Chicken Teriyaki is a beloved Japanese dish known for its sweet and savoury flavours. With this air fryer recipe, you can achieve that same delicious result, without all the fuss of frying or grilling. This version also comes together quickly, making it ideal for a weeknight meal. Pair it with steamed white rice, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and some freshly chopped green onions for the perfect finish.
Ingredients:
• 4 chicken thighs
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
• 2 tablespoons sake (optional)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1–2 tablespoons honey (to thicken the sauce)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Chopped green onions (for garnish)
• Cooked white rice (to serve)Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well and add your chicken pieces. Cover the bowl and marinate the chicken in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but longer if you have time, to allow the flavours to fully develop. - Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually around 180°C/350°F). Place the marinated chicken pieces in the basket of your air fryer. Air fry for about 10-12 minutes or until fully cooked, ensuring to flip halfway through for even browning.(Don’t forget to check out the accompanying video tutorial to guide you through the air frying process!) - Make the Teriyaki Glaze
While the chicken is cooking, take the remaining marinade and pour it into a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of honey to help thicken the sauce. Let it reduce for 3-5 minutes, or until the mixture reaches a glaze-like consistency. - Serve and Garnish
Once the chicken is cooked, chop it into bite-sized pieces. Place the chicken atop a bowl of steamed white rice. Drizzle the thickened teriyaki sauce over the chicken, then garnish with white sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions for a burst of colour and crunch.
Tips:
- For a bit of heat, sprinkle some red chilli flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the marinade.
- If you don’t have sake on hand, you can substitute it with an extra tablespoon of mirin or water.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Chicken Teriyaki?
The air fryer is perfect for this recipe because it quickly cooks the chicken while keeping it juicy inside and creating a slightly crispy exterior. It’s also a healthier method than traditional frying, as it requires little to no additional oil. By the time your sauce is ready, the chicken will be perfectly cooked, making the whole process fast and efficient.
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The Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone Air Fryer is the ultimate solution for preparing delicious, healthier meals like Chicken Teriyaki. With a 9.5L capacity, its perfect for families or dinner parties, allowing you to cook two dishes simultaneously in separate baskets using the SYNC or MATCH features for seamless timing.
Equipped with a Smart Cook System, this air fryer ensures perfect results every time, thanks to the Digital Cooking Probe that monitors food temperature with no guesswork. Its 6 versatile cooking functions including Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate, and Max Crisp make it a multifunctional powerhouse for any kitchen.
Key Features:
Cook 2 Foods, 2 Ways: Use separate settings for each basket, with both dishes ready at the same time.
Digital Cooking Probe: Cook meat and other proteins to your desired doneness with precision.
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Large Capacity: Perfect for feeding up to 8+ people with ease.
Easy to Clean: Non-stick baskets are dishwasher safe for quick cleanup.
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Be sure to check out the short video tutorial accompanying this article to see just how easy it is to prepare this mouth-watering dish at home!
Video Tutorial
In the video, I’ll walk you through the entire process: from marinating the chicken to achieving a perfect glaze for the teriyaki sauce. This visual guide will help you see exactly how the chicken should look at each step, ensuring a flawless dish every time.
By following these simple steps, you’ll have a flavourful, homemade Chicken Teriyaki ready to impress your family or guests—without even turning on the stove or oven!
Here are some serving suggestions to accompany Teriyaki Chicken for a well-rounded, Japanese-inspired meal:
- Steamed White Rice or Brown Rice • A classic pairing for teriyaki chicken. The rice absorbs the teriyaki sauce, balancing the dish’s richness with its mild flavour.
• For a healthier option, use brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. - Stir-Fried Vegetables • Lightly stir-fry vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, and mushrooms with a bit of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. The crunchy texture and fresh flavours balance the sweet and savoury teriyaki glaze.
- Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono) • A refreshing and tangy side dish made with thinly sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, a touch of sugar, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The acidity cuts through the richness of the chicken.
- Miso Soup • A warm and comforting side that adds depth to the meal. Miso soup with tofu, wakame (seaweed), and green onions provides umami flavours that complement the teriyaki chicken.
- Pickled Vegetables (Tsukemono) • Japanese pickles like pickled daikon (takuan), ginger, or red cabbage provide a tangy, crunchy contrast to the sweet teriyaki sauce, offering a balance of flavours.
- Udon or Soba Noodles • Instead of rice, serve the chicken teriyaki over a bed of warm udon or soba noodles. Toss the noodles with a light soy sauce and sesame oil dressing for added flavour.
- Gyoza (Japanese Dumplings) • Serve pan-fried or steamed gyoza (dumplings) filled with pork, chicken, or vegetables alongside the chicken. The crispy texture and savoury filling complement the teriyaki sauce.
- Seaweed Salad (Wakame Salad) • A light, tangy seaweed salad is a great option to add some greens to your meal. The salty and umami flavours enhance the chicken without overpowering it.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes • Roasted Japanese sweet potatoes (satsumaimo) or regular sweet potatoes with a light drizzle of soy sauce and sesame oil make for a hearty, subtly sweet side that pairs well with the savoury chicken teriyaki.
- Edamame • Lightly steamed and salted edamame beans make for a simple, protein-packed side dish to accompany the chicken.
These sides will not only enhance the flavours of your teriyaki chicken but also create a varied and balanced meal with different textures, tastes, and nutritional benefits.
Pairing Drinks
Pairing drinks with Chicken Teriyaki can elevate the meal, balancing its sweet, savoury, and umami-rich flavours. Here are some excellent drink suggestions to complement the dish:
- Sake • Warm or Chilled Sake: This classic Japanese rice wine is a natural pairing for teriyaki dishes. If you’re using sake in your recipe, serving it alongside the meal will harmonise the flavours. A dry sake balances the sweetness of the glaze, while a sweeter sake can enhance the honey in the sauce.
- Japanese Green Tea • Hot or Iced Green Tea: A light and refreshing green tea cuts through the richness of the teriyaki glaze and cleanses the palate. The mild bitterness and subtle herbal notes of the tea offer a perfect contrast to the sweetness of the dish.
- Japanese Beer • Lager: Beers like Asahi, Kirin, or Sapporo are crisp, clean lagers that work beautifully with Chicken Teriyaki. The carbonation and light body refresh the palate after each bite, making the meal feel lighter and more balanced.
- Whisky Highball • A Japanese whisky highball (whisky and soda water over ice) is a refreshing, effervescent drink with a subtle whisky flavour. The fizz and slight sweetness cut through the teriyaki glaze, while the whisky notes provide a warming depth.
- Citrus-Based Cocktails • Yuzu Sour or Lemon Shochu Cocktail: These citrus-forward drinks are fantastic with Chicken Teriyaki. The bright, zesty flavours of yuzu or lemon enhance the dish’s richness, adding freshness to the palate.
- White Wine • Riesling: A slightly off-dry Riesling pairs well with teriyaki’s sweet and salty profile. Its natural acidity balances the sweetness, while the fruitiness complements the dish’s umami notes.
• Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc with its high acidity and citrus flavours provides a sharp, refreshing contrast to the sweet teriyaki glaze. - Sparkling Water or Soft Drinks • For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime is refreshing and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Ginger ale or a citrus soda can also pair well, as their slight sweetness and effervescence match the dish’s profile without overwhelming it.
These drinks will not only complement the rich and balanced flavours of the Chicken Teriyaki but also enhance the overall dining experience.
Estimated Calories Per Serving (assuming this serves 4):
• Chicken (boneless, skinless thighs or breasts, 500g): ~550-600 calories
• Soy Sauce (1/4 cup): ~40 calories
• Mirin (2 tablespoons): ~50 calories
• Sake (2 tablespoons, optional): ~30 calories
• Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon): ~5 calories
• Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon): ~40 calories
• Garlic (1 clove): ~5 calories
• Ginger (1 teaspoon, fresh): ~2 calories
• Honey (1-2 tablespoons, to thicken sauce): ~60-120 calories
• White Rice (1 cup, cooked): ~200 calories per serving (if serving with rice)Total Estimated Calories:
For the entire recipe: ~1000-1100 calories
Per serving (with rice): ~300-350 calories
Breakdown:
• Without rice: ~200-250 calories per serving
• With rice: ~300-350 calories per servingThese values can vary depending on portion sizes, specific brands of ingredients, and whether you include or omit the sake or honey.
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