Crispy Teriyaki Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
Chicken & Coating
- 16 oz boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ tsp salt
Teriyaki Sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1½ tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water, slurry
Optional Garnishes
- Sliced Cucumbers
- Sesame Seeds
Instructions
- Cut your chicken thighs into 1-inch chunks.
- In a bowl, combine cornstarch and salt, then dredge the chicken and shake off any excess coating.
- Spray your air fryer basket, place in the chicken, and spray the tops with more oil. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 18 minutes, flipping halfway through if needed.
- In the meantime, combine all sauce ingredients (except the slurry) in a small pot and bring to a simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the cornstarch slurry, stir, and cook until the sauce is thickened to your liking, then remove from heat.
- Toss the crispy chicken with the teriyaki sauce in a bowl until well coated.
- Serve the chicken over fresh rice. You can optionally top with cucumbers and sesame seeds.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What Makes Crispy Teriyaki Chicken So Unbelievably Good
If you’re looking for a sticky-sweet dinner that’s still savory and satisfying, this Crispy Teriyaki Chicken needs to be on your table ASAP. The chicken gets golden and crunchy in the air fryer, no deep frying needed, and then gets coated in a glossy homemade teriyaki glaze that’s better than anything store-bought. The combo of soy, garlic, ginger, and honey gives it just the right balance of sweet, salty, and umami.
Perfect For Busy Weeknights Or Meal Prep
This recipe is super practical. From prep to plate in under 30 minutes, it’s a true weeknight lifesaver. You only need a few pantry staples for the sauce, and everything comes together while the chicken crisps up in the air fryer. Serve it over rice with cucumbers or sesame seeds and you’ve got a complete bowl with almost no fuss. It’s also meal-prep approved, just keep the sauce and chicken separate until ready to reheat.
What You’ll Need To Make Crispy Teriyaki Chicken
Main Ingredients
- 16 oz boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ tsp salt
- Optional: sliced cucumbers, sesame seeds
For The Teriyaki Sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1½ tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water (for slurry)
How To Make Crispy Teriyaki Chicken
In a bowl, mix cornstarch and salt. Dredge your chicken chunks in the mixture, shaking off any excess coating.
Spray your air fryer basket with oil, place the chicken inside, and spray the tops again. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 18 minutes or until crispy and golden, flipping halfway if necessary.
Meanwhile, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, honey, and water in a small saucepan. Simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened to your liking.
Toss the crispy chicken in the warm sauce until fully coated. Serve over a bowl of rice, garnished with cucumbers and sesame seeds if you’d like.
Tips And Variations
• Don’t overcrowd your air fryer! I would work in batches for maximum crispiness, it can sometimes be painful, but well worth it!
• You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat and toss.
• Swap the chicken thighs for chicken breast or tofu if you prefer leaner options.
• Want it spicier? Add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce.
• Try adding steamed broccoli or sautéed bok choy to turn this into a full meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake this instead of using an air fryer?
Yes! Place the coated chicken on a parchment-lined tray, spray with oil, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
What’s the best way to reheat crispy teriyaki chicken?
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes to restore crispiness. You can also microwave it, but the texture may soften slightly.
Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
You can, but making your own takes less than 5 minutes and tastes way better. It’s also free from preservatives and overly sweeteners.
How long does it last in the fridge?
It’ll keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Store the chicken and sauce separately for the best texture.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in both the marinade and the sauce.
Try These Next
Try my Hot Honey Butter Chicken if you want another sweet-savory crisp dish.
Check out my XXL Taiwanese Fried Chicken for another crispy chicken recipe.
Or make Chicken Peanut Butter Noodles for something creamy and high-protein.
