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Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs Flavorful Delight

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To make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs, gather these simple ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons mirin (or substitute with honey) - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 tablespoon water - Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish Each ingredient plays a role in creating that sweet and savory flavor. The chicken thighs are juicy and tender. Soy sauce provides a rich umami taste. Mirin adds a touch of sweetness, while brown sugar deepens the flavor. Sesame oil gives it a nutty aroma, and garlic and ginger offer a warm spice. When you mix these ingredients, you create a delicious marinade. This marinade soaks into the chicken, making it extra tasty. Using cornstarch helps thicken the glaze later, adding a nice shine when you brush it on the cooked chicken. The sesame seeds and green onions make for a beautiful garnish, adding color and crunch to your dish. Now, let's get ready to cook! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, we need to get that flavor into the chicken. In a bowl, whisk together: - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons mirin (or honey) - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 minced garlic cloves - 1 teaspoon grated ginger Mix until everything blends well. Next, place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it covers all the pieces. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For even better flavor, marinate for 1-2 hours. Now it’s time to prepare the air fryer. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for getting a crispy texture on your chicken. After preheating, remove the chicken from the fridge. Let the excess marinade drip off, but keep the leftover marinade for later. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they have space around them for even cooking. Cook them for 15-18 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. The chicken should look golden brown when done. While the chicken cooks, let’s make the glaze. Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. In a separate bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water until it's smooth. Once the marinade boils, add the cornstarch mix. Stir until it thickens into a glaze, which will take about 2-3 minutes. Once the chicken is ready, remove it from the air fryer and brush the thickened glaze over the thighs. Now you're ready to enjoy a tasty meal! To get the best flavor from your teriyaki chicken, marinate for at least 30 minutes. For more taste, aim for 1 to 2 hours. This allows the chicken to soak in all the rich flavors. For even cooking, place the chicken thighs in a single layer. Make sure there is space between them. This helps hot air to circulate. To get a crispy outside, flip the chicken halfway through cooking. This gives both sides a nice texture. Teriyaki chicken pairs well with simple sides. Try serving it with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies. You can also add a fresh salad for crunch. These sides will balance the rich flavors of the chicken. Pro Tips Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight if possible. Cooking Temperature: Ensure your air fryer is preheated to 400°F (200°C) for optimal cooking results and crispy skin. Glaze Thickness: Adjust the cornstarch amount in the glaze to achieve your desired thickness; add more for a thicker glaze. Garnishing: Enhance the presentation and flavor by using fresh sesame seeds and green onions as a garnish just before serving. {{image_2}} You can switch up sweeteners in the teriyaki marinade. Instead of mirin, try honey or maple syrup. Both add a nice flavor. If you want less sugar, use coconut sugar. For soy sauce, you can choose tamari for a gluten-free option. There are also low-sodium soy sauces available if you want to cut salt. If you prefer, you can bake or grill the chicken instead of using the air fryer. For baking, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated thighs on a baking sheet and cook for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway for even cooking. Grilling is also a great choice. Preheat your grill and cook the thighs for about 6-7 minutes per side. Adding vegetables to the air fryer makes the dish even better. Try bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. They cook quickly and soak up the teriyaki flavor. You can also try spices like chili flakes or smoked paprika. These add a nice kick to the dish. To keep your teriyaki chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place the chicken in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It stays good for up to four days. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor. To reheat your air fryer teriyaki chicken, use the air fryer for best results. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken thighs in the basket. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful. If you want to freeze your chicken thighs, let them cool first. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the air fryer for a tasty meal! Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They are leaner than thighs. You should adjust the cooking time. Chicken breasts usually need about 18-20 minutes in the air fryer. Flip them halfway through cooking. Always check that they reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. The recipe is not gluten-free as it uses soy sauce. You can easily make it gluten-free. Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari. Tamari is a great gluten-free option. It provides a similar flavor without gluten. The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for golden brown skin and clear juices. This blog post covered how to make air fryer teriyaki chicken. We started with the right ingredients and marinating steps. Next, we discussed cooking tips and how to prepare a tasty glaze. I shared ways to vary the recipe and storage methods for leftovers. Remember, cooking is fun and allows for creativity. Try new flavors and enjoy your meal. You can make this dish perfect for any occasion!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious meal, try Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs. This dish blends tender chicken with a rich, sweet sauce. It’s easy to make and full of flavor. You’ll impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Ready to dive in? Let’s gather our simple ingredients and start this tasty journey together! Your weeknight dinners just got a whole lot better.

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  2. Flavorful Marinade: The combination of soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil creates a deliciously rich teriyaki flavor that penetrates the chicken.
  3. Healthy Cooking Method: Using an air fryer means you can enjoy crispy chicken thighs with less oil, making this a healthier option.
  4. Customizable Garnish: Top with sesame seeds and green onions, or add your favorite vegetables to enhance the dish further.

Ingredients

To make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs, gather these simple ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

– 1/4 cup soy sauce

– 2 tablespoons mirin (or substitute with honey)

– 2 tablespoons brown sugar

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

– 2 garlic cloves, minced

– 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch

– 1 tablespoon water

– Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Each ingredient plays a role in creating that sweet and savory flavor. The chicken thighs are juicy and tender. Soy sauce provides a rich umami taste. Mirin adds a touch of sweetness, while brown sugar deepens the flavor. Sesame oil gives it a nutty aroma, and garlic and ginger offer a warm spice.

When you mix these ingredients, you create a delicious marinade. This marinade soaks into the chicken, making it extra tasty. Using cornstarch helps thicken the glaze later, adding a nice shine when you brush it on the cooked chicken. The sesame seeds and green onions make for a beautiful garnish, adding color and crunch to your dish.

Now, let’s get ready to cook!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

First, we need to get that flavor into the chicken. In a bowl, whisk together:

– 1/4 cup soy sauce

– 2 tablespoons mirin (or honey)

– 2 tablespoons brown sugar

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

– 2 minced garlic cloves

– 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Mix until everything blends well. Next, place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it covers all the pieces. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For even better flavor, marinate for 1-2 hours.

Prepping the Air Fryer

Now it’s time to prepare the air fryer. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for getting a crispy texture on your chicken.

Cooking the Chicken Thighs

After preheating, remove the chicken from the fridge. Let the excess marinade drip off, but keep the leftover marinade for later. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they have space around them for even cooking. Cook them for 15-18 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. The chicken should look golden brown when done.

Preparing the Teriyaki Glaze

While the chicken cooks, let’s make the glaze. Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. In a separate bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water until it’s smooth. Once the marinade boils, add the cornstarch mix. Stir until it thickens into a glaze, which will take about 2-3 minutes.

Once the chicken is ready, remove it from the air fryer and brush the thickened glaze over the thighs. Now you’re ready to enjoy a tasty meal!

Tips & Tricks

Marinating Tips

To get the best flavor from your teriyaki chicken, marinate for at least 30 minutes. For more taste, aim for 1 to 2 hours. This allows the chicken to soak in all the rich flavors.

Air Frying Suggestions

For even cooking, place the chicken thighs in a single layer. Make sure there is space between them. This helps hot air to circulate. To get a crispy outside, flip the chicken halfway through cooking. This gives both sides a nice texture.

Serving Tips

Teriyaki chicken pairs well with simple sides. Try serving it with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies. You can also add a fresh salad for crunch. These sides will balance the rich flavors of the chicken.

Pro Tips

  1. Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight if possible.
  2. Cooking Temperature: Ensure your air fryer is preheated to 400°F (200°C) for optimal cooking results and crispy skin.
  3. Glaze Thickness: Adjust the cornstarch amount in the glaze to achieve your desired thickness; add more for a thicker glaze.
  4. Garnishing: Enhance the presentation and flavor by using fresh sesame seeds and green onions as a garnish just before serving.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

You can switch up sweeteners in the teriyaki marinade. Instead of mirin, try honey or maple syrup. Both add a nice flavor. If you want less sugar, use coconut sugar. For soy sauce, you can choose tamari for a gluten-free option. There are also low-sodium soy sauces available if you want to cut salt.

Cooking Method Variations

If you prefer, you can bake or grill the chicken instead of using the air fryer. For baking, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated thighs on a baking sheet and cook for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway for even cooking. Grilling is also a great choice. Preheat your grill and cook the thighs for about 6-7 minutes per side.

Flavor Enhancements

Adding vegetables to the air fryer makes the dish even better. Try bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. They cook quickly and soak up the teriyaki flavor. You can also try spices like chili flakes or smoked paprika. These add a nice kick to the dish.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your teriyaki chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place the chicken in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It stays good for up to four days. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat your air fryer teriyaki chicken, use the air fryer for best results. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken thighs in the basket. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.

Freezing Tips

If you want to freeze your chicken thighs, let them cool first. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the air fryer for a tasty meal!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They are leaner than thighs. You should adjust the cooking time. Chicken breasts usually need about 18-20 minutes in the air fryer. Flip them halfway through cooking. Always check that they reach 165°F (75°C) for safety.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is not gluten-free as it uses soy sauce. You can easily make it gluten-free. Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari. Tamari is a great gluten-free option. It provides a similar flavor without gluten.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for golden brown skin and clear juices.

This blog post covered how to make air fryer teriyaki chicken. We started with the right ingredients and marinating steps. Next, we discussed cooking tips and how to prepare a tasty glaze. I shared ways to vary the recipe and storage methods for leftovers.

Remember, cooking is fun and allows for creativity. Try new flavors and enjoy your meal. You can make this dish perfect for any occasio

To make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs, gather these simple ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons mirin (or substitute with honey) - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 tablespoon water - Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish Each ingredient plays a role in creating that sweet and savory flavor. The chicken thighs are juicy and tender. Soy sauce provides a rich umami taste. Mirin adds a touch of sweetness, while brown sugar deepens the flavor. Sesame oil gives it a nutty aroma, and garlic and ginger offer a warm spice. When you mix these ingredients, you create a delicious marinade. This marinade soaks into the chicken, making it extra tasty. Using cornstarch helps thicken the glaze later, adding a nice shine when you brush it on the cooked chicken. The sesame seeds and green onions make for a beautiful garnish, adding color and crunch to your dish. Now, let's get ready to cook! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, we need to get that flavor into the chicken. In a bowl, whisk together: - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons mirin (or honey) - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 minced garlic cloves - 1 teaspoon grated ginger Mix until everything blends well. Next, place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it covers all the pieces. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For even better flavor, marinate for 1-2 hours. Now it’s time to prepare the air fryer. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for getting a crispy texture on your chicken. After preheating, remove the chicken from the fridge. Let the excess marinade drip off, but keep the leftover marinade for later. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they have space around them for even cooking. Cook them for 15-18 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. The chicken should look golden brown when done. While the chicken cooks, let’s make the glaze. Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. In a separate bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water until it's smooth. Once the marinade boils, add the cornstarch mix. Stir until it thickens into a glaze, which will take about 2-3 minutes. Once the chicken is ready, remove it from the air fryer and brush the thickened glaze over the thighs. Now you're ready to enjoy a tasty meal! To get the best flavor from your teriyaki chicken, marinate for at least 30 minutes. For more taste, aim for 1 to 2 hours. This allows the chicken to soak in all the rich flavors. For even cooking, place the chicken thighs in a single layer. Make sure there is space between them. This helps hot air to circulate. To get a crispy outside, flip the chicken halfway through cooking. This gives both sides a nice texture. Teriyaki chicken pairs well with simple sides. Try serving it with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies. You can also add a fresh salad for crunch. These sides will balance the rich flavors of the chicken. Pro Tips Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight if possible. Cooking Temperature: Ensure your air fryer is preheated to 400°F (200°C) for optimal cooking results and crispy skin. Glaze Thickness: Adjust the cornstarch amount in the glaze to achieve your desired thickness; add more for a thicker glaze. Garnishing: Enhance the presentation and flavor by using fresh sesame seeds and green onions as a garnish just before serving. {{image_2}} You can switch up sweeteners in the teriyaki marinade. Instead of mirin, try honey or maple syrup. Both add a nice flavor. If you want less sugar, use coconut sugar. For soy sauce, you can choose tamari for a gluten-free option. There are also low-sodium soy sauces available if you want to cut salt. If you prefer, you can bake or grill the chicken instead of using the air fryer. For baking, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated thighs on a baking sheet and cook for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway for even cooking. Grilling is also a great choice. Preheat your grill and cook the thighs for about 6-7 minutes per side. Adding vegetables to the air fryer makes the dish even better. Try bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. They cook quickly and soak up the teriyaki flavor. You can also try spices like chili flakes or smoked paprika. These add a nice kick to the dish. To keep your teriyaki chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place the chicken in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It stays good for up to four days. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor. To reheat your air fryer teriyaki chicken, use the air fryer for best results. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken thighs in the basket. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful. If you want to freeze your chicken thighs, let them cool first. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the air fryer for a tasty meal! Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They are leaner than thighs. You should adjust the cooking time. Chicken breasts usually need about 18-20 minutes in the air fryer. Flip them halfway through cooking. Always check that they reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. The recipe is not gluten-free as it uses soy sauce. You can easily make it gluten-free. Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari. Tamari is a great gluten-free option. It provides a similar flavor without gluten. The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for golden brown skin and clear juices. This blog post covered how to make air fryer teriyaki chicken. We started with the right ingredients and marinating steps. Next, we discussed cooking tips and how to prepare a tasty glaze. I shared ways to vary the recipe and storage methods for leftovers. Remember, cooking is fun and allows for creativity. Try new flavors and enjoy your meal. You can make this dish perfect for any occasion!

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Deliciously marinated chicken thighs cooked to perfection in an air fryer with a homemade teriyaki glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons mirin or honey
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • to taste none sesame seeds for garnish
  • to taste none sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin (or honey), brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
  • Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours for more flavor.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • Remove the marinated chicken thighs from the fridge and let excess marinade drip off. Reserve the remaining marinade.
  • Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space between them for even cooking.
  • Cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and they are golden brown.
  • While the chicken is cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth, then add to the boiling marinade. Stir until it thickens into a glaze (about 2-3 minutes).
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and brush them with the thickened teriyaki glaze.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

Marinating for longer enhances the flavor.
Keyword air fryer, chicken, teriyaki

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