Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Wings

Looking for an easy and delicious recipe that is perfect for any occasion? Try these air fryer teriyaki chicken wings! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. This easy recipe is incredibly simple to make.

The air fryer gives the wings a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. The sweet teriyaki marinade adds a delicious depth of flavor that everyone will enjoy.

Whether you’re hosting a party, having a family dinner, or just looking for a quick and easy snack. These air fryer teriyaki chicken wings are sure to impress.

Why cook Teriyaki chicken wings in an air fryer?

Easy – Chicken wings are not only low cost and versatile chicken they are also easy to cook in an air fryer. In this recipe simply marinade the wings and then cook them in the air fryer for 15 minutes.

Quick – Cooking chicken wings in an air fryer is faster than if you were using a traditional oven. 15 minutes vs. 30 minutes.

Healthier – You use less oil when cooking wings in an air fryer. Fatty grease also drips to the bottom of the basket, away from the wings as they cook. The wings do not re-absorb that fat, providing crispy and juicy wings that have fewer calories compared to deep frying.  

Easy clean up – No fat splatters or oven trays to clean. Just wash the air fryer’s basket and drawer with warm soap and water.

What ingredients do I need to make teriyaki chicken wings?

To make air fryer teriyaki wings you only need a few easy to get hold of ingredients. You likely already have these ingredients in your cupboard to make this easy homemade teriyaki sauce.

• Chicken wings – pre-split into drumettes and wingettes or separated yourself. Use a sharp knife and cut into the joint.
• Light soy sauce
• Light brown sugar (brown sugar can also be used)
• Rice vinegar
• Fresh garlic or garlic powder
• Fresh ginger or ginger powder
• Black pepper
• Green onion – for decoration once cooked
• Toasted or white sesame seeds – scatter over the delicious wings once cooked

The recipe card below has the ingredients listed along with the quantities.

What equipment do I need to make teriyaki chicken wings?

No specialist equipment is needed…

• A knife (if you need to split the wings)
• A chopping board
• A large bowl
• Kitchen tongs
• Some spoons
• Air fryer liner or aluminum foil 
• Digital meat thermometer

How long does it take to cook chicken wings in an air fryer?

Cooking chicken wings takes 15 minutes at 400 F (200 c). You may need to add some extra time if cooking large wings or you like your wings to be extra crispy. Use a digital meat thermometer to check the wings are fully cooked.

The teriyaki marinade takes less than 5 minutes to make. For best results and if you have time let the wings marinate for at least 2 hours. 

How to make and cook teriyaki chicken wings in an air fryer

To serve up delicious teriyaki chicken wings simply follow this step-by-step guide. Within 15 – 20 minutes you will be serving chicken wings covered in a delicious teriyaki marinade that is guaranteed to be a family favorite.

Step 1 – Make the teriyaki marinade

Add all the ingredients (except the chicken wings) to a large mixing bowl. Mix until everything is combined.

Step 2 – Prepare the chicken wings

Using a sharp knife cut the wings in half. Cut the wings at the joint to give you a drumette and wingette from each wing.

Step 3 – Cover the wings in the teriyaki marinade

Add the chicken wings to the large mixing bowl and cover the wings with the teriyaki marinade.

Step 4 – Marinate (optional)

If you have time cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap (cling film) and put it in the fridge. Leave it there for at least 2 hours. The marinade will give the wings a lovely teriyaki glaze once cooked.

Step 5 – Pre-heat the air fryer

Pre-heat the air fryer to 400 F (200 c).

Step 6 – Add and organize the wings

Once the air fryer has been pre-heated, brush or spray some oil or cooking spray into the air fryer basket. You can also use an air fryer liner to reduce the clean-up time. I tend to use either parchment paper or silicone liner.

It’s optional, but I find wings stick to the basket without a liner or oil. For this recipe, if I was to use oil, sesame oil works well.

Take the wings from the mixing bowl. Hold them over the bowl for a few seconds to allow any excess marinade to drip off.

Organize the marinated chicken wings in a single layer at the bottom of the air fryer basket. On top of the liner (if using one).

Step 7 – Cook

Cook the wings for 15 minutes at 400 F (200 c)

Step 8 – Turn

After 10 minutes of cooking, pull out the air fryer drawer and use tongs to turn the chicken wings.

Return the drawer and cook for the remaining 5 minutes.

Step 9 – Check

After 15 minutes in total, remove the drawer and check that the wings are fully cooked.

Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken wings have an internal temperature of at least 165 F (74 c). If you are also happy with how crispy they are, move to step 10.

Step 10 – Extra time

If you like your chicken wings to be crispier or the internal temperature is not above 165 F (75 c). Cook for 2 to 5 extra minutes.

Step 11 – Serve

Serve the cooked teriyaki chicken wings with green onions and sesame seeds.

Top tips

Here are some top tips to follow to serve up the best teriyaki chicken wings using your air fryer.

Single layer – For best results don’t be tempted to air fry too many chicken wings at once and have them piled up on each other. This will disrupt the cooking process, resulting in uneven cooking and less crispy wings. Depending on your air fryer basket size, you may need to cook the wing in batches.

Marinate – To ensure the wings are full of flavor do allow the wings to marinate for at least two hours.  

Turn – To serve up wings that have crispy skin on all sides. Turn the wings halfway through their cooking time.

Timings – You may need to increase the cooking time if your batch contains larger wings. The timings stated are a guide as wings do vary in size. If needed cook the wings for more or less time to crisp to your personal preference.

Internal temp – Before serving, check the wings with a digital meat thermometer. The cooked chicken wings should have an internal temperature of 165 F (74 c).

Serve with

If serving as a perfect appetizer or side dish, simply serve as is. Alternatively, serve the wings with a salad or rice for an easy meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Make sure you have some paper towels or a damp cloth to hand to clean your fingers after eating these sticky wings. A must if eating with children.

Common questions

How do you store leftover chicken wings?

If you have cooked too many wings, wait for the wings to cool to room temperature. Put the wings in an airtight container or freezer bag. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freezer for 3 months.

The sauce can also be pre-made and stored in the fridge for use when needed.

How do I reheat leftover chicken wings?

To reheat your chicken wings, take them from the fridge and add them to your air fryer basket.

Reheat in a preheated air fryer for 4 minutes at 360 F (180 c).

Can I substitute chicken wings for chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or legs instead of chicken wings. As these chicken pieces are larger than wings you will need to increase the cooking time.

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought teriyaki sauce. This can either be used as a marinade as I have done or used to cover the wings after they have been cooked.

Does it matter what soy sauce I use?

No, you can use any type of soy sauce. It depends on your preference. I go with whatever I have in the cupboard which is normally low-sodium soy sauce.

Related articles

Honey Garlic Chicken Wings – Another great air fryer chicken wings recipe.

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes – A collection of great chicken air fryer recipes.

Recipe card