Print

Healthy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Teriyaki Bites

Healthy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Teriyaki Bites - featured image

These Healthy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Teriyaki Bites are a quick, easy, and guilt-free snack featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy teriyaki glaze, perfect for family gatherings or casual snacking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • Cooking spray or 1 tablespoon avocado oil (for air fryer basket)
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (for teriyaki sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (to thicken sauce)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix well so every piece is coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  3. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil. Place the chicken bites in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch much to allow hot air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary.
  4. Air fry the chicken for 8 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Flip the pieces halfway through (around 4 minutes) using tongs for even crispiness. Chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. While the chicken cooks, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Stir in the cornstarch-water slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
  7. Transfer the cooked chicken bites to a bowl. Pour the warm teriyaki sauce over and toss gently to coat each bite evenly.
  8. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes for best flavor. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crispiness. Flip chicken halfway through cooking. Use a digital thermometer to check for doneness (165°F internal temperature). Sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and reheated gently. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. For a spicy twist, add sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce. Baking alternative: bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes on a wire rack, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, chicken teriyaki bites, healthy chicken snack, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe, teriyaki sauce, air fryer recipe