Air fryer Teriyaki Chicken

These teriyaki chicken bites in air fryer are loaded with flavour and make for a perfect main. Perfectly crispy on the outside, they are very succulent inside. Absolutely easy recipe too.

These make a lovely meal with some rice and salad. Or you can just have them as an appetizer with some more teriyaki sauce as a dip. Yum!

Teriyaki chicken from takeout is made healthier and fresher using this air fryer version. I really prefer this to ordering from outside.

You can have these marinated chicken cubes in air fryer as an appetizer or make it for a weekend dinner.

You may also like Healthy chicken meatballs in air fryer, KFC copycat Air fryer fried chicken, air fryer chicken cutlets, crispy Air fryer chicken wings and Healthy chicken tenders in air fryer. Braised pork sauce is delish too. Try this teriyaki cauliflower in air fryer for a vegan version.

Ingredients

Chicken Thighs: I have used 1 lb. or about 450 gm. of boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into cubes.

Teriyaki sauce: ½ cup of sauce is used in the recipe. From scratch sauce recipe is provided.

Sesame seeds: I have used 1 tsp. toasted sesame seeds for garnish.

Cornstarch: 2 tbsp. cornstarch is used to coat the chicken.

Teriyaki Sauce from Scratch

I have shared the recipe for making teriyaki sauce from scratch in the recipe card. It is actually pretty easy to do if you have the ingredients in your pantry. You have better control over what ingredients go into your sauce.

Just mix them together and you have the sauce ready in no time. You could also use store bought sauce if you so desire.

Variations and Substitutions

1. Change the protein: For a vegan option, replace chicken with firm tofu. Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before marinating. You can also use shrimp or even beef. The air frying time will vary for the beef used.

2. For gluten-free version, ensure that your teriyaki sauce is gluten free. Use tamari in place of soy sauce and you can skip cornstarch or use rice flour in its place.
3. This teriyaki sauce is a good balance of sweet and savory. For more heat, use chilli flakes in the sauce.

4. Try Vegetables: Mix in vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli to add variety and color.

5. You can use any sweetener of choice from maple syrup, honey to stevia and brown sugar.

Serving Suggestions

1. Steamed Rice: Classic white or brown rice is a perfect accompaniment to these marinated chicken cubes in teriyaki sauce. Fried rice works well too.

2. Stir Fried Vegetables: Sauté some bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for a tasty side. Or you can serve up a nice salad.

3. Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve the teriyaki chicken over cauliflower rice.

4. Noodle Bowls: Consider using soba noodles, udon, or rice noodles as a base. Add some scallions and sesame seeds, and you've got a tasty noodle bowl.

5. Salad: For a lighter meal, serve the chicken with a light salad.

6. Serve as Lettuce Wraps: Place the teriyaki chicken bites in lettuce cups along with julienned carrots, cucumber, and a drizzle of sauce for a tasty wrap.

8. Kimchi: Serve with kimchi for a spicy hit. I love this.

Storage

Air fryer Teriyaki chicken bites can be stored in air-tight container in the fridge for upto 3 days. You can also freeze it for a month in the freezer.

Reheat in the air fryer till heated through before consuming.

Serving suggestions

These make for a delightful main dish. Pair them with Asian noodles, fried rice, smashed potatoes or just plain boiled rice.

They are delicious and super flavorful.

Instructions

I have used chicken thighs here as I find that the meat stays more succulent and flavorful. You can use chicken breast cubes too. If interested in wings, you can try these air fryer Teriyaki chicken wings.

Dry chicken thighs and cut them into cubes. Take about ½ cup Teriyaki sauce in a bowl.

You can also prepare teriyaki sauce by combining together soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, ginger, garlic and pepper. Check the recipe in the notes.

Or you may use storebought Teriyaki sauce. I have used both on different occasions and the results are good for each.

Keep half the sauce aside and marinate boneless skinless chicken cubes for 30 minutes in the remaining half marinade (about 2 tbsp.)

After 30 minutes, add 2 tbsp. cornstarch to the chicken thighs and mix well. This will give the chicken a lovely coating.

Preheat Air fryer to 390 F or 200 C for 5 minutes.

Lay the marinated chicken cubes in air fryer basket after brushing them with oil.

Air fry at 390 F or 200C for 7 minutes till one side is slightly browned. Take the reserve teriyaki sauce and brush it all over the chicken cubes. Now flip the cubes and brush sauce on this side as well.

Close the air fryer basket and air fry at 390F or 200C for another 7 minutes till the chicken is well cooked. It will look glossy from the teriyaki glaze on top as well as have a nice coating. Check for doneness of chicken by using a meat thermometer. The temperature should be above 165F for the chicken to be cooked through.

I did not need to but you can brush with some more teriyaki sauce if you so desire or serve some on the side as a dip.

Your delicious air fryer chicken teriyaki bites are done. Take it out and serve after garnishing with toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy.

Expert Tips

1. You can use chicken cubes from either the breast or thighs. Make sure not to overcook them.

2. Always cut them into equal sizes for uniform cooking.

3. You can also use drumsticks or wings but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

4. Since the sauce I used was thick, just applying it on the chicken bites was enough. But feel free to add as a sauce on top once the chicken is done for a more saucy teriyaki chicken.

5. If using artificial sweetener make sure that it is suitable to cook with at high temperatures.

Here's the recipe card:

📖 Recipe Card

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