Air Fryer Pineapple Chicken and Rice

Table of Contents

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)

1 tablespoon pineapple juice (from the can)

1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 garlic clove, minced

½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or ¼ tsp ground)

For the Pineapple & Veggies:

1 cup canned pineapple chunks (drained; save juice)

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), chopped

½ small red onion, sliced

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt & pepper to taste

For the Rice:

1 cup cooked jasmine or basmati rice (make ahead or microwave pack)

Optional: lime juice, green onions, sesame seeds, cilantro for garnish

Prep Instructions:

Marinate the Chicken (10–15 mins)

In a bowl, mix soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Add chicken pieces and marinate for at least 10 minutes while prepping the veggies. You can refrigerate longer for deeper flavor.

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheat to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.

Air Frying Instructions:

Air Fry Chicken (Stage 1)

Place marinated chicken pieces in a lightly greased air fryer basket in a single layer.

Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes.

Add Pineapple & Veggies (Stage 2)

After 8 minutes, open the basket. Add pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and onion to the chicken. Drizzle with olive oil and toss everything together.

Air fry for another 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway through, until chicken is golden and veggies are slightly charred.

Assembly:

Heat Rice (if not already warm)

Microwave your cooked rice or reheat on the stovetop. Optional: stir in a squeeze of lime juice or a dash of soy sauce for extra flavor.

Serve

Spoon rice into bowls. Top with pineapple chicken and veggie mix.

Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped cilantro.

Tips & Variations:

Spicy twist? Add a squirt of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade.

Add crunch: Sprinkle chopped cashews or toasted sesame seeds on top.

No rice? Serve over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or in lettuce cups.

Meal prep: This stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Why You’ll Love It:

Perfectly juicy chicken with a sweet pineapple glaze

Lightly caramelized pineapple chunks

Quick and easy dinner

Full of flavor with minimal cleanup

Great for meal prep