Dinner

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

ByElena Hart January 11, 2026January 11, 2026

Introduction

This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken recipe delivers juicy, flavorful thighs with a perfectly crisp exterior. The combination of smoky spices and sweet teriyaki sauce creates an irresistible glaze that’s quick and easy to make at home.

A round white plate holds three main layers arranged side by side: on the left, two pieces of glazed chicken with a shiny, reddish-brown sauce topped with white sesame seeds and small green onion pieces, showing a slightly crispy texture. In the middle to right section, there is a portion of light brown cooked rice with chopped green onions sprinkled on top, giving a soft, fluffy look. On the far right, bright green steamed broccoli florets add a fresh and textured contrast. The background features a white marbled surface with a small white dish of sesame seeds and a golden fork partially visible at the top left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 and sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Dry the chicken thighs thoroughly by pressing both sides with paper towels. This helps achieve a crispy, browned finish in the air fryer.
Step 2: 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 well to coat each piece evenly.

Step 3: Lightly mist the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the chicken in a single layer with space between pieces to allow proper browning.
Step 4: Cook the chicken until edges start to crisp:
- Boneless thighs: Air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes, flip, then cook an additional 6–8 minutes.
- Bone-in thighs: Air fry at 380°F for 12 minutes, flip, then cook an additional 10–12 minutes.
Step 5: The chicken should be browned and nearly cooked through. Brush each thigh generously with teriyaki sauce, then return to the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and cling.
Step 6: Let the chicken rest a few minutes so the juices settle. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
Use boneless thighs for faster cooking and easier eating.
Swap avocado oil with olive oil if preferred.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes or until heated through to maintain crispiness.

How to Serve

Three pieces of grilled chicken with a shiny, dark reddish-brown glaze and sprinkled with white sesame seeds sit inside a black air fryer basket with a grid pattern. The chicken pieces have a slightly charred texture on the edges, showing a cooked, crispy skin. The basket is black with a round shape and vent holes, held by two woman's hands gripping the handles. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they cook faster and may dry out more easily. Adjust cooking time accordingly and monitor closely for best results.