Who doesn’t love juicy, flavorful chicken skewers?
Today, I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Teriyaki Chicken Skewers made in the air fryer.
These skewers are not only easy to make but also bursting with the irresistible taste of teriyaki sauce.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a barbecue party, these skewers are sure to be a hit!
About this Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe:
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a staple in Japanese cuisine. They’re easy to make, super tasty, and perfect for any meal.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate the authentic taste of teriyaki chicken right in your own kitchen.
Plus, cooking them in the air fryer gives them that perfect charred exterior while keeping the inside moist and juicy.
Nutritional Attributes:
While this dish is rich in flavor, it’s also packed with protein from the chicken.
The marinade includes ginger and garlic, both known for their health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties.
Cooking the chicken in an air fryer also reduces the amount of oil used, making it a lighter option compared to deep frying.
How to make Teriyaki Chicken Skewers:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix together ginger paste, teriyaki sauce, and minced garlic.
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized cubes and place them in a resealable bag or dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Let it marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece.
- Cook the Skewers: Place the skewers in the air fryer basket without touching each other. Air fry for 17-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Serve: Remove the skewers, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and enjoy with your favorite side dishes.
Ingredients & Alternatives:
Main ingredients:
- Chicken Thighs: For the best results, only use chicken thighs because they stay the juiciest and most tender during cooking. Chicken breast can dry out, but thighs ensure every bite is moist and delicious. The chicken thighs need to be skinless and boneless.
- Garlic and Ginger: Add a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor. Fresh is best, but powdered forms can be used in a pinch.
- Teriyaki Sauce: Provides a sweet and savory glaze. If you prefer homemade sauce, you can substitute the 1/2 cup of teriyaki sauce with 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of mirin or rice vinegar. Simply mix these ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved, and you have a homemade teriyaki sauce ready to use in the recipe.
- Sesame Seeds: Add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. Optional but recommended.
Why should you soak Wooden Skewers in water?
Soaking wooden skewers in water is a key technique to prevent them from catching fire in the intense heat of the air fryer.
This process helps the wood absorb water, creating a barrier that slows down the charring process.
By taking the time to soak your skewers, you not only ensure the safety of your cooking but also allow the flavors of the teriyaki marinade to shine without any unwanted smokiness!
FAQ:
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
No, because chicken thighs are juicier, resulting in a better texture and flavor for the dish.
What can I serve with this dish?
They go well with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. Check out my Spicy Cucumber Salad recipe.
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken thighs Boneless and skinless
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tsp Ginger paste
- 1/2 cup Teriyaki sauce
- Sesame seeds for topping
- Wooden skewers soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ginger paste, teriyaki sauce, minced garlic.
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized cubes.Place the chicken cubes in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.(optional) Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece.
- Place the skewers in the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.Air fry for 17-20 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken skewers from the air fryer.Sprinkle sesame seeds over the skewers for garnish.
- If you desire an extra glossy finish, you can brush the chicken with additional teriyaki sauce in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Arrange the teriyaki chicken skewers on a serving platter.Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy!