Best Air Fryer Crispy Teriyaki Chicken Breast Bites
Welcome to the ultimate crispy chicken experience: our Best Air Fryer Crispy Teriyaki Chicken Breast Bites recipe! Get ready to elevate your cooking game with these irresistible bites of tender chicken breast coated in a crispy exterior and glazed with mouthwatering teriyaki sauce. With the magic of the air fryer, you can achieve that coveted crispy texture without the need for excess oil, making these bites healthier. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, snack on them during game night, or enjoy them as a main course. These chicken bites are sure to steal the show on any occasion. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover the secret to making the crispiest, most flavorful teriyaki chicken bites you’ve ever tasted!
SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE IT:
homemade Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup Regular Soy Sauce: Provides savory depth and umami to the sauce.
- ½ cup Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and caramel notes.
- 2 tsp Fresh Ginger, minced: Imparts a bright, spicy flavor.
- 6 Cloves Garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and pungency.
- 2 tbsp Honey (or Agave Nectar for Vegans): Adds sweetness and aids in caramelization.
- 2 tsp Sesame Oil: Contributes nutty aroma and richness.
- 6 tbsp Mirin: Adds sweetness and tanginess.
- ¼ cup Water mixed with 3 tsp Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent.
Panko Chicken Breast Ingredients:
- 3 lbs Chicken: The main protein is either Breasts or Chicken Thighs, boneless and skinless.
- 1 cup Flour: Used for dredging.
- 3 Eggs, beaten: Binds breadcrumbs to chicken.
- 2 cups Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides crispy coating.
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste: Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
WHY THIS RECIPE WILL BE A FAMILY FAVORITE?
This recipe for Air Fryer Crispy Teriyaki Chicken Breast Bites is bound to become a family favorite for several reasons:
- Tasty Flavors: Mixing soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and mirin makes a yummy sauce that kids and grown-ups will enjoy.
- Crunchy Goodness: Coating the chicken in breadcrumbs and air frying it gives a crispy outside while keeping the inside juicy. It’s a satisfying texture that everyone loves.
- Easy to Customize and Healthy: You can change ingredients like using agave for vegans or adjust the seasoning. Plus, air frying needs less oil, making these bites a healthier choice without losing flavor.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS TERIYAKI CHICKEN BREAST BITES?
Time needed: 40 minutes
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine the following ingredients: 1 cup of soy sauce, ½ cup of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of minced fresh ginger, 6 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of honey (or agave nectar for vegans), 2 teaspoons of sesame oil, and 6 tablespoons of mirin.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the brown sugar has completely dissolved.
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce:
Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, then let it simmer for a few minutes. - Thicken the Sauce:
Pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan, stirring constantly.
Let the sauce simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Remove from heat and set aside to cool. - Prepare the Chicken:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper to taste.
Set up a dredging station with three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it evenly with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. - Air Fry the Chicken:
Once the air fryer is preheated, place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
Spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray.
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for a cook time of 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees f. - Coat in the Teriyaki Sauce:
Remove the cooked chicken from the air fryer and transfer it to a large bowl.
Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat evenly. - Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish the teriyaki chicken breast bites with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy as a delicious appetizer or main dish, paired with white rice, brown rice, or veggies.
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
To achieve crispy chicken coating in the air fryer, ensure you evenly coat each piece of chicken with the breading mixture. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow air circulation around the chicken pieces. Additionally, a light spray of nonstick cooking spray or brush with oil will help brown and crisp the coating.
Yes, preheat the air fryer for about 5 minutes making sure the air fryer reaches the correct temperature for cooking the chicken evenly. Preheating the air fryer can also help reduce cooking time. This happens because the air fryer is already hot when you place the food in the air fryer basket.
Using the air fryer to make teriyaki chicken can result in a healthier version versus deep-frying methods. Using very little or no oil, the air fryer reduces the overall fat content while achieving a crispy texture. Air frying preserves the flavors and nutrients of the ingredients, making it a healthier alternative for enjoying teriyaki chicken.
Experts do not recommend breading frozen chicken directly for air fryer chicken. Thawing the chicken first is essential for even coating and getting the breading to stick to the meat. Attempting to bread frozen chicken may result in uneven cooking because the outer breading will cook faster than the interior. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator before breading and air frying for the best results.
Marinate the chicken in low sodium soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for at least 3 hours before breading, and air frying will create a flavor explosion once dipped in the sauce.
WHAT DO YOU SERVE WITH AIR FRYER TERIYAKI CHICKEN?
Air fryer teriyaki chicken recipe is super versatile. They go great with sides like rice or noodles. You can also add veggies like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. If you’re watching your carbs, cauliflower rice is a good choice. Sprinkle some sesame seeds and green onions on top for extra flavor. This combo makes a tasty and healthy meal that everyone will love!
AIR FRYER CHICKEN TERIYAKI RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS:
Substitutions:
- Protein: You can substitute chicken breast with tofu, tempeh, seitan, or other cuts of chicken like thighs, chicken tenders, chicken wings, or drumsticks.
- Teriyaki Sauce: Alternatives to store-bought teriyaki sauce including ingredients like tamari is an alternative to soy sauce, often used as a 1:1 replacement. Also, coconut aminos is another gluten-free option that has a slightly sweeter flavor than soy sauce.
- Air Fryer: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
VARIATIONS:
- Spicy Teriyaki Chicken: Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to your teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick.
- Honey Teriyaki Chicken: Add a tablespoon of honey to your teriyaki sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Garlic Teriyaki Chicken: Add minced garlic to the sauce for a more robust flavor.
- Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken: Add some pineapple juice and coconut sugar to your teriyaki sauce and top your cooked chicken with chopped pineapple for a tropical twist.
HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER ORANGE CHICKEN?
To store the leftover air fryer chicken recipe, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, there are a couple of options: for best results, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the chicken for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy, or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. If using the microwave, place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until heated through. Enjoy your reheated orange chicken with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes!
CAN LEFTOVER ORANGE CHICKEN BE FROZEN FOR LATER CONSUMPTION?
Leftover crispy teriyaki chicken can be frozen to eat another day. Allow the chicken to cool completely and arrange the chicken in one layer on a lined baking sheet. Once the pieces are frozen transfer the individual pieces to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. This is optimal because when you are ready to reheat you can grab a few at a time making it easier to portion. Label the container with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, pop the orange chicken frozen in the air fryer and reheat for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy your delicious teriyaki chicken any day of the week with this convenient freezer-friendly option!
LOOKING FOR MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES? TRY THESE!
Air Fryer Parmesan Cubed Chicken Breast Bites: These bites are seasoned with a tantalizing blend of brown sugar, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne pepper for that extra kick. Once air-fried to golden perfection, these savory delights are generously sprinkled with savory Parmesan cheese, adding a delightful finishing touch to each irresistible bite
Crispy Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Thighs: Marinated in a blend of herbs, spices, and citrus, these juicy chicken thighs are coated in a crispy exterior that will satisfy your taste buds. With the magic of the air fryer, you’ll achieve perfectly crispy chicken thighs without the need for excess oil or frying.
Air Fryer Stuffed Buffalo Ranch Chicken Breasts: Bursting with the bold tanginess of Frank’s RedHot sauce, the creamy richness of cream cheese, the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of pepper jack cheese, and the zesty kick of ranch seasoning, these chicken breasts are an absolute taste sensation.
Best Air Fryer Crispy Teriyaki Chicken Breast Bites
Equipment
- Cosori Air Fryer
Ingredients
Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup Soy Sauce
- ½ cup Brown Sugar
- 2 Tsp Fresh Ginger minced
- 6 Cloves Garlic minced
- 2 Tbsp Honey Vegans: Agave Nectar
- 2 Tsp Sesame Oil
- 6 Tbsp Mirin (more info in notes below)
- ¼ cup Water mixed with 3 teaspoons cornstarch
Panko Chicken Breast Ingredients:
- 3 lbs Chicken Breasts or chicken thighs boneless and skinless
- 1 Cup Flour to dredge
- 3 Eggs beaten (to dredge)
- 2 Cups Panko Breadcrumbs to dredge
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of soy sauce, ½ cup of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of minced fresh ginger, 6 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of honey (or agave nectar for vegans), 2 teaspoons of sesame oil, and 6 tablespoons of mirin.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the brown sugar has completely dissolved.
- Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, then let it simmer for a few minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup of water with 3 teaspoons of cornstarch until fully dissolved.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan, stirring constantly.
- Let the sauce simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Set up a dredging station with three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it evenly with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken
- Once the air fryer is preheated, place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
- Spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the air fryer and transfer it to a large bowl.
- Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat evenly.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish the teriyaki chicken breast bites with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy as a delicious appetizer or main dish, paired with rice or veggies.
- Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Enjoy your homemade Air Fryer Crispy Teriyaki Chicken Breast Bites! 🍗🥢