Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers in the Air Fryer

These easy teriyaki chicken skewers in the air fryer are a quick and delicious meal! Seasoned chicken breasts or thighs are skewered, air fried, and brushed with a homemade teriyaki sauce. Serve over rice with steamed veggies or lo mein for an easy, fun meal the whole family will love. You can use wood or metal skewers in the air fryer, if using wood skewers soak them before use.

If you like this simple chicken recipe, try my other Chicken Recipes or all of my dinner recipes for easy weeknight ideas. Kids and adults will love this dish, it’s an easy way to elevate plain chicken and incorporate some protein. Homemade teriyaki sauce is easy to make or you can use store-bought sauce.

You may also like this Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe or Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Recipe.

Recipe Highlights

• Healthier version: making this teriyaki chicken in the air fryer is a healthier option compared to frying in oil. Plus making homemade teriyaki sauce, you can choose your ingredient quality and adjust ingredients better serve to gluten and soy allergies at home.
• Customizable: this dish will work with chicken thighs or chicken breasts and the sauce can be made sweet or spicy as desired. Serve these skewers in a variety of ways for a complete meal.
• 30 minute meal: you can have dinner on the table in less then 30 minutes with this simple dish. Skewer the chicken and toss in the air fryer to cook. While the chicken cooks start some rice or roasted veggies for a side dish and whip up the easy teriyaki sauce.
• Family favorite: kids and adults will love this dish! I like to serve alongside different toppings and side dishes so everyone can create their own white rice or noodle bowl! This dish is also a great source of protein for everyone and kids will love eating off of skewers.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

This delicious and simple teriyaki chicken recipe is great as a weeknight meal for the whole family. All you need is an air fryer and some skewers (metal or wooden) and everything whips up seamlessly, which makes for easy clean up! Looking for some side dish ideas? This post will help you find 35 Easy Side Dish Ideas.

Make a simple homemade teriyaki sauce or use a store-bought option. I like to brush the teriyaki sauce on the skewers and serve extra on the side for dipping. Roasted broccoli, sauteed carrots and snap peas, or vegetable fried rice all pair well with the chicken.

Ingredient List & Ingredient Substitutions

This chicken dish is made of simple ingredients and can easily be customized, if an ingredient can be substituted you will find it below along with any additional notes.

• Chicken breasts: use boneless skinless chicken thighs, boneless skinless chicken breasts, or chicken tenders.
• Soy sauce: coconut aminos or tamari can be a substitute to traditional soy sauce if you need a gluten free or soy free option.
• Light brown sugar: this adds the perfect amount of sweetness to the sauce, coconut sugar can be an option as well.
• Cornstarch: this is used to thicken the sauce, arrowroot powder can also work.
• Garlic: add as much fresh minced garlic as desired. Jarred minced garlic or garlic paste can be a substitute if needed.
• Honey: adds a nice touch of sweetness in addition to the brown sugar, it also helps thicken the sauce. Agave works as well, maple syrup can also work but is a bit more pungent.
• Garlic powder: this adds a little extra flavor to the chicken along with the sale and pepper.
• Sesame seeds: add as many as you like! I lovvee sesame seeds and tend to go overboard, so use at your own discretion – these make a great garish. If I have them, I like a mix of white and black sesame seeds.

How To Make The Teriyaki Chicken

Let’s talk a little about how to make the Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers in the Air Fryer (The printable instructions are in the recipe card below.)

Quick overview:

• Season chicken and thread onto skewers.
• Air fry chicken until tender.
• Combine teriyaki sauce ingredients and simmer until thickened.
• Brush skewers with sauce and enjoy!

1. Add cubed chicken to a mixing bowl, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix to combine. Skewer onto wood or metal skewers and set aside.

2. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees for 10-13 minutes. Once preheated, add the skewers into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-13 minutes, flipping halfway through. Chicken is done when it has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

3. In a medium saucepan, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, water, and cornstarch. Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture starts to bubble, stirring often. Reduce heat to medium-low and allow to simmer 5-10 minutes, stirring often until the sauce has reduced slightly.

4. Brush skewers with the homemade teriyaki sauce. Serve over steamed rice with extra sauce for dipping. Leftover chicken will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Recipe Serving Suggestions

The best way to serve this teriyaki chicken is fresh out of the air fryer while warm. If you’re looking to elevate this meal, try serving the skewers with some of these fresh side dishes to make a more complete meal.

• Baked Shrimp & Cream Cheese Rangoons – make takeout at home complete with this side!
• Perfect Brown Rice – easy rice without a rice cooker!
• Crispy Cream Cheese Rangoons – a fun and easy appetizer to serve with your chicken.
• Steamed Rice – failproof rice without a rice cooker or steamer, this is super light and fluffy.

Recipe Tips

• Spread chicken skewers out evenly in the air fryer basket so they cook evenly.
• If you plan to air fry a lot of chicken (if you are multiplying this recipe), preheat your oven to 250 degrees F. and have a sheet pan ready. After each batch of chicken transfer to the sheet pan and keep warm in the oven until ready to eat.
• Enjoy immediately for best taste and texture!
• Soak your skewers if using wooden ones, so they do not burn.
• Double the sauce recipe if you want extra teriyaki sauce for dipping.

Recipe FAQs

What to serve air fryer teriyaki chicken with?

Serve this easy teriyaki chicken with Failproof Long Grain Rice, Brown Rice , or Steamed Rice. You could also serve over noodles, with stir fried veggies, or with a simple salad.

Can I use metal skewers in the air fryer?

Yes! Similar to a conventional oven, metal is safe in the air fryer. Use any metal skewer that will fit in your air fryer or use wooden skewers. If using wood, allow to soak for 30-60 minutes before using so they don’t burn, this is a must!

What temperature do you cook raw chicken in the air fryer?

I always cook my chicken at 400 degrees. It cooks quick, saving time and ensure it gets crispy. Starting with less cooking time and adding more as needed ensures the chicken doesn’t over cook and get tough.

What is homemade teriyaki sauce made out of?

Homemade teriyaki sauce is so simple to make and you probably have all the ingredients in your pantry. Save money and avoid additives/preservatives by making your own. Consisting of soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, water, and cornstarch this sauces thickens up great and has nice flavor. Perfect for this delicious teriyaki chicken.