Introducing our family’s favorite Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs! These chicken thighs are irresistibly juicy, tender, and packed with bold, delicious flavor. Perfect for a quick and easy meal everyone will love!
These crispy teriyaki chicken thighs are the ultimate solution for quick and easy weeknight dinners. Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, they develop a crispy, golden skin while staying incredibly moist and juicy inside. Brushed with a rich, homemade teriyaki sauce, every bite is coated in a sticky, savory-sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully as they finish cooking. Trust me—you’ll find yourself making these again and again! Better than the Panda Express teriyaki chicken recipe!
If you're a fan of air fryer recipes, you absolutely have to try these popular dishes: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs , Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs, and Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges. They’re easy, delicious, and perfect for any meal! And also you can check this Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs recipe to make it for a weekend dinner!
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Air Fry Teriyaki Chicken Thighs Recipe
- What to Serve with Your Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
- What Makes Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs Special
- Secrets of the Air Fryer: Tips for Perfectly Crispy and Juicy Meals
- Ingredients
- Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Teriyaki Thighs Recipe
- Steps By Step Instructions
- Substitutions
- Variations
- Equipment Needed for Teriyaki Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Storing Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
- Top Tip
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
Why You’ll Love This Air Fry Teriyaki Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Quick and Easy - Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. I like to marinate the chicken over the weekend so it’s ready to cook anytime during the week—super convenient!
- Healthy and Light - Made with minimal oil and simple ingredients, this recipe is a lighter alternative to traditional teriyaki dishes. No need to worry about extra calories here!
- Absolutely Delicious - This might just be the most delicious chicken thigh recipe you’ve ever made! The air fryer ensures the chicken is tender and juicy on the inside, with perfectly crisp, golden skin. Coated in a rich, savory-sweet homemade teriyaki sauce, every bite bursts with flavor.
- Kid-Friendly - The sticky, caramelized glaze is a favorite among kids and adults alike. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
- Customizable - You can easily adapt this recipe by swapping chicken thighs for breasts or drumsticks, depending on your preference. It’s as flexible as it is delicious! Once you try it, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation!
What to Serve with Your Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
With teriyaki chicken thighs in air fryer, you get bold and powerful flavors that deserve equally delicious side dishes. Here are some complementary ideas to pair with this dish:
- Rice: Flavored or plain, rice is a classic and versatile accompaniment. I love pairing it with a bowl of fluffy white rice, as shown here, but mashed potatoes can also work as a comforting alternative.
- Noodles: Lo mein, soba, or rice noodles tossed in soy sauce and sesame oil make an excellent Asian-inspired side. For something special, try my Glass Noodles Stir-Fry recipe!
- Oven-Roasted Veggies: Roasted carrots and cauliflower, or Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts pair beautifully with teriyaki chicken thighs. Drizzle them with soy sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor.
- Chinese Slaw: A refreshing and flavorful slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a light, tangy dressing offers a perfect contrast to the richness of the teriyaki glaze.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful medley of bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots stir-fried with garlic and sesame oil makes for a healthy, vibrant, and flavorful side dish.
What Makes Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs Special
Everything about this meal speaks of a culinary masterpiece, Teriyaki sauce helps produce a rice and complex sticky sauce sweetened with brown sugar. Marinating the chicken in this luscious sauce helps infuse the thighs with maximum flavor.
We highly recommend using bone-in and skin-on thighs for your air-frying experience. The bone helps moisturize the meat from the inside out, while the skin adds a richer flavor and a crispy skin. Ironically, bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs are not only more flavorful, but they are also cheaper to buy. Win-win all the way.
One of the secrets to our air fryer teriyaki chicken is the homemade teriyaki sauce. Preparing your own sauce puts you in control of the flavor and the level of sweetness and spiciness. You will find that using fresh garlic and ginger makes a noticeable difference. There is no comparing store-bought teriyaki sauce to homemade.
Teriyaki sauce hits all your taste buds – it is salty, somewhat spicy, and sweet all at the same time. You can use your homemade sauce for meat, seafood, and vegetables. It makes a great dip, as well. Perfect as a main course, this dish pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes with teriyaki chicken, such as fried rice. For an irresistible upgrade, try this recipe for teriyaki fried chicken, a mouthwatering combination of crispiness and bold teriyaki flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Secrets of the Air Fryer: Tips for Perfectly Crispy and Juicy Meals
Chicken is easy to prepare. Historically, it has been baked, roasted, or fried. These days, more and more chefs in the know are turning to an air fryer for healthy chicken. Air fryer chicken has become the go-to way to prepare easy, juicy, and crispy chicken thighs in only 25 minutes by using hot circulating air. This quick cooking style almost guarantees that the chicken will not dry out. When the skin is left on, the chicken thigh will get marvelously crispy. All this for far less time that it would take to bake it.
Once you feel comfortable with your air fryer, it will become your culinary friend to use for a multitude of air fryer recipes such as appetizers (stuffed mushrooms), meats, fish, vegetables, and even cookies. It does it all fast and with less fat.
Ingredients
- Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs: The main protein of the dish, chicken thighs are flavorful, juicy, and cook perfectly in the air fryer with a crispy skin.
- Soy Sauce: Provides the salty, umami base for the teriyaki sauce, balancing the sweetness of other ingredients.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness to the sauce and helps create the sticky, caramelized glaze on the chicken.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds acidity to balance the sweet and savory flavors of the sauce.
- Garlic and Ginger: Contributes a bold, aromatic flavor to the sauce, complementing the soy.
- Black Pepper: Provides a subtle hint of spice to enhance the savory components of the dish.
- Sesame Oil: Offers a nutty, aromatic richness that elevates the flavors of the teriyaki sauce.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent to give the sauce its glossy, sticky texture.
- Sesame Seeds: Adds a crunchy texture to the final dish.
- Green Onions: A mild garnish that provides a pop of color and a hint of oniony flavor to complement the teriyaki sauce.
See recipe card for quantities.
Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Teriyaki Thighs Recipe
- Begin by preheating your air fryer to approximately 375 to 380 degrees.
- To ensure true crispiness, dry the chicken thighs thoroughly with a paper towel.
- Prepare your sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. The origin of this sauce is a bit of a mystery. It is unlikely to have originated in Japan but is probably the result of Japanese immigrants to the U.S. creating a sauce to grill meat. Yaki translates to grill, and “teri” means shine. The fact is teriyaki sauce will help make your meat shine.
- Marinate the teriyaki chicken thighs in half the teriyaki sauce and the seasoning for about 30 minutes. This helps the thighs absorb the flavor.
- Transfer the marinated chicken thighs into the air fryer basket without crowding them.
- Fry them for about 16 minutes while flipping them halfway through the frying process. Brush the thighs with the remaining teriyaki sauce as you flip.
- Serve these crispy chicken thighs with rice or your favorite side dish.
Steps By Step Instructions
Combine all the Teriyaki sauce ingredients in a bowl.
Marinating the chicken thighs in the prepared Teriyaki sauce.
Place the chicken thighs in an air fryer basket to air fry.
Simmered Teriyaki Sauce.
Brush the thighs with the prepared teriyaki sauce. Air Fry again.
Crispy, golden and sticky chicken thighs are ready.
Once done, garnish the chicken thighs with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Substitutions
If you're missing an ingredient or need a swap, here are some easy substitutions to ensure your teriyaki chicken thigh recipe turn out just as delicious:
- For Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option. Adjust cooking time as they may cook faster. nother flavorful alternative is chicken drumsticks, these work great with teriyaki sauce and stay juicy in the air fryer.
- Soy Sauce: Substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option or use coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter and soy-free alternative.
- Brown Sugar: Replace with honey, maple syrup, or granulated white sugar for sweetness.
- Cornstarch: Substitute with arrowroot powder or flour as a thickening agent for the sauce.
Variations
Here are some creative and delicious variations to customize your Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs recipe:
- Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Thighs: Add sriracha, chili flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick.
- Honey Garlic Teriyaki Chicken Thighs: Mix in honey and extra minced garlic to the sauce for a sweeter, garlicky flavor.
- Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Thighs: Add chunks of pineapple to the sauce or cook them alongside the chicken.
Equipment Needed for Teriyaki Chicken Thighs Recipe
Air Fryer - An essential for cooking the chicken thighs to crispy, golden perfection while keeping them juicy inside.
Small Skillet - To simmer and thicken the teriyaki sauce on the stovetop.
Mixing Bowls - For marinating the chicken and preparing the teriyaki sauce.
Measuring Spoons and Cups - To accurately measure the ingredients for the sauce and marinade.
Basting Brush - To evenly coat the chicken thighs with the teriyaki sauce during cooking.
Storing Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
Properly storing your teriyaki chicken thighs ensures you can enjoy their delicious flavors for days to come. Here’s how to do it:
- Refrigeration: Place the cooked chicken thighs in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to four days. When ready to eat, reheat them in an air fryer, oven, or stovetop to restore some of the crispiness. Using a microwave is convenient but may soften the skin.
- Freezing: If you want to store them for a longer period, place the chicken thighs in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well in the freezer for up to one month. To prevent freezer burn, ensure as much air as possible is removed from the container or bag before sealing.
- Reheating Frozen Chicken Thighs: When reheating frozen chicken, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, use an air fryer or oven to revive the crispy texture. Avoid reheating at high heat too quickly, as this can dry out the chicken.
Top Tip
Once the teriyaki chicken thighs have been refrigerated, they will still taste delicious, but the crispy skin may lose some of its original texture. Reheating in an air fryer or oven can help bring back a bit of the crispiness, but it won’t be exactly the same as freshly cooked.
FAQ
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. However, they may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. The skin-on thighs provide extra crispiness and flavor, but the dish will still be delicious without it.
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a leaner option, but they can dry out if overcooked. Keep a close eye on the cooking time and consider pounding them to an even thickness for better results.
You can bake the chicken thighs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 35-40 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). For extra crispiness, broil them for the last 3-5 minutes.
Yes! Marinating the chicken for a few hours or overnight enhances the flavor. Just make sure to refrigerate the marinated chicken in an airtight container or ziploc bag to lock the flavors!
Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought teriyaki sauce for this recipe! It’s a great time-saving option and still delivers delicious results.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs:
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
- Skillet
- Measuring Spoons
- Basting Brush
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- ½ cup soy sauce low sodium
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons water to make cornstarch slurry
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds to garnish
- 2 teaspoons chopped green onions to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for about 3-5 minutes.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the teriyaki sauce: Soy sauce, Rice vinegar, Garlic (minced), Ginger (grated), Black pepper, and Sesame oil. Mix well.
- Add about ⅓ of the prepared sauce to the chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes, if possible.
- Pour the remaining sauce into a skillet and simmer over medium heat for 2 minutes. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water to make a slurry. Gradually whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce. The sauce will thicken within 2 minutes.
- Remove the teriyaki sauce from the heat and set it aside.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 8-10 minutes.
- Brush the chicken thighs generously with the prepared teriyaki sauce on both sides.
- Cook for an additional 7-8 minutes to caramelize the sauce and create a sticky glaze.
- Once done, garnish the chicken thighs with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve the chicken thighs over a bed of rice and enjoy!
Notes
- If your sauce isn’t thick enough, mix a little more cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer, leaving space between them for proper air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary.
Nutrition
If you try this recipe, please leave a STAR rating in the comment section below! Your feedback helps a small blogger like me stay motivated in creating content for my readers. Also, feel free to follow me at Food Exit on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest for the latest recipe updates!
kanyi says
This looks so good! I guess it's time to fire up the air fryer.
Abi Guna says
Thank you Kanyi! You are a pro when it comes to an air fryer!
Eva says
Yum! This looks so good, and simple to make. I have thighs in the fridge, I am going to try these tomorrow. Thank you!
Abi Guna says
Thank you Eva, let me know how they turn out:)
Kimberly Garrido says
This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken looks so juicy and flavorful! I love how easy it is to make in the air fryeR, Perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Abi Guna says
Agree, these Teriyaki chicken thighs are just perfect for weeknight dinner!Love how healthy it is, I am sure your family love this recipe too!
Madhu says
These Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs are exactly what I need for a busy weeknight dinner! My family will love how juicy and flavorful they are.
Abi Guna says
True, BEST recipe for a quick weeknight dinner!
Abi Guna says
Teriyaki Chickens are always a huge at my home. This recipe comes together amazingly and I am sure they turn better than the takeouts!