Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken: 20 Minutes

Air fryer teriyaki chicken is an easy, delicious dinner that you can make in under 20 minutes. With only 5 ingredients you can make crispy, juicy chicken bites tossed in a thick homemade teriyaki sauce. This is a super flavorful, healthy weeknight meal that the entire family will love. (Mine sure did!)

Healthy teriyaki chicken is breaded in gluten free panko, cooked in the air fryer until golden and crispy, and finally tossed in delicious, homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s quick, easy, and so, so yummy.

This recipe needs just 5 ingredients and can be prepared in under 20 minutes! I love whipping this meal up on those busy weeknights when you want something healthy and nourishing, but don’t feel like cooking.

Serve your healthy teriyaki chicken with rice and broccoli for the most delicious, family friendly dinner that’s ready in a flash. This recipe is gluten free (if you use my homemade teriyaki sauce), dairy free, and made with much less oil that take out, so go ahead and give it a try. Be sure to let me know what you think in the comments below!

WHAT IS TERIYAKI CHICKEN?

Teriyaki chicken is a popular Japanese chicken dish that’s made of juicy chicken glazed in a sweet, sticky teriyaki sauce.

If ordering take out, it typically comes with white or brown rice and a side of veggies like broccoli or carrots. However, my version is breaded, cooked in the air fryer, and coated in homemade teriyaki sauce for the best flavor.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR AIR FRYER TERIYAKI CHICKEN

• White or brown rice
• Cauliflower rice
• Fried rice
• Air fryer broccoli
• Zucchini and squash in the air fryer
• Steamed edamame

WHAT YOU NEED

Kitchen Tools:

• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• Air fryer
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients:

• Chicken: I used chicken breast tenderloins and cut them into bite size pieces
• Egg: You will just need 1 large egg to help bread the chicken bites
• Almond milk: I used almond milk because it’s what I usually have on hand
• Panko breadcrumbs: My air fryer teriyaki chicken in gluten free because I like to use Ian’s Gluten Free Panko
• Salt and pepper: Just a little bit of each is added to the breadcrumbs to make this chicken super flavorful
• Teriyaki Sauce: You can use homemade teriyaki sauce or store-bought. I prefer homemade because I can control the ingredients in it!

HOW TO MAKE HEALTHY AIR FRYER TERIYAKI CHICKEN

1. Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F and spray the basket lightly with avocado oil
2. On a cutting board, use a sharp knife to cut your chicken breast into bite size pieces and place them into a large mixing bowl
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together your egg and almond milk until fully combined
4. Pour the egg mixture over the chicken bites and stir them around to ensure everything is coated
5. In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to bread each chicken bite, making sure all sides are coated
6. Lau the breaded chicken in a single layer into your hot air fryer basket and spray the top liberally with avocado oil spray
7. Cook at 380 F for 7-8 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the inside reaches 165 degrees F
8. Use tongs to take the chicken out of the air fryer and place into a clean mixing bowl, pour teriyaki sauce over the top, and use a rubber spatula to stir it around
9. Once all the chicken is coated, serve with rice and broccoli and enjoy!

INGREDIENT SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS

Chicken: Use chicken thighs instead

Almond milk: Coconut or oat milk are great dairy free substitutes while whole milk will work for those who aren’t dairy free

Panko breadcrumbs: If you don’t have a gluten free variety, regular panko will work. You can also coat them in arrowroot starch for another gluten free option

Teriyaki sauce: I like to use homemade, but Primal Kitchen also has a delicious, healthy option for store bought

EXPERT TIPS FOR THE BEST AIR FRYER TERIYAKI CHICKEN

• Cut the chicken into equal size pieces so it cooks evenly
• Preheat your air fryer
• Bread chicken bites individually for best results
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer, cook in batches if needed
• Use a rubber spatula to stir the chicken when coating in sauce to keep the breading from coming off

FAQs

Do I need to marinate the chicken before air frying it?

No, since it is breaded and the breading is seasoned there’s no need to marinate it.

How healthy is air fryer teriyaki chicken?

It’s definitely much healthier than take out! This recipe is high in protein, made with wholesome ingredients, and uses much less oil than teriyaki chicken from restaurants because it’s made in the air fryer instead of deep fried.

Is teriyaki chicken gluten free?

As long as you use gluten free panko breadcrumbs and your teriyaki sauce doesn’t contain soy sauce, this recipe is gluten free.

I made my teriyaki sauce with Tamari or coconut aminos because they both taste like soy sauce but don’t contain any wheat!

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely, chop the chicken thighs into bite size pieces and cook for 9-11 minutes instead.

What temperature does chicken need to cook to?

Chicken needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. You can use a meat thermometer if you’d feel more comfortable.

STORING AND REHEATING LEFTOVERS

Storing:

You can store any leftover air fryer teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

If you want to freeze teriyaki chicken for easy weeknight meals, freeze chicken bites plain without any teriyaki sauce on the. Place the chicken into a freezer safe bag and keep in your freezer for up to 2 months.

Defrost in the fridge overnight, reheat, and coat in teriyaki sauce for a healthy, make ahead meal.

Reheating:

You can reheat any leftovers in the microwave in a microwave safe bowl covered with a damp paper towel. Cook for 30 seconds at a time until warmed through.

MORE CHICKEN RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

• Gluten free chicken tenders
• Air fryer buffalo tenders
• Jerk chicken wings
• BBQ chicken wings

Did you make this recipe?

If so, I would greatly appreciate you leaving a comment and star rating down below. Additionally, follow me on Instagram and use #incoleskitchen to tag me so I can see your creation!

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