Pineapple Chicken Kabob in Air Fryer
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Enjoy a quick and flavorful meal with pineapple chicken kabobs in the air fryer. Juicy chicken and sweet pineapple come together for an easy dinner that’s perfect any night.
There’s just something about the mix of sweet pineapple and savory chicken that feels like summer on a plate, no matter what season it is. I love meals that taste fresh and bright but don’t require me to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s exactly why I keep coming back to this recipe. It gives you all the flavor without the fuss.
When I first tried pineapple chicken kabobs in the air fryer, I was honestly surprised at how quickly everything came together. Normally, I’d think of kabobs as something for the grill, but this method is so much easier. I can prep the skewers, pop them in, and within minutes I’ve got juicy chicken with caramelized edges and pineapple that tastes like candy.
What I like most is how versatile these kabobs are. Sometimes I serve them with rice for a filling dinner, other times I just pair them with a light salad for something fresh. They’re also a huge hit when I want to make something that feels special without going over the top. For me, this recipe is one of those simple wins that I know I’ll keep making again and again.
Items Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make air fryer pineapple chicken skewers:
- Skinless chicken thigh fillets – Stay juicy and tender during cooking, making them ideal for air frying.
- Pineapple rings – Add natural sweetness and a touch of tang that balances the savory chicken.
- Bell peppers – Provide crunch, color, and extra freshness to the kabobs.
- Granulated garlic – Enhances the flavor with a warm, savory depth.
- Smoked sweet paprika – Adds mild smokiness and a subtle sweetness to the chicken.
- Kosher salt – Brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Ground black pepper – Adds gentle heat and complements the seasoning blend.
- Olive oil – Helps prevent sticking and promotes a golden, crisp finish.
- Fresh parsley – Brightens the dish with a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Tools you’ll need
Before starting the recipe, you’ll want to have all your kitchen essentials ready. I recommend having the following items:
Ways To Customize
Here are some easy customization ideas you can use for your pineapple chicken kabob in an air fryer:
- Change the protein – Swap chicken for shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a different flavor and texture.
- Try different veggies – Add zucchini, red onion, or mushrooms to mix up the colors and taste.
- Switch the seasoning – Use teriyaki, BBQ, or lemon pepper seasoning for a new flavor profile.
- Play with the fruit – Use mango or peaches instead of pineapple for a fun twist.
- Make it spicy – Add chili flakes, jalapeños, or a spicy glaze for extra heat.
- Serve it differently – Pair with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad depending on your meal mood.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below.
How To Make It
Pre-heat Air Fryer at 370°F (188°C). Set at 15 minutes.
Slice chicken thigh fillets and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.
Pat dry the pineapples on each side and slice each pineapple ring into 4 pieces.
Assemble the bell peppers, pineapple, and chicken thigh fillets by inserting each ingredient into the bamboo skewer alternately.
Spray olive oil on all sides and season skewered bell peppers, pineapples, and chicken thigh fillets with garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Place the seasoned chicken and pineapple skewers on a lightly greased Air Fryer tray. Then, slowly insert the tray into the middle cooking chamber, near the rotisserie catch, if using an Air Fryer Oven.
If using an Air Fryer basket, simply place the seasoned chicken and pineapple skewers in the inner basket.
Air Fry the chicken and pineapple skewers for 12 to 15 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and flip the skewers after 7 minutes.
Once the Air Fryer Chicken Pineapple Skewers are ready, transfer to a platter and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Note
Cut the chicken and vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly in the air fryer and the kabobs come out perfectly tender and juicy every time.
Storage
If you have leftovers, let the kabobs cool completely before removing them from the skewers and placing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until heated through, which helps bring back some of the crisp edges, or use the microwave if you’re short on time.
Helpful Hints
Pro tip: Keep Sizes Even
Cut chicken, pineapple, and vegetables into even-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly and nothing ends up under or overdone.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Lightly spray the kabobs with olive oil to keep them juicy and help them brown.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket so the hot air can circulate properly.
- Flip the skewers halfway through cooking for the best color and even results.
Serving Suggestions
These pineapple chicken kabobs pair wonderfully with simple sides that let their sweet and savory flavors shine. A classic choice is serving them with fluffy white rice or coconut rice, which soaks up the juices and adds a comforting base. If you want to keep things light, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken and pineapple beautifully.
For a more filling meal, you can plate the kabobs with roasted or grilled vegetables such as zucchini, asparagus, or corn on the cob. The smoky flavors from the veggies complement the sweet pineapple and tender chicken perfectly. Another great option is serving them alongside couscous or quinoa for a wholesome, hearty dish that feels both satisfying and fresh.
If you’re planning to serve these at a gathering, kabobs make a fun finger food on their own. You could offer a dipping sauce, like a sweet chili glaze or garlic yogurt dip, to add extra flavor variety. And if you’re looking for more recipe inspiration to round out your menu, try my Sweet Potato Hash for a hearty side or breakfast option, or my Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders for a crowd-pleasing snack that pairs perfectly with these kabobs.
FAQs
Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Pineapple Skewers
Ingredients
- 4 skinless chicken thigh fillets about 340 grams
- 3 pineapple rings I used canned pineapples
- 2 medium bell peppers
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- olive oil for spraying tray and skewered chicken
- fresh parsley for garnishing
Instructions
- Pre-heat Air Fryer at 370°F (188°C). Set at 15 minutes.
- Slice chicken thigh fillets and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.
- Pat dry pineapples on each side and slice each pineapple ring into 4 pieces.
- Assemble the bell peppers, pineapple, and chicken thigh fillets by inserting each ingredient into the bamboo skewer alternately.
- Spray olive oil on all sides and season skewered bell peppers, pineapples, and chicken thigh fillets with garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the seasoned chicken and pineapple skewers on a lightly greased Air Fryer tray. Then slowly insert the tray into the middle cooking chamber, near the rotisserie catch, if using an Air Fryer Oven.
- If using an Air Fryer basket, simply place the seasoned chicken and pineapple skewers in the inner basket.
- Air Fry the chicken and pineapple skewers for 12 to 15 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and flip the skewers after 7 minutes.
- Once the Air Fryer Chicken Pineapple Skewers are ready, transfer to a platter and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- Soak bamboo skewers in cold water for several minutes and pat them dry before inserting the ingredients.
- Lightly spray with olive oil after flipping chicken pineapple skewers halfway through.
- No need to wait for the “turn food” reminder provided by the Air Fryer Oven.
- Keep watch for the last 5 minutes to avoid burning the bell peppers as the Air Fryer Oven heats up the longer it is used.
- Use fresh quality ingredients to create the best tasting Air Fryer Chicken Pineapple Skewers.
- This recipe can make 3 to 4 servings. Make 3 servings using smaller cuts of chicken thigh fillets on each bamboo skewer and serve 2 chicken pineapple skewers per serving. Make 4 servings with bigger cuts of chicken thigh fillets and 4 bamboo skewers.
- This Air Fryer recipe uses an Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven. Not all Air Fryers cook the same way. It’s best to keep watch during your initial tests after purchasing.
Nutrition
Equipment
- Measuring spoons
- knife
- Bamboo skewers (fits in the Air Fryer)
- Chopping board for vegetables
- Chopping board for chicken
- Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven
