Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs Recipe
Hold on to your taste buds, folks! We’re embarking on a culinary journey like no other! Today, we’re taking you on a flavor-packed adventure with the most delicious, juicy, and succulent Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs you’ll ever have the pleasure of sinking your teeth into! Say adios to dry, boring chicken and hello to tender, tantalizing meat that will have your taste buds doing the cha-cha!
Not only is this recipe a taste explosion, but it’s also a healthy one! By using an air fryer, we’re able to cook the chicken to perfection without any added oil, making it a low-fat and calorie-friendly option. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or meal prep idea, this recipe is the perfect choice! So, let’s get cooking!
Why do you like this recipe?
Buckle up for a flavor ride, my friends! The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce combined with the juicy chicken is a match made in flavor heaven. And the air fryer gives it a crispy exterior that adds an extra layer of textural bliss.
It’s so easy to make, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without it! With minimal prep work and just a few simple ingredients, dinner will be ready before you know it. Plus, the air fryer does all the hard work for you, leaving you free to sit back, relax, and enjoy a glass of wine (or two!).
This recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also a healthy option. By using an air fryer, we eliminate the need for oil, resulting in a low-fat, calorie-friendly meal that you can feel good about eating.
It’s a versatile dish that can do it all! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, but also great for meal prep. Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy it all week long. It’s also a crowd-pleaser and a great option to bring to potlucks or parties. So, get ready to impress your friends and family with this flavor-packed dish!
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 2 tbsp corn starch
- 2 tbsp water
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)
Get ready for a flavor fiesta, my friends! The soy sauce and honey are the dynamic duo that will have your taste buds doing the salsa. They create the perfect harmony of sweet and savory that will make your mouth sing! Then, we’ve got the rice vinegar and sesame oil bringing some tang and nuttiness to the party. The grated ginger and minced garlic bring the heat and depth, making this dish a flavor explosion. The corn starch and water join in to thicken the sauce and give it a glossy finish on the chicken. And finally, the sesame seeds and green onions add the crunch and freshness to tie it all together.
You’re going to love how these ingredients come together in harmony to create a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep idea, this recipe is sure to leave you happy and satisfied!
Cooking Steps
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Set aside.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, making sure the pieces are not touching. Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- While the chicken is cooking, in a small saucepan, combine the remaining marinade and corn starch and water, cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens.
- Once the chicken is cooked, brush the sauce over the chicken, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired, and serve immediately.
As a chef, I live for cooking! It’s my passion, my art form, and my way of expressing myself. The kitchen is my canvas and every recipe is a masterpiece waiting to be created.
Cooking has the power to bring people together, whether it’s to nourish your family, entertain friends, or simply treat yourself. It’s the love and joy that goes into every dish that makes cooking so special and so much fun.
I hope this recipe brings a smile to your face and inspires you to get creative in the kitchen. Remember, the kitchen is your playground, so have fun, let your imagination run wild, and never be afraid to add your own twist to a recipe.
Cooking tips:
- For more crispy skin, make sure to pat the chicken dry before cooking.
- If you like your teriyaki sauce sweeter, you can add more honey.
- If you prefer your teriyaki sauce with more salt, you can add more soy sauce.
- If you like a more tangy taste, you can add more rice vinegar.
- You can also add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a spicy teriyaki sauce.
Variations
- Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon: Instead of using chicken thighs, you can substitute with fresh salmon fillets. This variation will have a delicate and mild flavor of the fish with the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce.
- Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu: Replace the chicken with extra-firm tofu, it will add a nice texture and a neutral flavor, that will absorb the flavors of the marinade and the sauce. The result will be a flavorful and protein-packed dish, perfect for vegetarians or vegans.
- Air Fryer Teriyaki Meatballs: Form the ground chicken into small meatballs and cook them in the air fryer following the same instructions. This variation will have a meaty and savory flavor, with a nice crispy exterior, it would be perfect as a party appetizer or as a main dish with some steamed rice.
Nutrition Facts, based on 6 servings:
- Calories: 216 kcal
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 96mg
- Sodium: 1034mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
Please keep in mind that this information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This recipe contains a moderate amount of sodium, if you are watching your sodium intake you can reduce the amount of soy sauce used or opt for a low-sodium version.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs, but keep in mind that chicken breast tends to be leaner and drier than chicken thighs, so you may need to adjust the cooking time. Also, make sure the chicken breast is not overcooked, as it can become dry.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
Yes, you can use a different sweetener instead of honey, such as maple syrup or brown sugar. However, keep in mind that the flavor of the sweetener will change the taste of the final dish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free tamari sauce instead of soy sauce, and gluten-free corn starch instead of regular corn starch.
Can I marinate the chicken for longer than 2 hours?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken for longer than 2 hours, the longer you marinate the more flavor will be infused into the chicken. However, you should avoid marinating for more than 24 hours as it can make the chicken mushy.
Summary
And there you have it, foodie friends! A tantalizing and nutritious recipe for Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs that’s sure to make your taste buds dance. With its mouth-watering combination of sweet and savory flavors, crispy exterior, and juicy and tender meat, this dish is the ultimate weeknight dinner or meal prep solution.
Not to mention, the air fryer gives it a healthier twist compared to traditional fried chicken. So, you can feel good about what you’re putting in your body while indulging in a delicious meal.
We hope you loved this recipe as much as we do and that you’ll give it a try in your own kitchen. Don’t be shy, share your thoughts in the comments and let us know if you have any variations or tips to share. We’re all about community here at CooCooks, and we love hearing from our readers. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask! Thank you for reading and happy cooking, folks!