Crispy Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken – Gluten-Free and Ready in 15 Minutes

This Crispy Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is a weeknight lifesaver! Cooked in under 15 minutes, it delivers tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, flavorful teriyaki sauce. Perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, this dish is both gluten-free and low-carb, making it a healthier alternative to takeout.

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Imagine a plate of golden, crispy chicken with a drizzle of teriyaki sauce over steamed rice and fresh broccoli, finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen, with minimal cleanup thanks to the magic of the air fryer.

Whether you’re a fan of air fryer chicken thighs or chicken breasts, this teriyaki chicken is a new favorite that the whole family will love. Serve it with steamed veggies or a simple salad for a complete, nutritious meal.

This recipe was inspired by the success of other air fryer teriyaki dishes, showing just how easy it is to make flavorful meals quickly. With just a few key ingredients and simple steps, you can have a dinner that tastes incredible and is ready in a flash.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: From marinating to the plate in under 50 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
• Juicy & Flavorful: Tender chicken coated in a perfectly sticky teriyaki glaze.
• Healthy & Gluten-Free: Low-carb, packed with protein, and made without gluten.
• Better Than Takeout: You control the ingredients, making it healthier and tastier.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Making this air fryer teriyaki chicken is simple and requires minimal ingredients.

• Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness, or chicken breasts for a leaner option. Both work beautifully.
• Teriyaki Sauce: Opt for homemade gluten-free teriyaki sauce or a trusted store-bought brand. Look for options like P.F. Changs or similar gluten-free sauces.
• Optional Garnishes: Chopped scallions and sesame seeds add color and crunch.

Tip: You can also experiment with adding red pepper flakes for a little heat or using fresh ginger in the marinade for an extra layer of flavor.

Step-by-Step: Making Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Follow these easy steps to get perfectly cooked, crispy chicken every time.

Step 1 – Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and cut into 1–1.5 inch cubes. Place the chicken in a medium mixing bowl. Drying the chicken helps the teriyaki sauce stick better and ensures even cooking.

Step 2 – Marinate

Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, toss to coat evenly, and cover. Let it marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature. If you plan to marinate longer than 30 minutes, refrigerate the chicken to keep it safe.

Step 3 – Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (about 5 minutes for most models). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 4 – Cook the Chicken

Place the marinated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Some slight overlapping is okay. Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 5 – Serve & Garnish

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced scallions, if desired. Pair it with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

This air fryer teriyaki chicken is versatile and can be tweaked to suit your taste:

• Chicken Tenders: Swap thighs for tenders for a kid-friendly version.
• Spicy Teriyaki: Mix hot sauce into the teriyaki sauce for a kick of heat.
• Crispy Coating: Coat chicken in egg and gluten-free flour before air frying for a crispy texture, then toss with teriyaki sauce.

Expert Tips

• Check Doneness: Chicken breasts cook faster than thighs. Start checking at 8–10 minutes.
• Sauce Balance: Don’t over-saturate the chicken. Coat evenly, and serve extra sauce on the side if desired.
• Avoid Overcooking: Air fryers cook quickly. Keep an eye on the chicken to maintain juiciness.

Ways to Serve

• Stir-Fry Style: Mix with rice and sautéed veggies like broccoli or bell peppers.
• Rice Bowls: Serve over steamed rice, garnished with sesame seeds and scallions.
• Appetizer: Serve bite-sized pieces with toothpicks and extra sauce on the side.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Knife + cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Air fryer
• Tongs

Storage & Reheating

• Storing: Let chicken cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the air fryer or microwave until hot.

FAQs

Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Homemade teriyaki sauce keeps for up to a week in an airtight container.

Can I use chicken wings?
Yes, wings are delicious, but may need longer cooking. Check at 12 minutes and continue as needed.

Can this be baked in the oven?
It should work, though cooking times may vary. Air frying gives the crispiest results.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely, as long as the teriyaki sauce is gluten-free.

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