Juicy Sweet Chili Glazed Meatballs Drowned in Tropical Pineapple Sauce

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Prepare yourself for a taste explosion! The rich tropical pineapple sauce that coats these juicy sweet chili-glazed meatballs strikes the ideal mix of acidic, spicy, and sweet flavors. These little treats, which are made with luscious ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken), caramelize wonderfully in the oven or air fryer. Serve them over rice or noodles as a main course, or as a wonderful appetizer or party snack, tossed in a sticky pineapple chili sauce.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

500 g (1 lb) ground chicken, turkey, or beef

1 egg

½ cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)

2 green onions, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp sweet chili sauce

½ tsp ground ginger

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

For the Pineapple Sweet Chili Glaze:

1 cup pineapple juice

2 tbsp soy sauce

⅓ cup sweet chili sauce

1 tbsp honey or brown sugar

1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice

1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)

½ cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)

Optional: pinch of red chili flakes for extra heat

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, mix together the ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, ginger, salt, pepper, and green onions until well combined.

Air Fryer Method:

Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly spray the basket with oil.

Place meatballs in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).

Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).

Oven Method:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Arrange meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake for 15–18 minutes, until fully cooked.

. Make the Tropical Pineapple Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, honey, and vinegar.

Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2–3 minutes until thickened.

Add pineapple chunks and stir.

Coat the Meatballs

Add cooked meatballs to the saucepan.

Toss until fully coated in the glossy pineapple glaze.

Simmer for 2–3 minutes to soak up the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or alongside grilled vegetables.

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

Add a drizzle of extra sweet chili sauce for extra zing!

Tips

For a juicier texture, avoid over-mixing the meatball mixture.

You can make the meatballs ahead and freeze them — just reheat in the sauce before serving.

For a tropical twist, add bell peppers or mango chunks to the glaze.

Adjust sweetness and spice by varying the ratio of sweet chili sauce and vinegar.

Final Thoughts

A combination of spice, sweetness, and tang that is just delicious, these Sweet Chili Pineapple Meatballs transport you to a tropical paradise on your plate. They are ideal for gatherings with family, hosting parties, or even preparing meals; they will always be a success.