Teriyaki Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer

Air fryer teriyaki chicken tenders are a good change when you've got chicken for dinner and want something a little different. The glaze is sweet and savory, with just enough ginger to come through. A bowl of rice and some green beans are all you need on the side.

The tenders only take about 12 minutes in the air fryer, but give yourself about 52 minutes from start to finish. That includes prep and the first 30 minutes of marinating. While the chicken's in the fridge, you can get your sides going, then make the glaze while the tenders cook.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• The glaze clings to the chicken, so there's a little sweet and savory flavor in every bite.
• The tenders go into the air fryer without breading, which keeps prep simple.
• You can get the chicken into the marinade earlier in the day, then cook it when you're ready for dinner.

Quick Success Tips

• Set out two clean containers before you mix the marinade. One is for the chicken and the other is for the half you'll turn into glaze.
• Give the tenders room in the basket. If they won't fit in one layer, cook in batches and allow extra time.

Why This Works

One soy mixture does two jobs. The chicken sits in one half, and the other half stays clean for the glaze. Cornstarch thickens that reserved portion on the stove so it coats the tenders when you toss them together after air frying.

Ingredients you'll need to make air fryer teriyaki chicken tenders

You'll find the exact amounts in the recipe card below.

Sesame seeds and green onion. Add them at the table if you like.

Chicken tenders. Use unbreaded chicken tenderloins.

Sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. The oil brings a nutty flavor, and the ginger and garlic come through in both the chicken and the glaze. A small grater makes quick work of fresh ginger.

Mirin, low-sodium soy sauce, and light brown sugar. Mirin and brown sugar balance the saltiness of the soy sauce. The recipe uses low-sodium soy sauce.

Water and cornstarch. These thicken the reserved mixture into a glaze.

Tools used

• Mixing bowls
• Instant meat thermometer
• Small saucepan

How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Tenders

1. Stir together the sesame oil, ginger, mirin, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. Before adding any raw chicken, pour half into a clean container, cover it, and refrigerate it for the glaze.
2. Toss the tenders with the other half of the soy mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
3. Discard the marinade that touched the raw chicken. Arrange the tenders in a single layer and air fry at 380°F for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway. Check the thickest part with an instant-read thermometer. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F.

While the chicken cooks, bring the clean, reserved soy mixture to a boil in a small saucepan. Whisk the water and cornstarch together in a small bowl until smooth. Add the slurry to the saucepan and keep whisking until the glaze bubbles and thickens. Take it off the heat.

Toss the cooked tenders with the warm glaze in a clean bowl. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onion if you like.

Helpful Tips

• If the tenders are different sizes, check the smaller ones first. Take them out once they reach 165°F and give the larger ones another minute or two before checking again.
• Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir just before pouring it in if it's been sitting. The starch settles to the bottom of the bowl.

Make It a Meal

Serve the tenders over Instant Pot brown rice with air fryer green beans. The rice catches any glaze left on the plate. Air fryer broccoli or quinoa works too, and cucumber ribbons or a simple salad are good when you want something cool alongside the chicken.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours and use them within 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze the cooked tenders in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Reheat in a single layer in the air fryer at 350°F. Start checking after 3 to 5 minutes for refrigerated tenders and turn them halfway through. For frozen cooked tenders, allow about 12 minutes and check the temperature before serving. Reheat leftovers until they reach 165°F throughout.

FAQS

More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

Try air fryer breaded chicken tenders when you want a crunchy coating, or make air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs for another way to serve teriyaki chicken.

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