Chicken Teriyaki Burgers

Learn how to make the easiest Air Fryer Chicken Teriyaki Burger with tender ground chicken patties, a glossy homemade teriyaki glaze, juicy pineapple, and crisp burger toppings.

• Fast. These chicken burgers cook quickly in the air fryer and are ready in under 30 minutes.
• Easy. Mix the patties, air fry, glaze, and assemble.
• Juicy. Ground chicken stays tender when properly seasoned and cooked just until done.
• Delicious. Sweet teriyaki sauce, savory chicken, juicy pineapple, and fresh toppings create an irresistible combination.

With the convenience of the air fryer, you can make flavorful chicken burgers without heating a grill or standing over a skillet. These teriyaki chicken burgers are perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or whenever you want to give burger night a tropical twist.

A teriyaki chicken burger is a ground chicken patty seasoned with Asian-inspired ingredients and coated with teriyaki sauce. It is usually served on a bun with toppings such as pineapple, lettuce, onion, cheese, or mayonnaise.

Unlike a traditional beef burger, this version has a lighter flavor that pairs especially well with sweet and savory sauces.

The air fryer cooks the patties quickly while helping the outside develop a lightly browned finish. Brushing the burgers with sauce near the end gives them a glossy coating without allowing the sugar in the glaze to burn.

The air fryer is an excellent way to cook ground chicken burgers because it circulates hot air around the patties and cooks them evenly.

You do not need to add much oil, and there is no splattering skillet to clean afterward. The air fryer also makes it easy to cook the burgers indoors during any season.

Because ground chicken is leaner than many types of ground beef, it can dry out if overcooked. The air fryer gives you precise timing, making it easier to remove the patties as soon as they reach a safe internal temperature.

• Ground Chicken- The main ingredient in the patties. Ground chicken has a mild flavor that absorbs the teriyaki seasoning beautifully.
• Panko Breadcrumbs- Help bind the patties while keeping them tender. Panko has a lighter texture than traditional breadcrumbs.
• Egg- Adds structure and prevents the burgers from falling apart during air frying.
• Fresh Ginger- Adds warmth and an aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken.
• Soy Sauce- Seasons the chicken and adds savory umami flavor. Low-sodium soy sauce helps prevent the patties from becoming too salty.
• Toasted Sesame Oil- Adds a concentrated nutty flavor. A small amount is enough to give the patties extra depth.
• Black Pepper- Adds gentle warmth and helps balance the sweetness of the glaze.
• Soy Sauce- Forms the salty and savory base of the sauce.
• Water- Dilutes the soy sauce and creates enough liquid for a smooth glaze.
• Brown Sugar- Adds sweetness and helps give the finished sauce a glossy appearance.
• Rice Vinegar- Adds a light tang that balances the sugar.
• Garlic and Ginger- Build layers of savory and aromatic flavor.
• Cornstarch- Thickens the sauce so it clings to the chicken patties instead of running off.
• Burger Buns- Soft brioche buns are especially delicious because they complement the sweet teriyaki glaze.
• Pineapple Rings- Add juicy tropical sweetness. Fresh or canned pineapple can be used.
• Lettuce- Adds freshness and crunch.
• Red Onion- Provides sharp flavor and crisp texture that balance the sweet sauce.
• Mayonnaise- Adds creaminess and helps keep the burger moist.
• Sesame Seeds- Optional, but they add a nutty finish and make the burgers look polished.

Make the Teriyaki Sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Mix the Chicken Patties. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper.

Shape the Burgers. Divide the chicken mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty slightly wider than the burger buns. Press a small indentation into the center of each patty. This helps the burgers cook more evenly and prevents them from puffing excessively.

Air Fry the Chicken Burgers. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Lightly coat the basket with cooking spray and arrange the patties in a single layer. Leave space between them so the hot air can circulate. Air fry for 6 minutes, then carefully flip the patties. Cook for another 4 minutes, brush the tops with teriyaki sauce, and air fry for 1 to 2 additional minutes. The burgers are done when the center reaches 165°F.

Cook the Pineapple. Place the pineapple rings in the air fryer after removing the burgers. Air fry at 375°F for 3 to 4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until warmed and lightly caramelized.

Assemble the Burgers. Spread mayonnaise on the toasted buns. Layer each bottom bun with lettuce, a teriyaki chicken patty, extra sauce, pineapple, and sliced red onion. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired, then add the top bun.

Making air fryer chicken burgers is simple, and these tips will help keep them tender, flavorful, and easy to handle:

• Do Not Overmix the Chicken. Mix only until the ingredients are combined. Too much handling can create firm or rubbery patties.
• Wet Your Hands. Ground chicken is naturally sticky. Damp hands make shaping the burgers much easier.
• Use an Instant-Read Thermometer. Chicken burgers need to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Checking the temperature prevents both undercooking and overcooking.
• Glaze Near the End. Teriyaki sauce contains sugar and can burn if added too early. Brush it on during the final minutes of air frying.

If you love this chicken teriyaki burger recipe, try one of these flavorful variations:

• Spicy- Add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or sliced jalapeños to the burger or teriyaki glaze.
• Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wrap- Skip the bun and wrap the patty in butter lettuce for a lighter option.
• Teriyaki Turkey Burger- Replace the ground chicken with ground turkey and follow the same method.

These burgers pair well with a variety of easy sides:

• Sweet Potato Fries- Their natural sweetness works beautifully with the teriyaki glaze.
• Asian Slaw- Cabbage, carrots, and a tangy sesame dressing add crunch and freshness.
• Cucumber Salad- Cool cucumber helps balance the rich sauce and sweet pineapple.
• Air Fryer French Fries- Classic fries are always a great choice for burger night.

Cooked chicken teriyaki burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Store the patties separately from the buns and toppings to prevent the burgers from becoming soggy.

Reheat the patties in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes, or until heated through. Brush them with a little extra teriyaki sauce before reheating to help them stay moist.

Yes, chicken teriyaki burger patties freeze well.

Allow cooked patties to cool completely, then wrap them individually and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the air fryer.

You can also freeze uncooked patties. Place parchment paper between each one and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw completely before air frying for the most even results.

Chicken burgers generally take 10 to 12 minutes at 375°F, depending on their thickness and the model of air fryer.

Dry chicken burgers are usually caused by overcooking or using very lean ground chicken. Remove the patties as soon as they reach 165°F.

Yes. Store-bought teriyaki sauce is a great shortcut. Choose a thick sauce or glaze so it clings to the burger.

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