
With an air fryer, this pineapple chicken comes together fast and delivers that tasty mix of sweet and salty. You'll get juicy bursts of pineapple—it's a little bit caramelized—and the chicken turns out moist every time because it soaks up all that saucy goodness. Honestly, it's got that fun takeout vibe, but you can have it on the table before anyone gets hungry enough to start snacking.
This dish first landed on our menu when my little ones were turning up their noses at almost everything. All the bright pineapple bits made it look like a party, and they couldn’t get enough. Now it’s a go-to on busy nights, showing up on our plates at least a couple times a month.
- BBQ sauce: brings in a gentle smokiness with a touch of sweet—grab one without any corn syrup if you can
- Teriyaki sauce: gives that classic umami and depth—pick your favorite bottle for max flavor
- Fresh ginger: warms things up and really takes this sauce to a new level
- Fresh garlic: makes everything smell and taste rich (skip the powder, fresh is worth it)
- Red bell pepper: tosses in some color, a hint of sweetness, and extra vitamins
- Pineapple chunks: fresh ones caramelize and have the best bite—canned will do if you must, but fresh is amazing
- Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): keeps things juicy since the air fryer cooks them quickly
Mouthwatering Step-by-Step Instructions
- Toss It All Together:
- Drop in chopped chicken, chunks of pineapple, and pieces of pepper into your bowl of marinade. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to fold everything until every bit is shiny and coated. Don’t rush this step—make sure nothing’s missed out on the flavor bath.
- Mix Up the Marinade:
- In a bowl, stir together teriyaki, BBQ sauce, grated garlic, and ginger. Mix until it’s all one big saucy mess. This sticky glaze is going to hang onto all those tasty pieces, so really stir it up!
- Give It a Good Stir Midway:
- Once you’ve hit about 5 or 6 minutes in the air fryer, pause everything and stir gently. This helps everything cook evenly and pick up those caramelized edges. Once the chicken hits 165°F and the pineapple looks golden, you’re done!
- Load the Air Fryer:
- Spoon the whole thing into the air fryer basket, spread it out so stuff isn’t piled on top of itself. Set to 400°F for 11 minutes. The hot air transfers all those caramel notes right to the chicken and fruit.

Using fresh ginger is my not-so-secret game changer here. Every time I grate that fragrant ginger, I'm reminded of my grandma insisting on it for the best dishes—she always said food should smell amazing before you take a bite. That aroma filling the kitchen makes me feel like I’m cooking right beside her again, making food that bursts with personality.
Tasty Rice Pairings
Soft jasmine rice is a perfect partner, soaking up all the saucy flavor with just the right hint of floral. Go for brown rice if you want a nutty, wholesome base that keeps things light. Coconut rice will give you a vacation vibe and the creamy taste my family saves for extra special nights. Pick your favorite, but know they all work.
Make It Your Own
Change things up based on what’s in your fridge. Swap in chicken thighs if you prefer richer flavor and a juicier bite. Want a meat-free option? Use pressed tofu chunks and let them marinate. If pineapple isn’t your jam, go for mango—you’ll still get that sunny sweetness. More veggies welcome too: add snap peas, zucchini, or broccoli to boost the goodness.

Easy Storage and Prep Ahead
Stash leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge—they’ll keep for 3 days and taste even better after a night. You can freeze extra portions for up to 2 months, but heads up, the pineapple gets a bit softer after thawing. For the best reheat, pop a serving in a 70 percent power microwave or give it a quick 3 to 4 minutes in the air fryer at 350°F so everything stays tasty.
Fun Serving Suggestions
Bored with rice? Try this chicken stuffed in warm tortillas for a wrap-night twist. Looking to cut back on carbs? Plate it over cauliflower rice or next to a crisp cucumber salad. Finish things off with sliced green onions and sesame seeds—trust me, it looks and tastes restaurant quality, whether it’s for a crowd or just your crew.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Check the chicken as you go and make sure it hits 165°F inside. Stir things around halfway to help cook everything evenly.
- → Is it okay to use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
For sure, canned pineapple is fine. Try to grab the kind packed in juice, not syrup, so you still get that fresh bite.
- → How can I kick up the spice?
No problem. Toss in a pinch of chili flakes or mix in a dash of sriracha for some heat.
- → What sides go well with this?
This goes great with rice, a bit of quinoa, or add some roasted veggies for a nice, full meal.
- → Can I swap out the chicken for something else?
Yep! Try shrimp, tofu, or pork. Just keep an eye on cook time so you don’t dry them out.