki chicken in the air fryer yet, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, it’s a recipe that feels elevated but is so easy to pull off. Give it a try and let me know what you think—I’m pretty sure it’ll become a favorite for you too!