Looking for a dinner idea that’s fast, flavorful, and hits that crispy-sweet spot? These air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs are the weeknight hero your kitchen needs. They’re juicy on the inside, golden on the outside, and glazed with a sticky teriyaki sauce that delivers restaurant-style flavor without all the effort.
The air fryer makes this recipe quicker and healthier—no deep frying required. And with just a few pantry staples and your favorite teriyaki sauce (bottled or homemade), you can have dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less. We’ll show you exactly how to prepare and cook the thighs, when to add the sauce, and how to get that perfect balance of crisp and glaze.
For more flavorful inspiration, visit our full Teriyaki Chicken Category—perfect for lovers of bold, saucy chicken dishes.
Ready to dive in? First, let’s talk about why air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs are such a smart and satisfying choice.
Table of Contents
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs – The Best Crispy & Juicy Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 chicken thigh 1x
Description
These Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs are crispy, juicy, and packed with sweet-savory flavor. With golden skin and a sticky glaze, they deliver restaurant-style teriyaki taste in under 30 minutes—no deep frying required. Whether you’re using store-bought sauce or a quick homemade version, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you’re craving bold Asian-inspired flavors fast.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
6 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, skin-on preferred)
½ cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
1 tbsp soy sauce (optional, for added umami)
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (optional, for caramelization)
1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
Prep the Chicken: Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Marinate: In a bowl, combine chicken, teriyaki sauce, garlic, and ginger. Toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 20–30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge).
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with oil.
Air Fry: Place chicken thighs skin side down in the basket. Cook for 10–12 minutes, then flip and cook for another 8–10 minutes or until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
Optional Glaze: Brush with a little extra teriyaki sauce during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking for a sticky finish.
Rest and Finish: Let the thighs rest for 3–5 minutes. Brush with one final layer of teriyaki sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
- Category: Lunch & Dinner
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: ~600mg (may vary with sauce)
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 24g
Why Choose Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs?
Why Chicken Thighs Work So Well in the Air Fryer
Chicken thighs are ideal for air frying. They’re more forgiving than chicken breasts, staying juicy and flavorful even under high heat. Their natural fat content keeps them moist, while the skin crisps up beautifully inside the air fryer.
Whether you’re using bone-in or boneless cuts, air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs come out golden and crispy every time. You get the best of both worlds—moist chicken with that craveable outer crunch, ready in under 25 minutes.
Why Teriyaki Sauce and the Air Fryer Are a Perfect Pair
Teriyaki sauce is sweet, salty, and made for caramelization. When paired with the high heat of the air fryer, it clings to the thighs and bubbles into a shiny, sticky glaze that brings the flavor home.
Using teriyaki sauce on air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs enhances the natural umami of the meat, balancing out the crispy texture with bold, sweet-savory flavor. Whether you apply it before or after cooking (we’ll explain which is better soon), it adds incredible depth to every bite.
If you love bold flavor with minimal effort, don’t miss our original Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken recipe—it’s where the craze began.
Ingredients and Equipment You’ll Need
Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
Making flavorful air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs doesn’t require a complicated grocery list. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless) | Rich, juicy base for the recipe |
| Teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade) | Adds sweet-savory glaze |
| Garlic (fresh or powder) | Adds depth to the flavor |
| Fresh ginger (optional) | Enhances that signature teriyaki bite |
| Soy sauce (if adjusting seasoning) | Adds extra umami |
| Honey or brown sugar | For sweetness and caramelization |
| Olive oil or spray | Helps the skin crisp evenly in the air fryer |
| Sesame seeds (optional) | For garnish and a bit of crunch |
| Scallions or green onions | Fresh topping for color and brightness |
For official guidance on handling and preparing chicken safely, refer to the USDA’s resource on Chicken from Farm to Table.
Tip: Use skin-on chicken thighs for extra crispness. If using boneless, adjust the cook time slightly for even results.
Simple Equipment to Get the Job Done
You don’t need fancy tools to make this dish work—just your air fryer and a few kitchen basics:
| Equipment | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Air fryer | The star of the show—crisps chicken fast |
| Mixing bowl | For marinating the chicken evenly |
| Basting brush (optional) | To apply sauce cleanly and precisely |
| Tongs | Makes flipping and handling easy |
| Meat thermometer | Ensures internal temp reaches 165°F |
Whether you’re a beginner or a busy home cook, this setup keeps things clean, fast, and flavorful. Prepping your air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs takes just 10–15 minutes, and you’ll be cooking like a pro with minimal mess.
How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Cooking air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs is easier than you might think. The key is in the prep and timing. Here’s how to do it right every time:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by trimming excess fat from your chicken thighs. If you’re using bone-in, keep the skin on for maximum crispness. If boneless, flatten slightly for even cooking.
Pro Tip: Pat chicken dry with paper towels before marinating to help the skin crisp better.
Step 2: Marinate
In a bowl, combine your chicken thighs with about ½ cup of teriyaki sauce, 1 clove of minced garlic, and ½ teaspoon of grated ginger. Let it marinate for at least 20–30 minutes, or up to overnight in the fridge.
You can use store-bought sauce or make your own with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and mirin.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3–5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking.
Don’t overcrowd the basket—air circulation is what gives your air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs that perfect crisp.
Step 4: Cook
Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the basket. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flip, then cook another 8–10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
For extra caramelization, brush with additional teriyaki sauce during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.
Step 5: Rest and Glaze
Remove the thighs and let them rest for 3–5 minutes. While resting, brush one final layer of teriyaki sauce on top for a shiny, sticky finish.
Want crispier skin? Air fry for 2–3 extra minutes before the final glaze.
Cooking Time Summary:
| Type | Cook Temp | Time (total) | Flip halfway? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bone-in skin-on | 375°F | 20–22 minutes | Yes |
| Boneless | 375°F | 16–18 minutes | Yes |
Once done, your air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs will be crisp on the outside, juicy inside, and coated in sticky, savory-sweet flavor. Ready to serve or pack for lunch!
Looking for more time-saving dinner ideas? Browse our full collection of Quick & Easy Meals perfect for busy weeknights.
When to Add Teriyaki Sauce – Before or After Air Frying?
Should You Add Teriyaki Sauce Before Cooking?
Marinating air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs in teriyaki sauce before cooking is a great way to infuse flavor deep into the meat. Letting the thighs sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes helps the umami-rich soy base and sweetness from the sauce soak into every bite.
However, adding too much sauce directly before cooking—especially thick or sugary versions—can lead to burning in the air fryer. The circulating hot air can cause sugars in the sauce to darken too quickly, creating bitter flavors.
Best practice: Light marinade before cooking, heavier glaze after cooking.
Glazing After Air Frying for the Perfect Finish
For that shiny, sticky look and extra flavor pop, brush on a fresh layer of teriyaki sauce after the chicken thighs are done cooking. This lets the sauce cling to the crispy skin or browned surface without burning or breaking down during the air fry cycle.
You can also heat the sauce slightly in a saucepan or microwave to thicken it before brushing—this gives your air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs a beautiful glossy finish.
Want even more flavor? Toss the cooked thighs in a warm pan with extra sauce for a quick post-fry glaze.
Summary: Sauce Timing Tips
| Step | Sauce Usage |
|---|---|
| Marinate (before cook) | Light amount, 20–30 minutes |
| During cooking | Optional – light brush in final 2–3 minutes |
| After cooking | Recommended – full glaze for sticky coating |
Using this layered approach, you’ll get both deep flavor and that classic teriyaki shine—without overcooking or burning.
Learn more about how to prevent foodborne illnesses when cooking poultry from the CDC’s official Chicken Safety Guide.
Making the Sauce Work – Store-Bought vs Homemade Teriyaki
Can You Use Teriyaki Sauce Straight from the Bottle?
Absolutely. Store-bought teriyaki sauce works great in most recipes, especially when making air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs. It’s quick, flavorful, and designed to balance sweet and salty notes for fast weeknight meals.
That said, not all bottled sauces are ideal for air frying. Some are watery and tend to burn or slide off the chicken before they have a chance to caramelize. For best results, choose a thicker sauce or reduce it slightly before using.
Quick Tip: Warm the sauce briefly on the stove to thicken it and help it stick better to your chicken thighs.
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: Fresh, Fast, and Flavorful
If you prefer to control the flavor and ingredients, a homemade version is easy to prepare—and it gives your air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs a richer, more personal touch.
Basic Homemade Teriyaki Sauce:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Soy sauce | ½ cup |
| Brown sugar or honey | 3 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Fresh ginger | 1 tsp grated |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Cornstarch slurry | 1 tbsp (to thicken) |
Simply combine ingredients in a saucepan, simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in the cornstarch slurry until thick and glossy. Let it cool slightly before using it as a glaze or marinade.
What’s the Better Choice?
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Store-bought | No prep, consistent results | May burn in air fryer if too thin |
| Homemade | Fresh flavor, customizable | Slightly more prep time |
Most cooks agree—a quick marinade with bottled sauce and a homemade glaze finish gives the best of both worlds when making air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs.
Getting Crispy Skin Every Time
How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs Crispy on the Outside
Crispiness is one of the biggest reasons to love air frying. While air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs are known for being juicy and flavorful, you don’t have to sacrifice texture to get all that moisture and sauce. The secret? A few smart prep steps and proper timing.
Start with Skin-On Chicken Thighs
Skin is your best friend when it comes to crispiness. Whether you’re using bone-in or boneless cuts, leaving the skin on helps it brown and blister beautifully in the air fryer. It creates a barrier that locks in moisture while forming a golden crust.
If you’re using skinless thighs, pat them extra dry and lightly coat with oil to help crisp the surface.
Don’t Skip Drying and Oil
Before seasoning or marinating, pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Removing surface moisture is essential for that crispy finish.
Then, spray or lightly brush the thighs with a high smoke point oil like avocado or olive oil. This helps conduct heat and supports even browning without deep frying.
Cook in a Single Layer with Space to Breathe
Overcrowding the basket is the fastest way to ruin texture. Make sure your air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs are arranged in a single layer, with some space between them for air to circulate fully. Flip them halfway through to promote balanced browning on both sides.
Apply Sauce at the Right Time
To avoid soggy skin, wait until the last few minutes of cooking—or just after cooking—to brush on the teriyaki glaze. The air fryer’s dry heat will crisp the outside, and the sauce can then be layered without softening the skin.
If you want a little caramelization, do a light brush of sauce during the final 2–3 minutes of air frying. But save the full glaze for after the thighs are cooked.
Quick Recap: Crispy Tips
- Use skin-on chicken thighs
- Pat dry before cooking
- Lightly oil for better browning
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket
- Flip halfway through
- Glaze at the end—not the beginning
By following these tips, your air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs will come out with tender meat and irresistibly crispy edges every time.
Serving Suggestions and Side Pairings
Once your air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs are golden, crispy, and glazed, the only thing left is figuring out what to serve with them. Whether you’re building a balanced dinner plate or packing a flavorful lunch, these pairings bring out the best in your chicken.
Classic Sides That Work Every Time
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Steamed jasmine rice | Soaks up the extra teriyaki glaze perfectly |
| Garlic noodles | Adds a savory base that complements the sweet sauce |
| Stir-fried vegetables | Brings texture, color, and balance to the meal |
| Asian slaw | Offers crunch and tang to contrast the sticky chicken |
| Sesame broccoli | A healthy, fiber-rich side with a nutty twist |
Pro Tip: Pour extra teriyaki glaze over rice or noodles for a takeout-style finish at home.
Creative Ways to Serve Your Chicken Thighs
Don’t limit your air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs to the dinner plate. These thighs are versatile and can be reinvented across meals.
- Rice Bowls: Slice and layer over jasmine rice with cucumbers, avocado, and pickled carrots
- Teriyaki Wraps: Tuck into lettuce leaves or warm tortillas for a portable option
- Meal Prep Boxes: Pair with rice and veggies in lunch containers for the week ahead
- Salads: Slice and serve over mixed greens with a sesame-ginger dressing
These creative twists help you get more out of your batch without any extra cooking.
Serving for a Crowd?
If you’re entertaining, serve air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs sliced on a platter, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds. Offer bowls of steamed rice and small ramekins of teriyaki sauce on the side so guests can build their own bowls.
It’s easy, interactive, and guaranteed to impress with minimal stress.
Storage, Reheating & Meal Prep Tips
Making air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs ahead of time? You’re in luck—this recipe stores and reheats beautifully. Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week or saving leftovers, here’s how to keep your chicken just as juicy and flavorful the next day.
Storing Leftovers the Right Way
To maintain the quality of your chicken, let it cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Fridge: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap individually or in portions for easier defrosting
Important: Always store chicken with the sauce separate or lightly coated. Too much sauce during storage can soften the crispy edges.
How to Reheat Without Drying Out
Microwaving is fast but can ruin the texture of air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs. Instead, use one of these methods:
| Method | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Air Fryer | 350°F for 4–6 minutes until heated through and edges re-crisp |
| Oven | 375°F for 8–10 minutes, loosely covered with foil |
| Stovetop | Medium heat in a nonstick pan, covered for 5 minutes with splash of water |
| Microwave (last resort) | Use low power for 1–2 minutes, with a damp paper towel on top |
To freshen up the glaze, brush on a bit more teriyaki sauce before or after reheating.
Best Practices for Meal Prep
Air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs are meal-prep gold. Here’s how to build flavorful, satisfying portions:
- Slice the cooked chicken and pair with rice, sautéed greens, or roasted veggies
- Pack in containers with sauce on the side to keep things from getting soggy
- Add fresh toppings like scallions or sesame seeds just before eating
Label your containers with the date and refrigerate or freeze based on your schedule.
Pro Tip: Make a double batch and rotate flavors by changing the side dishes—this keeps lunches interesting all week.
Want a fun appetizer version of this dish? Try our sticky, crispy Teriyaki Chicken Wings Air Fryer recipe—perfect for game day or party platters.
FAQs – Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
Can you use teriyaki sauce in an air fryer?
Yes, but with care. You can marinate your chicken in teriyaki sauce before cooking, but avoid adding too much sauce early on. Teriyaki contains sugar, which can burn in high heat. For best results, apply a light marinade before cooking, and brush on additional sauce during the final few minutes or after the chicken is done.
How long do chicken thighs take in the air fryer?
Chicken thighs typically take 16 to 22 minutes at 375°F, depending on their size and whether they are bone-in or boneless. Flip halfway through for even browning. Always check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
How do you make crispy teriyaki chicken in the air fryer?
Start with skin-on chicken thighs and pat them dry before seasoning. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, and lightly coat the thighs with oil. Add the teriyaki glaze near the end of cooking to avoid softening the crisp skin. Let rest after cooking for a final brush of sauce.
Does teriyaki sauce go on before or after cooking?
Both. A light marinade before cooking builds flavor, but the main glaze should go on during the last few minutes of air frying or after cooking. This prevents burning and gives your air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs that classic sticky finish.
Can I just use teriyaki marinade as sauce?
Yes, but it depends on how the marinade is made. If you’ve used it to marinate raw chicken, don’t reuse it without boiling first. To be safe, reserve a portion of the marinade before adding raw meat, and use that for glazing after cooking.
Can you use teriyaki sauce straight from the bottle?
Definitely. Store-bought teriyaki sauce is convenient and great for glazing air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs. Just make sure it’s thick enough to cling to the chicken. You can heat and reduce the sauce slightly if it’s too thin.
Conclusion
There you have it—a full guide to making air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs that are juicy, crispy, and packed with sweet-savory flavor. Whether you’re a beginner with a brand-new air fryer or just looking to upgrade your weeknight dinner routine, this recipe brings bold results with minimal effort.
From tips on marinade timing and crisping the skin to reheating leftovers like a pro, you’re now set to master this dish every time.
Happy cooking!