Air Fryer Pineapple Chicken

Featured in: Center of the plate recipes

Chunks of juicy pineapple and red peppers join up with soft chicken pieces, all mixed up in a tangy-sweet BBQ and teriyaki blend. Toss it in the air fryer and after just 11 minutes you’re set with a meal that bursts with flavor. Spoon it on top of rice for a laid-back weeknight fix that takes hardly any effort. This one-pan dish brings sunny flavors and is a great choice when you want something quick and different.

A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Thu, 26 Jun 2025 16:30:40 GMT
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Air Fryer Pineapple Chicken | myhomemaderecipe.com

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.
Air Fryer Pineapple Chicken Pin it
Air Fryer Pineapple Chicken | myhomemaderecipe.com

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.

Air Fryer Pineapple Chicken Pin it
Air Fryer Pineapple Chicken | myhomemaderecipe.com

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.

Air Fryer Pineapple Chicken

Tender chicken with pineapple, BBQ, and teriyaki sauce made easy in your air fryer.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
11 Minutes
Total Time
21 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Fusion

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Sauces and Seasonings

01 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
02 4 minced garlic cloves
03 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
04 1/4 cup barbecue sauce

→ Protein and Vegetables

05 2 cups cut-up fresh pineapple
06 1 red bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces
07 1 pound chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, chopped into cubes

Instructions

Step 01

Toss the ginger, garlic, teriyaki, and barbecue sauces all together in a big bowl. Mix them real well.

Step 02

Drop in the pineapple, chicken, and bell pepper. Coat everything with that tasty sauce mix.

Step 03

Scoop the coated chicken mix into your air fryer basket. Hit 400°F and let it go for 11 minutes.

Step 04

Pause to give it a quick stir when you’re about halfway through. Keeps everything cooking nice and even. Finish up once the chicken’s hit 165°F inside.

Step 05

Spoon your hot chicken and veggies over a pile of rice, then dig in!

Tools You'll Need

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • May have gluten depending on your teriyaki sauce choice
  • Contains possible soy from the teriyaki sauce

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 250
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 22 g