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.

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs Best 5 Step Crispy Method

Name: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs – The Best Crispy & Juicy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-485909H13M24S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
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)

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

Scale

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)

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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