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- 4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs - 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce - 1 teaspoon minced garlic - 1 teaspoon grated ginger - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish) - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) What can I use instead of teriyaki sauce? You can swap teriyaki sauce with a mix of soy sauce and honey. This gives a similar taste. Are there gluten-free options? Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce. Many brands offer this. Can I use different chicken? Sure! Chicken breast works well too. Just adjust the cooking time since it cooks faster. Preparing the marinade In a medium bowl, whisk together these ingredients: - 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce - 1 teaspoon minced garlic - 1 teaspoon grated ginger - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper This mix creates a rich, sweet, and savory flavor. Coating the chicken thighs Place the 4 skinless and boneless chicken thighs in a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Mix well to coat every piece. Recommended marinating time Seal the bag or cover the dish. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, let it marinate for up to 4 hours. Preheating the air fryer Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F. This takes about 5 minutes. Cooking temperature and time After preheating, remove the chicken thighs from the marinade. Place them in the air fryer basket in one layer. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Checking for doneness Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F for safe eating. Reducing the marinade While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Heat it over medium heat until it simmers. Let it reduce for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Drizzling over the chicken Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the air fryer. Let it rest for a few minutes. Drizzle the reduced marinade over the chicken for added flavor. Garnishing before serving Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. This adds a nice touch and extra flavor. Enjoy your savory air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs! - Marinating for maximum flavor For the best taste, marinate your chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes. You can go up to 4 hours for deeper flavor. This gives the chicken time to soak up the teriyaki sauce, honey, and spices. - Flipping the chicken thighs correctly Flip the chicken thighs halfway through cooking. This helps them cook evenly. Use tongs to handle the thighs gently, so they stay intact and juicy. - Achieving a crispy exterior To get that perfect crispy skin, make sure your air fryer is preheated. Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. This high heat creates a nice golden-brown crust. - Recommended air fryer models I love using the Cosori or Ninja air fryers. They are user-friendly and cook evenly. Both models have great reviews for making crispy food. - Using a meat thermometer Always check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F to be safe to eat. A meat thermometer ensures you cook the chicken perfectly every time. - Side dish ideas Serve your teriyaki chicken with rice or steamed vegetables. Both make great pairings, adding flavor and nutrition to your meal. You can also add a simple salad for crunch. - Best sauces to pair with teriyaki chicken A drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce enhances the flavor. You could also serve it with a side of sweet chili sauce for a spicy kick. {{image_2}} You can easily change up the flavors in your teriyaki chicken. For heat, add sriracha or chili flakes to the marinade. This spice will wake up each bite. For a fruity twist, add some orange juice. The citrus brightens the dish and adds a new layer of flavor. If you want to make this dish healthier, consider using skin-on chicken thighs. The skin adds flavor and crispiness. You can also try low-calorie marinades. These work well if you are watching your calories. Just mix together soy sauce, vinegar, and spices for a tasty option. Let’s take the teriyaki chicken to new heights with a bowl idea. Serve it over rice with veggies like broccoli or bell peppers. This gives you a complete meal in one bowl. You can also toss some vegetables in the air fryer. Think about carrots, zucchini, or snap peas. They cook fast and add color to your plate. To keep your air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs fresh, store them in the fridge. Place the chicken in a container with a tight lid. You can also use a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to cool the chicken to room temperature before sealing. It will stay good for up to 3 days. To reheat in the air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken thighs in the basket for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps them crispy. You can also use a microwave. Heat them on high for about 1-2 minutes. If using a skillet, warm them on medium heat for 5 minutes, flipping once. You can freeze both cooked and uncooked chicken. For cooked chicken, let it cool, then wrap it tightly. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. For uncooked chicken, marinate it first. Place it in a bag and squeeze out air. To thaw, put it in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, use cold water in a sealed bag. This method works well for best results. How long can I marinate chicken thighs? You can marinate chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes. If you want more flavor, marinate for up to 4 hours. This lets the chicken soak up the teriyaki taste and makes it juicy. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breast. However, thighs are juicier and tastier. If you choose breast, cook it for a shorter time. Keep an eye on the internal temperature to avoid drying it out. What is the best teriyaki sauce for this recipe? A good teriyaki sauce balances sweet and salty flavors. You can use store-bought or homemade. If you like it sweeter, choose a sauce with honey or brown sugar. For a lighter option, look for low-sodium versions. Do I need to spray oil in the air fryer? It’s not necessary to spray oil. The chicken thighs have fat that helps with cooking. However, a light spray can give extra crispiness. Use a high smoke point oil for best results. How do I clean my air fryer after cooking? To clean your air fryer, let it cool down first. Remove the basket and wash it with warm soapy water. Use a soft sponge to avoid scratches. Wipe down the main unit with a damp cloth. Caloric content per serving: Each serving of air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs has about 250 calories. Protein and carbohydrate breakdown: You get around 25 grams of protein and 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving. This makes it a great choice for a healthy meal. This blog post detailed how to make delicious teriyaki chicken in an air fryer. We discussed the key ingredients and offered substitutions for different diets. You learned step-by-step instructions for marinating and cooking the chicken for the best flavor. Tips on equipment and serving ideas helped round out the recipe. In closing, teriyaki chicken is quick and easy. Experiment with flavors and enjoy your meal!

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Discover the mouthwatering flavor of air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs with this easy recipe! Marinated in a delicious blend of teriyaki sauce, honey, and spices, these juicy chicken thighs are cooked to perfection in just 12 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish is sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a tasty, healthy meal tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless

1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium)

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon grated ginger

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a medium bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.

    Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the chicken. Ensure all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

      Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

        Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade (reserve the marinade for later) and arrange them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping.

          Cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have a nice golden-brown color.

            While the chicken is cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and heat it over medium heat. Bring it to a simmer and let it reduce for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

              Once the chicken is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, drizzle the reduced marinade over the chicken.

                Garnish the thighs with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

                  Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4