How do you cook teriyaki chicken in the air fryer?

Cooking air fryer teriyaki chicken is super simple. After marinating the chicken in teriyaki sauce (ideally for 2–4 hours), preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the chicken in a single layer in the basket, and cook for 14–18 minutes depending on the cut. Flip halfway through for even cooking. Once it's cooked through and hits an internal temp of 165°F, brush or toss it with extra teriyaki glaze for that sticky, flavorful finish.

Can I put raw chicken in the air fryer?

Yes, absolutely. The air fryer is designed to cook raw proteins safely. Just make sure your raw chicken is seasoned or marinated before going into the fryer. When making air fryer teriyaki chicken , placing raw, marinated chicken directly into a preheated fryer is the standard method. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

Do you add teriyaki sauce before or after cooking chicken?

Both! For best flavor and texture, marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce before cooking. Then, once the chicken is done, toss or brush it with more fresh sauce to glaze. This gives your air fryer teriyaki chicken that classic sticky coating and deep flavor without burning the sugars in the sauce during the cooking process.

How long do you air fry teriyaki chicken Reddit?

Reddit users often recommend cooking boneless air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs at 375°F for 16–18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Some even suggest adding the glaze during the last 2 minutes for deeper caramelization. Always adjust based on your air fryer model and the thickness of your chicken.

How long should you air fry chicken at 375?

For boneless chicken thighs, cook at 375°F for about 16–18 minutes. For breasts, aim for 14–16 minutes. Always flip at the halfway point and check the internal temperature—it should reach 165°F. These times are ideal for air fryer teriyaki chicken , especially when you’re going for that juicy-meets-crispy balance.

Can you marinate chicken too long in teriyaki sauce?

Yes, you can. While teriyaki isn’t as acidic as citrus-based marinades, it’s still best to avoid over-marinating. For most cuts, 2–4 hours is plenty. More than 12 hours can lead to mushy chicken because the salt and soy sauce in teriyaki begin to break down the meat’s structure. Stick to the safe window for the best air fryer teriyaki chicken results.

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken – 5 Easy Steps to Crispy Flavor

Description

This air fryer teriyaki chicken is a weeknight dinner hero—crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and coated in a sticky-sweet, savory glaze. It’s faster than takeout, healthier than deep-frying, and irresistibly flavorful. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding the whole family, this is one air fryer recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)
Cooking spray or oil for air fryer basket

Optional Homemade Teriyaki Sauce:

1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar or honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water)
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 clove garlic, minced

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine chicken with teriyaki sauce. Marinate for 30 minutes up to 4 hours (2–3 hours ideal for breasts).
Preheat Air Fryer: Set to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3–5 minutes.
Optional Crisp Coating: Pat marinated chicken dry and lightly dust with cornstarch. Shake off excess.
Air Fry the Chicken: Lightly oil the basket. Arrange chicken in a single layer. Cook for 7–9 minutes, flip, and cook an additional 7–9 minutes. Chicken is done at 165°F internal temperature.
Glaze It Up: Brush with reserved or fresh teriyaki sauce during the last 2 minutes, or toss after cooking for a sticky finish.
Serve: Let rest 2–3 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Swap in chicken breasts for a leaner option, adjusting cook time accordingly.
Want a kick? Stir in sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Great with rice, noodles, or an Asian-style slaw.
For best results, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 16–18 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 servings
Calories: 290 per serving
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 28g