If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and family-friendly meal, these Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs with Honey Glaze are a perfect choice. Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a rich teriyaki sauce, then cooked in the air fryer until golden and tender. The finishing touch is a sticky honey glaze that takes the flavor to the next level.
The air fryer is an excellent way to cook chicken thighs because it locks in juiciness while giving the outside a slightly crisp texture. Unlike pan-frying or deep-frying, the air fryer keeps the dish light, requiring little to no extra oil. Best of all, the cooking time is short—making this an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like a restaurant-style dish.
Teriyaki sauce is a classic Japanese-inspired sauce made with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sweetness. Adding honey to the glaze not only enhances the flavor but also gives the chicken a glossy, caramelized coating.
This recipe works well with both boneless and bone-in chicken thighs. Serve it with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs (boneless or bone-in, skin-on preferred)
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp honey (for glaze)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the chicken
- In a bowl, mix teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and oil.
- Add chicken thighs, coat well, and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Air fry the chicken
- Preheat air fryer to 190°C (375°F).
- Place chicken thighs in the basket, skin side up, in a single layer.
- Cook for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken reaches an internal temp of 74°C (165°F).
Step 3: Make the honey glaze
- In a small saucepan, heat 2 tbsp honey with 2 tbsp of the leftover marinade.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Glaze and serve
- Brush honey glaze over cooked chicken thighs.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve hot with rice or vegetables.
Tips & Tricks
- For crispier skin, pat chicken dry before marinating.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy version.
- Save extra glaze for drizzling over rice.
Notes
- Bone-in chicken thighs may take 2–3 minutes longer than boneless.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Description
Juicy chicken thighs cooked in the air fryer with a flavorful teriyaki marinade and finished with a sticky honey glaze. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.
Duration
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinate: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18–20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp oil
- Sesame seeds & green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Mix marinade (teriyaki, soy, vinegar, garlic, ginger, oil). Add chicken and marinate 30 mins.
- Preheat air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Cook chicken 18–20 mins, flipping halfway.
- Heat honey with 2 tbsp marinade until thickened.
- Brush glaze on chicken, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot.