If you’re craving hibachi-style chicken and veggies but want a quicker, lighter twist, this Air Fryer Chicken Hibachi Recipe will become your new go-to weeknight hero. Juicy, marinated chicken thighs get perfectly golden in the air fryer while a colorful medley of zucchini, onion, and mushrooms rounds out every bowl with vibrant flavor and texture. Served over fluffy rice and finished with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds, this dish captures everything you love about Japanese-American hibachi—right at home, without the fuss!
Ingredients You’ll Need
No need to hunt for fancy items—just a few essentials and pantry favorites come together to make this recipe truly sing. Each ingredient plays a special role, from tender protein to those pops of umami and fresh crunch.
- Chicken thighs: These stay juicy and tender after air frying, unlike chicken breast, making them perfect for hibachi-style cooking.
- Soy sauce: This adds savory, salty depth and classic hibachi flavor to the marinade.
- Sesame oil: A little goes a long way, adding toasty, nutty notes that echo restaurant hibachi dishes.
- Olive oil: Helps everything caramelize and keeps the chicken moist during air frying.
- Garlic powder: For a gentle punch of flavor throughout every bite.
- Onion powder: Gives the chicken that irresistible savory-sweet undertone.
- Ground ginger: Bright, zingy, and essential for that signature Japanese flair.
- Zucchini: Offers juicy, mild freshness and a pop of color to each bowl.
- Onion: Slices caramelize beautifully to boost sweetness and aroma.
- Mushrooms: Add earthy umami and juicy texture, making each bite complete.
- White rice (cooked): The perfect fluffy base to soak up all those savory juices.
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (optional): Ideal for finishing with crunch and a hint of brightness.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Hibachi Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by combining your bite-sized chicken thigh pieces with soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground ginger in a large bowl. Toss everything well so each piece is coated in that deeply flavorful marinade. Let it rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes—this short marinating time is just enough for the magic to happen!
Step 2: Prep the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes. A properly heated air fryer ensures the chicken starts sizzling right away, helping you get that beautiful, restaurant-style sear at home.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken to your air fryer basket in a single layer. This helps each piece brown evenly. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stopping once halfway through to shake the basket. The result? Perfectly cooked, lightly caramelized chicken with juicy centers—just like you’d hope for in a classic Air Fryer Chicken Hibachi Recipe.
Step 4: Sauté the Veggies
While your chicken finishes cooking, toss the sliced zucchini, onion, and mushrooms into a lightly oiled skillet. Set the burner to medium heat and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re tender and just caramelized. The veggies should be vibrant and evenly cooked, lending that perfect snap and sweetness.
Step 5: Assemble and Garnish
To bring it all together, layer a scoop of warm white rice into each bowl, then top generously with your chicken and a heap of those glistening veggies. Finish everything off with green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh crunch and extra flavor.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Hibachi Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing beats a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions and a scattering of toasted sesame seeds for that authentic look and bright finish. If you like extra flavor, add a drizzle of yum yum sauce, teriyaki, or even a dong of sriracha for some heat!
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Chicken Hibachi Recipe pairs perfectly with miso soup, a crisp cucumber salad, or even steamed edamame. For a lighter meal, swap the rice for cauliflower rice or add a fresh broccoli slaw to boost the veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, family-style meal, set up a build-your-own hibachi bowl bar with toppings like pickled ginger, sliced avocado, and spicy mayo. You can even serve the chicken and veggies as a filling for lettuce wraps for a low-carb, hand-held option—the flavors shine any way you serve them!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let everything cool, then store the chicken and veggies together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making lunchtime meal prep a total breeze.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and veggies (just not the rice) for up to two months. Cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe bags, and squeeze out as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Reheating
Reheat your Air Fryer Chicken Hibachi Recipe in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or toss back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 5 minutes for the best texture. The veggies might soften a bit, but the big, bold flavors you love will still shine through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works well, just keep an eye on the cook time, as it can dry out more quickly than thighs. Marinating is especially important to help lock in moisture.
Can I cook the vegetables in the air fryer as well?
Yes! Just toss them lightly in oil, spread in a single layer, and air fry at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This is a great way to keep everything extra hands-off.
Is this Air Fryer Chicken Hibachi Recipe gluten-free?
With a simple switch to gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, you can make this recipe entirely gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally free from gluten.
What are some sauce options besides yum yum?
Try teriyaki, ginger dressing, spicy mayo, or even a classic sriracha drizzle. Each brings its own delicious vibe to the dish, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Can I make this meal low-carb?
For a low-carb twist, simply swap the white rice for cauliflower rice or skip the grains altogether and serve your Air Fryer Chicken Hibachi Recipe over a bed of extra sautéed veggies.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Chicken Hibachi Recipe delivers easy, irresistible weeknight flavor with a fraction of the effort (and oil) of takeout. If you love bold, savory chicken and tender veggies but crave healthier homemade meals, give this recipe a whirl—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!
Print
Air Fryer Chicken Hibachi Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the flavors of a Japanese hibachi meal with this easy Air Fryer Chicken Hibachi recipe. Tender chicken, savory vegetables, and aromatic seasonings come together for a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
For the Vegetables:
- 1 medium zucchini (sliced into half-moons)
- 1 small onion (sliced)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
For Serving:
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground ginger. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Add marinated chicken to the air fryer basket, cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet, sauté zucchini, onion, and mushrooms until tender and caramelized.
- Serve: Serve chicken and vegetables over cooked rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Cook vegetables in the air fryer by tossing in oil and air frying at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.
- For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice.
- Enhance with yum yum sauce or teriyaki sauce for more flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Japanese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
