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- Chicken thighs: Use 4 bone-in and skin-on thighs for juiciness. - Marinade components: Combine 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, and 2 tablespoons rice vinegar. - Aromatics: Add 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger for flavor. - Other: Include 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water, plus garnishes like 1 teaspoon sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions. Each ingredient plays a key role in making the chicken tasty and tender. The bone-in thighs keep the meat juicy, while the marinade brings a sweet and savory flavor. The garlic and ginger add depth, and the sesame oil gives a nice finish. The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce, making it cling to the chicken when served. This mix of ingredients creates a delightful dish, perfect for any meal. To make the marinade, I start by whisking together the ingredients in a bowl. Combine 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar. Then, add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Mix this until it is smooth and well combined. Next, I take 4 chicken thighs, which should be bone-in and skin-on for flavor. I place them in a large resealable bag. Pour the teriyaki marinade over the chicken. I make sure to seal the bag tightly and coat the chicken well. It's best to marinate the chicken in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, you can marinate it for up to 4 hours. I preheat my air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step helps the chicken cook evenly and get that nice crisp. Once preheated, I take the chicken out of the bag and let any extra marinade drip off. Then, I place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. I air fry them for 12 minutes. After the first 12 minutes, I flip the chicken thighs so the skin side is now up. I air fry them for another 10 minutes. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin looks crispy. While the chicken cooks, I use the reserved marinade. I pour it into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once it boils, I mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl. I stir this mixture into the boiling marinade and cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens. After the chicken is done, I remove it from the air fryer. I let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. To serve, I drizzle the thickened teriyaki sauce over the chicken thighs. For garnish, I sprinkle sesame seeds and add thinly sliced green onions on top. This adds a nice touch and enhances the dish's look. - Use a large resealable bag for marinating. - Make sure the chicken is fully coated. - For the best flavor, marinate for 4 hours. - If short on time, 30 minutes is okay. - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). - Cook for 12 minutes, then flip the chicken. - Cook for another 10 minutes until done. - Use a meat thermometer; aim for 165°F (75°C). - Pair with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies. - Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. - Serve on a nice plate to impress guests. - Drizzle extra sauce for added flavor. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken breasts cook faster and are leaner. They will still soak up that tasty teriyaki sauce. If you want to try other proteins, tofu and pork work great too. Tofu absorbs flavors well and adds a nice texture. Pork, like tenderloin, can be juicy and delicious with teriyaki sauce. Add a kick to your dish by mixing in some spices. Sriracha brings heat and depth. You can also play with different marinades. Try a spicy teriyaki with chili flakes or a pineapple teriyaki for a sweet twist. Each variation can change the whole vibe of your meal. If you need gluten-free options, use tamari instead of soy sauce. It tastes just like soy sauce but is gluten-free. For a low-sugar option, cut back on the honey. You can use a sugar substitute, or leave it out. The dish will still be flavorful, and you'll keep it healthy. You can store cooked teriyaki chicken in the fridge for up to 4 days. For best taste, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. To freeze cooked chicken, let it cool first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It can last for 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the air fryer or oven until hot. Leftover teriyaki chicken is great in many dishes. Try adding it to salads for a protein boost. You can also make wraps with lettuce and your favorite veggies. It's a quick way to enjoy a tasty meal! Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster than bone-in thighs. Adjust the cooking time to about 10-12 minutes per side. Always check for doneness to ensure safety. The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. The juices should run clear, not pink, when you cut into the meat. Traditional teriyaki sauce contains soy sauce, which often has gluten. However, you can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Always check labels to be sure. Yes, marinating overnight is great. It lets the flavors soak into the chicken. Just be careful not to marinate too long, as it can make the meat mushy. Teriyaki chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Steamed rice - Fried rice - Stir-fried vegetables - Asian slaw - Sautéed bok choy These sides complement the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken. In this blog post, we've explored how to make delicious air fryer teriyaki chicken. We covered essential ingredients like chicken thighs, marinade components, and garnishes. You learned step-by-step instructions for marinating, cooking, and presenting your dish. I also shared tips for optimal flavor and variations for different diets. In closing, this easy recipe offers tasty options for everyone. Enjoy experimenting and tailoring it to fit your taste. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Discover the deliciousness of Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs that will elevate your weeknight dinner! Learn how to marinate and cook juicy chicken thighs to perfection with a tasty teriyaki sauce made from simple ingredients. This easy recipe takes just 45 minutes and is sure to impress family and friends. Click to explore the full recipe and bring a burst of flavor to your dinner table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium)

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon water

1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil until well combined.

    Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag and pour the teriyaki marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag, and ensure the chicken is well coated. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).

      After marinating, remove the chicken from the bag and let excess marinade drip off. Reserve the remaining marinade for later.

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

          Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, and air fry for 12 minutes.

            While the chicken is cooking, take the reserved marinade and bring it to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch and water mixture, cooking for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.

              After the first 12 minutes, flip the chicken thighs skin-side up and air fry for an additional 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy.

                Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

                  Drizzle the thickened teriyaki sauce over the chicken thighs and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 mins | 45 mins | 4 servings