Teriyaki Edamame Recipe

This teriyaki edamame is a quick and flavorful snack made with air-fried edamame pods tossed in teriyaki sauce, sea salt, and a hint of spice. It’s crispy, savory, and perfect for anytime snacking.

I’ve always loved having a quick, flavorful snack on hand, especially something that feels a little special without much effort. That’s how this teriyaki edamame became one of my go-to recipes. It’s that perfect mix of salty, sweet, and a little spicy.

I first made this recipe when I wanted a simple appetizer that didn’t require a lot of prep or fancy ingredients. The air fryer does most of the work, turning those little pods perfectly crisp while the teriyaki sauce adds a glossy, delicious coating. I love how the kitchen smells while it’s cooking. It’s one of those snacks that disappear fast, whether I’m enjoying it solo or serving it to guests.

What I really like about this teriyaki edamame is how customizable it is. If I want something spicy, I’ll add a bit more ichimi togarashi. If I’m sharing with kids, I’ll skip it. It’s healthy, fun to eat, and feels like something you’d get at a Japanese restaurant, but it’s made right at home in minutes. Whether you’re looking for an easy appetizer, a quick side, or a flavorful snack, this one’s definitely worth keeping in your regular rotation.

Items Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make teriyaki edamame:

• Frozen edamame in pods – Serves as the main ingredient, offering a protein-packed, nutritious base with a satisfying bite.
• Teriyaki sauce – Adds a sweet and savory glaze that enhances flavor and gives the edamame a delicious umami depth.
• Neutral oil – Helps the seasoning stick and ensures the edamame becomes crisp and evenly cooked in the air fryer.
• Sea salt – Brings out the natural flavor of the edamame and balances the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
• Ground black pepper – Adds a mild heat and enhances the overall seasoning with a hint of spice.
• Ichimi togarashi (Japanese chili pepper) – Provides an optional spicy kick that complements the sweet teriyaki flavor.
• Toasted sesame seeds – Add a nutty aroma, crunch, and a traditional Japanese finishing touch to the dish.

Ways To Customize

Here are some easy ways to customize this teriyaki edamame recipe:

1. Adjust the spice level – Add more ichimi togarashi or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat, or skip it entirely for a milder version.
2. Try different sauces – Swap teriyaki for soy-garlic, sweet chili, or sesame-ginger sauce for a new flavor twist.
3. Add citrus – A squeeze of lime or lemon juice before serving adds a bright, fresh contrast to the savory sauce.
4. Mix in toppings – Sprinkle with chopped green onions, crushed peanuts, or a dash of furikake for extra texture and flavor.
5. Make it garlicky – Toss in a bit of minced garlic or garlic powder before air frying for a more aromatic snack.
6. Add sweetness – Drizzle a little honey or maple syrup with the teriyaki sauce for a sweet-savory balance.

How To Make It

Pre-heat Air Fryer at 379°F (193°C). Set at 15 minutes for 2 Air Fryer trays.

In a small container, combine ichimi togarashi (if using), salt, and black pepper.

Place the two Air Fryer trays on two baking sheets and generously grease the trays.

Place the edamame in pods in a single layer on the two Air Fryer trays.

Drizzle oil all over the edamame in pods and gently toss using flat kitchen tongs. Sprinkle the salt mixture all over the greased edamame in pods.

Slowly insert the Air Fryer trays into the middle and lower cooking chambers.

Air fry the seasoned edamame in pods in the two Air Fryer trays for 8 minutes, then drizzle homemade teriyaki sauce over the first tray located in the middle cooking chamber. Gently toss the edamame in pods and return to the middle cooking chamber.

Continue to Air Fry for 1 to 2 minutes until crisp and golden, and remove the Air Fryer tray from the middle cooking chamber.

Once the first tray in the middle cooking chamber has been removed, transfer the other tray into the middle cooking chamber and continue to Air Fry for 3 to 5 minutes. Drizzle with homemade teriyaki sauce and Air Fry for 1 to 2 minutes until crisp and golden.

If the Air Fryer uses a basket, add the crisper plate, then insert the basket into the Air Fryer unit. Place the edamame in pods in a single layer. Each batch of edamame in pods in air fried for 8 minutes before drizzling the homemade teriyaki sauce and following accordingly.

Transfer the cooked edamame in pods to a serving plate and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

Storage

To store leftover teriyaki edamame, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the edamame in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3–4 minutes to bring back its crisp texture. You can also warm it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, but avoid using the microwave as it can make the pods soft instead of crispy.

Helpful Hints

More Cooking Tips:

• Preheat your air fryer so the edamame starts crisping right away.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
• Toss the edamame halfway through cooking for even crisping.
• Use high-quality teriyaki sauce or make your own for a richer flavor.
• Sprinkle the sesame seeds right after cooking so they stick better.
• If using frozen edamame, there’s no need to thaw. Just season and air fry directly.

Serving Suggestions

Teriyaki edamame makes a fantastic appetizer or snack that pairs perfectly with a variety of Asian-inspired dishes. I love serving it as a starter before sushi, ramen, or teriyaki chicken. It sets the tone for a flavorful, balanced meal. The sweet and savory glaze also makes it a hit at casual get-togethers, potlucks, or as a healthy option for movie nights and game days.

It also works beautifully as a side dish for grilled or stir-fried meats. The salty-sweet flavor of the edamame complements dishes like Korean BBQ, sesame noodles, or fried rice. You can even serve it alongside lighter fare such as poke bowls, salads, or steamed dumplings for a satisfying yet nourishing combination.

If you’re keeping things simple, serve it warm in a bowl with a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds or a squeeze of lime for freshness. It’s a great high-protein snack that feels indulgent but is actually wholesome. And if you’re looking for more easy recipes to add to your table, try my Cheesy Egg Bake for a hearty breakfast or my Baked Feta Pasta for a cozy, flavorful dinner.

FAQs

Can I use shelled edamame instead of edamame in pods?

Yes, you can use shelled edamame, but reduce the cooking time slightly since they tend to cook faster without the pods.

Do I need to thaw the frozen edamame before air frying?

No, there’s no need to thaw them. You can season and air fry the edamame straight from frozen for convenience and great texture.

What can I use instead of teriyaki sauce?

You can substitute with soy sauce mixed with a little honey or brown sugar, or use a store-bought glaze like sesame-ginger or sweet chili sauce.

Recipe

Teriyaki Edamame

This teriyaki edamame is a quick, flavorful snack made in the air fryer with a sweet-savory glaze, sesame seeds, and a hint of spice.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine Japanese

Servings 5

Calories 154 kcal

Ingredients

  

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• 400 grams frozen edamame in pods
• 2 to 3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
• 2 to 3 tablespoons neutral oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ichimi togarashi Japanese chili pepper, optional
• 1/8 toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

 

• Pre-heat Air Fryer at 379°F (193°C). Set at 15 minutes for 2 Air Fryer trays.
• In a small container, combine ichimi togarashi (if using), salt, and black pepper.
• Place the two Air Fryer trays on two baking sheets and generously grease the trays.
• Place the edamame in pods in a single layer on the two Air Fryer trays.
• Drizzle oil all over the edamame in pods and gently toss using flat kitchen tongs. Sprinkle the salt mixture all over the greased edamame in pods.
• Slowly insert the Air Fryer trays into the middle and lower cooking chambers.
• Air fry the seasoned edamame in pods in the two Air Fryer trays for 8 minutes, then drizzle homemade teriyaki sauce over the first tray located in the middle cooking chamber. Gently toss the edamame in pods and return to the middle cooking chamber.
• Continue to Air Fry for 1 to 2 minutes until crisp golden and remove the Air Fryer tray from the middle cooking chamber.
• Once the first tray in the middle cooking chamber has been removed, transfer the other tray into the middle cooking chamber and continue to Air Fry for 3 to 5 minutes. Drizzle with homemade teriyaki sauce and Air Fry for 1 to 2 minutes until crisp golden.
• If the Air Fryer uses a basket, add the crisper plate, then insert the basket into the Air Fryer unit. Place the edamame in pods in a single layer. Each batch of edamame in pods in air fried for 8 minutes before drizzling the homemade teriyaki sauce and follow accordingly.
• Transfer the cooked edamame in pods on a serving plate and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

• The minimal addition of Ichimi Togarashi provides a bit of kick that’s not overwhelming. Ichimi Togarashi is Japanese chili pepper, also known as ground red chili pepper and in some cases, Japanese chili powder.
• Japanese cuisine uses sea salt but kosher salt may be an alternative.

Nutrition

Calories: 154kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 8gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.02gSodium: 742mgPotassium: 382mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 16IUCalcium: 70mgIron: 2mg

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