Craving a delicious and healthy dinner that's ready in minutes? Look no further! This air fryer teriyaki chicken recipe is your answer. Forget greasy takeout; this homemade version is bursting with flavor, incredibly juicy, and surprisingly easy to make. It's the perfect quick dinner idea, a healthy meal for the whole family, and a testament to the magic of air fryer cooking. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this simple yet satisfying recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon mirin for extra sweetness and depth of flavor
- Optional: Sesame seeds for garnish
- Optional: Green onions for garnish
Instructions:
Marinating the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and black pepper. If using, add the mirin now.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Make sure all the chicken is well marinated in the teriyaki sauce. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.
Air Frying the Chicken:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; work in batches if necessary for even cooking.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the chicken.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your delicious teriyaki chicken over rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also add it to salads or enjoy it as is. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Tips and Variations:
- For crispier chicken: Increase the air fryer temperature to 425°F (220°C) and reduce the cooking time slightly, carefully monitoring to prevent burning.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Add vegetables: Toss some broccoli florets, bell peppers, or snap peas with the chicken during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking for a complete meal.
- Make it a sheet pan meal: If you don't have an air fryer, you can easily bake this teriyaki chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on a 4-serving recipe and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This easy teriyaki chicken recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. The vibrant flavors and juicy texture will impress your family and friends, making it a true favorite among your delicious dishes and best recipes. Enjoy!