Air Fryer Pineapple Chicken
This incredible air fryer pineapple chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken bites coated in a sweet and savory pineapple glaze, cooked to perfection in minutes. Enjoy a joyful and flavorful weeknight dinner that’s both healthy and delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 1/4 cup juice)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
- 1 tsp sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, cornstarch, and sesame oil until well combined. This is your pineapple sauce.
- Add the cubed chicken to a large bowl. Pour half of the pineapple sauce over the chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or line with parchment paper designed for air fryers.
- Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden.
- While the chicken is cooking, heat the remaining half of the pineapple sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Add the drained pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper (if using) to the sauce and stir to combine.
- Once all the chicken is cooked, add it back to the air fryer basket (if cooking in batches). Pour the thickened pineapple sauce with pineapple chunks and bell pepper over the chicken. Toss gently to coat.
- Air fry for another 3-5 minutes at 375°F (190°C), or until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized on the chicken.
- Transfer the air fryer pineapple chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Serve this delicious pineapple chicken over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or with steamed broccoli for a complete meal. For extra spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.