Teriyaki chicken is a popular dish enjoyed by many people around the world. The sweet and savory sauce, combined with tender chicken, makes for a delicious meal. Traditionally, teriyaki chicken is made by grilling or pan-frying the chicken. However, with the rise in popularity of air fryers, making teriyaki chicken has become even more convenient and hassle-free. In this article, we will guide you through a quick and easy recipe to make teriyaki chicken in an air fryer.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we start, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients for this recipe. You will need the following:
For the Chicken:
– 4 chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)
– Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
– 1/4 cup of soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons of honey
– 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
– 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
– 1 teaspoon of ginger (grated)
– 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons of water
Prepare Your Chicken
Start by preparing your chicken thighs. Ensure they are boneless and skinless for best results. Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, according to your taste preferences. Let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Create the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. These ingredients will combine to create the delicious teriyaki sauce that will coat the chicken. Set the sauce aside for later.
Air Fry your Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. Once preheated, place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the chicken pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
Cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer for approximately 18-22 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure both sides are evenly cooked. The chicken should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.
Coat the Chicken with Teriyaki Sauce
Once the chicken thighs are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Use a brush to generously coat each chicken thigh with the prepared teriyaki sauce. You can apply multiple layers of sauce to achieve a more intense flavor if desired.
Turn on the Air Fryer Again
After coating the chicken with teriyaki sauce, preheat your air fryer once again to 400°F (200°C). Place the sauced chicken thighs back in the air fryer for an additional 4-5 minutes. This process allows the teriyaki sauce to caramelize and create a sticky glaze on the chicken.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken thighs are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This short resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
Serve your delicious teriyaki chicken on a bed of steamed rice or alongside your favorite stir-fried vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an added touch.
Additional Tips:
– To add extra depth of flavor to your teriyaki chicken, marinate the chicken thighs in the teriyaki sauce for at least an hour before air frying.
– If you prefer a spicier teriyaki sauce, feel free to add a dash of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce to the mixture.
– For a healthier version, use chicken breasts instead of thighs. However, keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to dry out more quickly, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
– Experiment with different variations of teriyaki sauce by adding ingredients like pineapple juice or brown sugar, and find your favorite combination.
In conclusion, making teriyaki chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delectable dish without the need for extensive grilling or frying. With a few simple steps, you can have tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze. So, grab your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and indulge in a flavorful meal that will surely satisfy your cravings.