Air Fryer Chicken Pineapple (Printable version)

Tender seasoned chicken and pineapple chunks air-fried to juicy perfection in bite-sized portions.

# What you need:

→ Chicken & Marinade

01 - 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (14 oz)
02 - 2 tbsp soy sauce (gluten-free recommended)
03 - 1 tbsp honey
04 - 1 tbsp olive oil
05 - 1 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Assembly

08 - 1 small fresh pineapple or 1 can pineapple chunks, drained
09 - 24 toothpicks or small skewers

# How to Make It:

01 - Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
02 - Whisk together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper in a medium bowl.
03 - Add chicken cubes to marinade, toss thoroughly to coat, and let sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours refrigerated.
04 - If using fresh pineapple, peel, core, and cut into 1-inch chunks. If using canned, drain thoroughly.
05 - Preheat air fryer to 390°F for 3 minutes.
06 - Thread one piece of marinated chicken and one pineapple chunk onto each toothpick or skewer.
07 - Place assembled bites in single layer in air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary to prevent crowding.
08 - Air fry for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through cooking, until chicken is golden brown and reaches internal temperature of 165°F.
09 - Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro, green onions, or sesame seeds.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and easy with just 15 minutes of prep and 12 minutes of cooking time
  • Perfect balance of sweet pineapple and savory marinated chicken
  • Air fryer method ensures juicy chicken with a golden exterior using minimal oil
  • Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, accommodating many dietary needs
  • Makes 24 bite-sized pieces, perfect for entertaining or snacking
  • Simple marinade with pantry staples delivers maximum flavor
02 -
  • Marinate longer (up to 2 hours) for deeper, more developed flavors
  • Pat chicken dry before marinating to help the seasonings adhere better
  • Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches for even browning
  • Turn the bites halfway through cooking for uniform golden color
  • Use canned pineapple for convenience, but drain it thoroughly to prevent excess moisture
  • Let the bites rest for 2 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute
  • Double the recipe easily for larger gatherings—just cook in multiple batches
Return