Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken thighs with a perfectly crisp exterior thanks to the air frying method. Coated in a blend of spices and finished with a sticky teriyaki glaze, this dish is quick to prepare, healthy, and ideal for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese-American Fusion
- Diet: Halal
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
Teriyaki Sauce and Garnishes
- ¼ cup Bachan’s teriyaki sauce (or teriyaki sauce of your choice)
- Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
- Optional: sliced green onions for garnish
- Dry the Chicken: Lay the chicken thighs on a cutting board or tray and pat both sides thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which is essential for achieving a crispy, browned finish in the air fryer.
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken in a large bowl, drizzle with avocado oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground ginger, black pepper, and kosher salt evenly over the chicken. Toss well with your hands or tongs to coat each piece thoroughly.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray or mist the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken in a single layer with some space between pieces to allow for proper air circulation and even browning.
- Air Fry the Chicken: For boneless thighs, air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes, then flip and cook another 6–8 minutes. For bone-in thighs, air fry at 380°F for 12 minutes, flip, and continue cooking for 10–12 minutes. The chicken should be browned and nearly cooked through at this stage.
- Glaze with Teriyaki Sauce: Brush each chicken thigh generously with the teriyaki sauce, then return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes. This step thickens the sauce and helps it cling to the chicken creating a flavorful glossy finish.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with optional sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Drying the chicken thoroughly before seasoning is critical to achieving a crispy skin.
- Use an oil spray or mist on the air fryer basket to prevent sticking without adding excess oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary to allow proper air circulation.
- Adjust air frying time slightly depending on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs.
- Bachan’s teriyaki sauce can be substituted with any favorite teriyaki brand or homemade sauce.
- This recipe works well with both bone-in and boneless thighs; cook times differ accordingly.
Keywords: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken, crispy chicken thighs, easy teriyaki chicken, boneless chicken recipe, bone-in chicken thigh recipe, Asian inspired chicken, quick air fryer dinner