Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Bites

$- Chicken and sauce components - 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Seasoning and garnish options - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - Salt and pepper to taste - Sesame seeds for garnish - Sliced green onions for garnish - Cooking essentials - Cooking spray or a little oil for the air fryer - Medium bowl for mixing the marinade - Air fryer for cooking These ingredients create a delicious teriyaki flavor. Fresh ginger and garlic add a nice kick. The cornstarch helps make the chicken crispy. You can adjust the soy sauce and honey for sweetness and saltiness. For a fun twist, try adding a bit of chili if you like heat. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, let's make the teriyaki marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together: - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon sesame oil Mix it until smooth. Next, add 1 pound of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces. Make sure each piece gets coated well. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step adds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy. After marinating, drain any extra marinade. Then, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornstarch over the chicken. Toss it well to coat. This will help make the chicken crispy when cooked. Now, it’s time to air fry the chicken! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or brush it with a bit of oil. This helps prevent sticking. Place the chicken bites in a single layer in the basket. Do not overcrowd them. If needed, cook in batches. Air fry the chicken for about 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This helps them cook evenly. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the bites and let them rest for a couple of minutes. To serve, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a nice crunch. Add sliced green onions for color and flavor. These simple garnishes make your dish pop! For side dishes, consider white rice or steamed veggies. They complement the teriyaki chicken well. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for about 3 days. Enjoy your tasty air fryer teriyaki chicken bites! To get juicy, crispy chicken bites, follow these tips: - Crispiness and flavor: Use cornstarch on the chicken after marinating. This gives a nice crisp. Spray the basket lightly with oil to help brown the chicken. - Adjustments for air fryer models: Every air fryer is different. If your model cooks hot, check the chicken a few minutes early. If it cooks cool, add a couple of minutes. - Common mistakes to avoid: Don't overcrowd the basket. This leads to uneven cooking. Always shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness. Making your own teriyaki sauce is simple and fun: - Making sauce from scratch: Combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. This creates a rich flavor. You can adjust the sweetness or saltiness as you like. - Alternative ingredients: Try using maple syrup instead of honey for a different twist. You can also add chili flakes for heat or pineapple juice for sweet notes. - Storing and using leftover sauce: Keep any extra sauce in a jar in the fridge. It lasts about a week. Use it for stir-fries, marinades, or even as a dipping sauce. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: If time permits, marinate the chicken for 1-2 hours or even overnight for a deeper flavor profile. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the best results, cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Customize Your Marinade: Feel free to add other ingredients like pineapple juice or chili flakes for a unique twist on the classic teriyaki flavor. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your teriyaki chicken bites in fun ways. - Spicy teriyaki chicken bites: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili paste to your marinade. This gives your dish a nice kick. - Adding vegetables for a complete meal: Toss in some bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas with the chicken. Cook them together in the air fryer. This adds color and nutrition to your meal. - Using different proteins: You can swap chicken for tofu or shrimp. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same steps. Both options taste great with teriyaki sauce. Dips make your teriyaki chicken bites even more exciting. - Suggestions for refreshing dips: Try a cool cucumber yogurt dip or a tangy lemon sauce. Both bring a fresh taste that pairs well with the chicken. - Fusion ideas for unique flavors: Create a sweet chili sauce or a spicy peanut dip. These add a fun twist to your meal and surprise your guests. - Creating a dipping sauce bar: Set up a small table with various dips. Let everyone choose their favorite. This makes for a fun and interactive meal experience. To keep your teriyaki chicken bites fresh, store them well. Use airtight containers. Glass containers or heavy-duty plastic work best. Make sure they are completely cool before sealing. This helps prevent moisture build-up. For safety, eat leftovers within three to four days. Always check for any off smells or unusual textures before eating. If it looks or smells strange, it's best to toss it out. To freeze your chicken bites, first, let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them into freezer bags. Squeeze out the air before sealing to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw the chicken bites in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use the air fryer again for a crispy finish. Heat at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This keeps the flavor strong and the texture just right. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). The meat will also be golden brown and firm to touch. Make sure to check a thick piece to ensure it is cooked through. Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it needs to thaw first. You can place it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave. After thawing, cut it into bite-sized pieces, then follow the marinating steps. You can serve these chicken bites with rice or noodles. Steamed broccoli or mixed veggies also pair well. A fresh salad can add a nice crunch. For a fun twist, try using them in lettuce wraps. To make the teriyaki sauce gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari. Tamari is a gluten-free option that tastes great. Always check labels on other ingredients like honey or rice vinegar to ensure they are gluten-free. In this article, we covered the essentials for making air fryer teriyaki chicken bites. You learned about key ingredients, marinating tips, and step-by-step cooking instructions. We discussed storage options and common mistakes to avoid for the best results. With all these tips, you can create delicious meals and impress your friends. Remember, cooking should be fun and easy. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and make this dish your own!$

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Bites

Deliciously marinated chicken bites cooked to perfection in an air fryer.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
0.25 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons cornstarch
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish sesame seeds
for garnish sliced green onions

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil to create the teriyaki marinade.
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
After marinating, drain the excess marinade from the chicken and sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken pieces. Toss to coat evenly, ensuring a crisp coating when cooked.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a little oil to prevent sticking.
Place the chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook in batches.
Air fry the chicken bites for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
Once cooked, remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
Serve the teriyaki chicken bites sprinkled with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and color.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate longer if possible.

Keyword air fryer, appetizer, chicken, teriyaki