Description
This Air Fryer Pineapple Chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts cooked to perfection in an air fryer and served with a flavorful pineapple sauce made from pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. It’s a quick and easy dish with a delightful sweet and savory balance, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 raw chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Pineapple Sauce
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons water
Garnish
- Chunks of fresh or canned pineapple (juice drained)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and allow it to heat up while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
- Prepare and cook the chicken: Melt the butter and mix it with salt and pepper in a bowl. Coat both sides of the chicken breasts with this seasoned butter mixture. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes.
- Make the pineapple sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Thicken the sauce: In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the simmering sauce and continue to cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
- Slice and serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts into long strips. Coat the chicken thoroughly with the pineapple sauce or drizzle the sauce over the top when plating.
- Add pineapple chunks: Garnish the dish with fresh or canned pineapple chunks (with juice drained) for added sweetness and texture, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee it is safely cooked.
- You can adjust the amount of brown sugar depending on how sweet you prefer the sauce.
- For a spicier twist, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Using fresh pineapple chunks will give a brighter flavor compared to canned.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps keep it juicy.
- The air fryer cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the model of your air fryer.
