Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

An overhead view of the air fryer teriyaki chicken thigh on a bed of white rice, garnished with sesame seeds.

4.98 from 38 votes

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

These Air-Fried Teriyaki Chicken Thighs make the perfect weeknight dinner. The chicken thighs are coated in a homemade teriyaki sauce and then cooked in the air fryer until tender and juicy.

Prep Time5

Cook Time13

Total Time18

Course: All Recipes, Main Course

Cuisine: Japanese

Servings: servings

Calories: 231kcal

Author: Jeri Walker

Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

5 chicken thighs boneless, skinless
½ cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon ginger chopped fine
1 tablespoon garlic chopped fine
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
3 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
sesame seeds for garnish, optional
green onion for garnish, optional

Instructions

Combine soy sauce, ginger, garlic, rice wine vinegar, onion powder, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Reserve ⅓ cup of the sauce for later. Set aside.
Place chicken thighs in a large Ziploc bag or bowl. Pour the remaining teriyaki sauce into the bag. Seal the bag and shake it a bit to move the sauce around the chicken pieces. Let the chicken marinate for 15-30 minutes.
Preheat the air fryer to 400℉.
Using tongs, place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Discard the marinade. Air fry the chicken thighs for 7 minutes at 400℉.
While the chicken is cooking, add the reserved ⅓ cup of marinade to a small saucepan and heat on medium heat. Mix water with cornstarch until smooth, then whisk into the hot mixture until thickened. Divide the sauce in half. (Half for glazing, half for serving).
After the chicken thighs cook for 7 minutes, brush 1 tablespoon of sauce onto each piece. Flip the chicken over, and brush sauce on the other side.
Air fry the glazed chicken thighs for 6 minutes at 400℉ until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165℉ with a meat thermometer.
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve with a spoonful of hot teriyaki glaze on top. If desired, garnish with sesame seeds and green onion. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Leave a bit of space between the chicken pieces so hot air can pass around them for even cooking.

Cook the chicken in batches if needed.

Double the sauce ingredients if you would like extra teriyaki sauce.

Nutrition