How To Make Dump And Go Teriyaki Chicken In The Air Fryer
Introduction: My Story with Dump And Go Teriyaki Chicken
I kept seeing this Dump and Go Teriyaki Chicken recipe all over Pinterest. The photos looked drool-worthy juicy chicken soaked in a rich, sticky glaze, served on a bed of rice with sesame seeds and scallions on top. The only downside? It took hours in the crockpot. That’s not my style.
You see, I’m the kind of person who wants flavor fast. And ever since I got my air fryer, I’ve been obsessed. It’s my secret weapon for whipping up quick and easy healthy dinner recipes crockpot-style minus the wait. So I thought, what if I gave this popular crockpot meal a twist?
That’s how my Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken was born. It’s inspired by the trendy dump and go teriyaki chicken, but upgraded for those of us who want dinner ready in under 25 minutes.
Looking for inspiration? Try Healthy Air Fryer Dinners for more fast recipes like this one.
Table of Contents
The Magic of Dump And Go Teriyaki Chicken (Air Fryer Style)
What Makes It “Dump And Go”?
Dump and go teriyaki chicken is all about simplicity. No need to marinate for hours. Just toss everything together, and let the cooker or in our case, the air fryer do the magic. This version sticks to that philosophy: add ingredients, mix, cook, and eat.
Why Air Fryer Instead of Crockpot?
While traditional crockpot recipes like crockpot meals for family of 5 are comforting, they’re time-consuming. The air fryer gives you the same crispy edges and saucy goodness in a fraction of the time.
Time-Saving for Dinners For Busy Nights
Got 20 minutes? You’ve got dinner. This air fryer version is the MVP of dinners for busy nights, saving your schedule and your sanity.
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Saucepan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs or breasts boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1/3 cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
To Thicken Sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup broccoli florets optional
- 1 bell pepper chopped, optional
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks optional
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks.
- Whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Reserve half the sauce for later.
- Toss chicken in the remaining sauce. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Air fry for 16–18 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Simmer the reserved sauce in a saucepan. Add cornstarch slurry and stir until thickened.
- Toss cooked chicken in the thickened sauce. Serve with rice and desired toppings like scallions or sesame seeds.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients You Need (Minimal & Mighty)
Core Dump and Go Ingredients
- Chicken thighs or breasts (boneless, skinless)
- Soy sauce (or coconut aminos for dairy free dinner recipes crockpot style)
- Honey
- Rice vinegar
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Cornstarch slurry
Optional Add-Ins for Meal Prep
You can easily turn this into one of your favorite meal prep ideas crockpot-inspired by adding:
- Broccoli florets
- Bell peppers
- Snap peas
- Pineapple chunks
Check out Easy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breasts for another flavorful meal prep option!
Step-by-Step: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepping the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks. If you’re prepping for meal prep for the week crockpot style, portion out ahead of time.
Step 2: Mix the Teriyaki Sauce
Whisk together your sauce: soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Reserve half to thicken later.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer. Toss the chicken in half of the sauce. Cook at 375°F for 16-18 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Step 4: Sauce It Up
In a saucepan, simmer the rest of the sauce with cornstarch slurry until thick. Pour over the crispy chicken.
Discover great ideas like Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon if you’re in a seafood mood.
Meal Prep Tips for Busy Weeknights
Make-Ahead Options
Batch cook and store in airtight containers. Serve with rice, quinoa, or noodles. This beats traditional crockpot meals for family of 5 on speed and flexibility.
Versatile Serving Ideas
Try it in wraps, rice bowls, or over zoodles. Works well for easy cabin dinners too, with zero fuss.
Don’t miss our Meal Prep Air Fryer Snacks for Lunch Boxes to round out your meal plan.
Health Benefits: Why It’s Better Than Crockpot
Clean Ingredients = Guilt-Free
No artificial sauces. No frying in oil. Just pure ingredients turned into healthy crockpot dinner recipes—only quicker.
Dairy-Free and Family Friendly
This is one of those rare dairy free dinner recipes crockpot-inspired that both adults and kids enjoy.
Check out Garlic Butter Air Fryer Mushrooms as a perfect veggie side.
Serving Suggestions & Storage
Best Sides
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Roasted broccoli
- Asian slaw
Storing & Reheating
Store in meal prep containers for 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
Conclusion
This air fryer teriyaki chicken is proof that you don’t need to wait hours for amazing flavor. Inspired by the viral dump and go teriyaki chicken, it brings together all the ease of quick and easy healthy dinner recipes crockpot-style with the speed of modern cooking. Whether you’re into meal prep ideas crockpot, cooking for a family of 5, or just need dinners for busy nights, this recipe checks all the boxes fast, healthy, and bursting with flavor.
Learn more about other healthy options in our Healthy Air Fryer Dinners guide.
FAQ Section
What makes dump and go teriyaki chicken ideal for air fryers?
It cooks faster, needs no marinating, and delivers crispy texture while retaining juicy flavors.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, thaw it first to ensure even cooking and proper sauce absorption.
How do I make this a meal prep for the week crockpot-style?
Batch the recipe into separate containers and pair with prepped grains or veggies.
Is this recipe good for dinners for busy nights?
Absolutely. From fridge to plate in under 25 minutes.
Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
You can, but making your own allows for healthier, low-sodium versions.
Are there other dump and go variations I can try in the air fryer?
Yes! From BBQ to sweet chili just swap the sauce.
Want something sweet after? Try Peach Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies as a healthy treat.
Want more air fryer recipes? follow me in pinterest and Facebook
