Effortless Air Fryer Pineapple Chicken with BBQ Glaze (Print version)
Juicy chicken and sweet pineapple chunks air fried with a sticky BBQ glaze, ready in 25 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner.
# Ingredients:
For the chicken
01 -
1.5 lb (680 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
1 teaspoon olive oil
03 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
06 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
07 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the pineapple and glaze
08 -
2 cups fresh pineapple chunks (about 1/2 medium pineapple)
09 -
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
10 -
1 tablespoon pineapple juice (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Cut thighs into bite-size pieces. Toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
02 -
Arrange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
03 -
Toss pineapple chunks with the par-cooked chicken in the basket. Air fry for 5 more minutes.
04 -
Brush BBQ sauce over the chicken and pineapple. Cook 3-4 more minutes until the glaze is sticky and just beginning to char at the edges.
05 -
Let the tray rest for 2 minutes so the glaze sets. Serve over rice, in lettuce cups, or with a simple slaw.
# Good to know:
01 -
Best served immediately while the glaze is still tacky.
02 -
If using frozen pineapple, thaw and pat completely dry first.