Ingredients
Method
- – pat the chicken dry with a clean paper towel, cut the chicken into 1-1.5 inch cubes, and add it to a medium bowl.
- – Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and toss to coat it all. Cover the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour. Note: if marinating for longer than 30 minutes then place the chicken into the refrigerator.
- – preheat the air fryer to 400°F and spray the air fryer basket with non-aerosol cooking spray. Add the chicken to the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook it for 12-15 minutes, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- – Once the chicken is done cooking, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately garnished with scallions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
Marinating Time: I've learned that 30 minutes is the sweet spot for this recipe.
Any longer and the salt in the teriyaki sauce can start to break down the chicken texture, making it a bit mushy.
If you're in a rush, even 15 minutes works in a pinch.
Chicken Choice: Boneless skinless thighs are my favorite here because they stay juicier in the air fryer.
If you use chicken breast, keep a close eye on it and check for doneness a minute or two early to avoid dry meat.
Air Fryer Loading: Don't crowd the basket.
I always arrange the chicken in a single layer with a little space between each piece.
If I have too much, I cook it in two batches for that perfect crispy exterior.
Storage and Reheating: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
To reheat, I pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes to restore the texture.
Serving Ideas: I love serving this over steamed rice with a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas.
The extra sauce from the bowl is perfect for drizzling over everything.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't skip patting the chicken dry before marinating.
I once skipped this step and the sauce didn't stick well, plus the chicken released too much water during cooking and ended up steaming instead of getting that nice air fryer char.
Equipment Alternative: If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken on a lined baking sheet at 425°F for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
It won't get as crispy, but it still tastes great.
