Pineapple Chicken Wings (Air Fryer)
Here’s a delicious Pineapple Chicken Wings recipe made right in the air fryer—crispy, sticky, tangy, and sweet with a little tropical flair. These wings are marinated in a pineapple-soy-garlic blend, air-fried to perfection, and then tossed in a thick pineapple glaze that caramelizes beautifully. They’re perfect for game day, party platters, or even a fun weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours)
Cook Time: 22–25 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour (including marinating)
Ingredients:
For the Wings:
2 lbs chicken wings (split and tips removed)
1/2 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
For the Glaze:
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)
Optional: chili flakes or sriracha (for a spicy kick)
Instructions:
Marinate the Wings
In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, garlic, ginger, pepper, and salt. Add the chicken wings and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3–5 minutes.
Cook the Wings
Remove wings from the marinade (discard marinade). Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches.
Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For extra crispiness, increase the temp to 400°F (204°C) for the last 3 minutes.
Make the Glaze
While the wings cook, add pineapple juice, soy sauce, and honey to a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens to a glaze consistency.
Toss & Serve
Once the wings are done, toss them in the warm glaze or brush it on. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with coconut rice, grilled pineapple slices, or a crisp cabbage slaw for a fresh contrast.
Why You’ll Love These Wings:
These wings strike the perfect balance between savory and sweet. The natural enzymes in pineapple help tenderize the chicken while giving it a tropical zing. The air fryer makes them crispy without extra oil, and the glaze adds a sticky, glossy finish that’s finger-licking good.