This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs recipe is so tasty and incredibly easy to make! All you need to do is marinate the chicken, and pop it in the air fryer, and then you get delicious teriyaki chicken you can serve with some white rice and/or veggies!

What is Teriyaki?

Technically, in Japan, the word Teriyaki (or 照り焼き) refers to a cooking method where you broil or grill food with a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.

However, in the States, when we refer to Teriyaki, we usually mean the sweet and savory sauce aka Teriyaki sauce whether it's on chicken, beef, salmon, or even tofu.

If you've ever tried my Teriyaki Pork Stir Fry or Teriyaki Beef Tenderloin Medallions), you know what I mean - it's all about that flavorful sauce!

What is teriyaki sauce?

In the states, we often just think of the teriyaki sauce when we hear the word teriyaki.

The Teriyaki sauce is a savory and sweet sauce that can be used as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce, and it usually includes:

Garlic and ginger – for a fresh flavor boost

Soy sauce – for that umami depth

Honey or sugar – for sweetness

Rice wine or mirin – for tang and complexity

It's not hard to see why teriyaki sauce is so popular around the world. The result is a perfectly balanced sauce - salty, sweet, tangy, and just a little bit spicy if you want to add chili flakes or fresh peppers.

Dark Meat vs. White Meat

I use chicken thighs in this recipe because they’re juicy, flavorful, and more forgiving in the air fryer (aka less likely to dry out).

But if you prefer chicken breast, you can totally swap it in! Just keep an eye on the cook time and make sure the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).

How to make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

First gather ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
• Cooking oil spray
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice wine or rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, rice wine (or vinegar), garlic, and ginger. Add the chicken thighs and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for more flavor).

Prep the Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.

Cook: Place the marinated chicken in the basket, making sure not to stack or overlap. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes.

Flip and Finish: Use tongs to flip the chicken and air fry for another 5–8 minutes, depending on thickness, until the chicken is cooked through. (Simba is waiting patiently for dinner lol)

Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve! I love pairing this with white rice and veggies like Shanghai Bok Choy Stir Fry, Broccoli and Cauliflower Stir Fry, or Chinese Green Beans Stir Fry.

Continue to Content

Yield: 4 servings

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Print

These air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs are incredibly easy to make and bursting with flavor! The sweet and savory marinade, combined with the crispy texture from the air fryer, makes for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Cooking oil spray
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice wine or rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice wine (or rice wine vinegar), minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and mix well, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or for best results, overnight.
2. When ready to cook, spray your air fryer basket with cooking oil spray. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
3. Open the basket, and using tongs, flip the chicken thighs to ensure even cooking. Continue to air fry for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken thighs.
4. Remove from the air fryer and serve!

Notes

• Check for doneness: Always ensure chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).
• Serving suggestions: This chicken pairs well with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
  Spice it up: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• Spice it up: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Wan Ja Shan Organic Aged Soy Sauce, 33.8fl.oz
• 
  Hiware 10-Pairs Fiberglass Chopsticks - Reusable Chopsticks Dishwasher Safe, 9 ½ Inches - Black
• 
  Amazon Basics 3.2 Quart Compact Multi-Functional Digital Air Fryer
• 
  Spice World Fat Free Minced Garlic, 32 Ounce
• 
  Nature Nate's 100% Pure Raw & Unfiltered Organic Honey; Product of Brazil and Uruguay; Packaged in 16 Ounce. Squeeze Bottle; Enjoy Honey's Balanced Flavor and Wholesome Benefits
• 
  La Tourangelle, Avocado Oil Cooking Spray, 5 Ounce (Packaging May Vary)

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 268Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 138mgSodium: 1077mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 0gSugar: 9gProtein: 29g

The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information.

Did you like this recipe?

Did you like this recipe? Share on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest and tag @ohsnapletseat!

Pin for later!

More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes!

If you enjoyed these Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs, you probably will like my other air fryer recipes! Crispy, tasty, and fuss-free—these air fryer favorites are perfect for quick meals or easy veggie sides!

• Air Fried Chinese Eggplants – Tender Chinese eggplants marinated in a savory soy sauce mix, then air fried to perfection. A delicious and easy veggie dish!
• Air Fryer Korean King Oyster Mushrooms – Sliced mushrooms tossed in gochugaru and furikake seasoning, then air fried until perfectly caramelized. Spicy, savory, and addictive.
• Air Fryer Cauliflower – Cauliflower florets air fried until golden and crisp. Simple, healthy, and great as a side or low-carb snack.
• Air Fryer King Oyster Mushroom – Meaty king oyster mushrooms, lightly seasoned and air fried in just 10 minutes. Minimal effort, maximum flavor.