Air Fryer Chicken Pineapple Bites

Imagine a party appetizer that disappears from the platter before you even set it down — that's exactly what these Air Fryer Chicken Pineapple Bites do. Juicy, marinated chicken cubes and sweet, tropical pineapple chunks are threaded onto toothpicks and air-fried to golden, caramelized perfection in just 12 minutes. Whether you're hosting a backyard gathering, a game-day spread, or simply craving a crowd-pleasing snack, these bite-sized beauties deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Best of all, they're naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, so nearly everyone at the table can enjoy them.

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The secret behind these irresistible bites is the quick marinade: a simple blend of soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper that infuses the chicken with layers of savory-sweet depth. Even a 10-minute soak makes a noticeable difference, though marinating up to 2 hours in the refrigerator takes the flavor even further. Once the chicken hits the hot air fryer basket alongside the pineapple chunks, the natural sugars in both the honey and the fruit caramelize beautifully, giving each bite that gorgeous golden color and slightly crisp edge you can see in every photo.

Ingredients

• For the Chicken & Marinade:
• 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g / 14 oz)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• For Assembly:
• 1 small fresh pineapple (or 1 can pineapple chunks, drained)
• 24 toothpicks or small skewers

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Instructions

Step 1 — Cut the chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes.

Step 2 — Make the marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Add the chicken cubes, toss well to coat, and marinate for 10–15 minutes (or cover and refrigerate up to 2 hours).

Step 3 — Prepare the pineapple

While the chicken marinates, peel, core, and cut the pineapple into 1-inch chunks (or drain canned pineapple).

Step 4 — Preheat the air fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.

Step 5 — Assemble the bites

Thread one piece of marinated chicken and one pineapple chunk onto each toothpick or mini skewer.

Step 6 — Arrange in the basket

Arrange the bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding).

Step 7 — Air fry

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

Step 8 — Serve

Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Damit die Bites gelingen, solltest du die Hähnchenstücke gleichmäßig schneiden — würfelförmige Stücke von etwa 2,5 cm garen gleichmäßig und bleiben saftig. Achte darauf, den Frittierkorb nicht zu überladen: Arbeite lieber in mehreren Chargen, damit die heiße Luft frei zirkulieren kann und jedes Stück eine schöne goldbraune Kruste bekommt. Wende die Spieße nach der Hälfte der Garzeit, damit beide Seiten gleichmäßig gebräunt werden. Ein Fleischthermometer ist dein bester Freund — die Innentemperatur des Hähnchens muss mindestens 74°C (165°F) erreichen, bevor du die Bites servierst.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Diese Bites sind unglaublich vielseitig. Du kannst die Hähnchenbrust problemlos durch Putenbrust oder festen Tofu ersetzen, wenn du eine andere Proteinquelle bevorzugst. Anstelle von Ananas passen Mangowürfel oder bunte Paprikastücke genauso gut — sie bringen ihre eigene süße oder leicht rauchige Note mit. Für eine würzigere Variante kannst du der Marinade eine Prise Cayennepfeffer oder Chiliflocken hinzufügen. Wer keine Sojasauce verwenden möchte, greift zu Kokosaminosäuren als nahezu sojasauceähnlicher Ersatz.

Serviervorschläge

Serviere die Air Fryer Chicken Pineapple Bites direkt aus dem Frittierkorb, solange sie noch warm und knusprig sind. Sie passen hervorragend zu einer süß-scharfen Chilisauce oder einem Teriyaki-Dip zum Eintauchen. Für ein ansprechendes Partypräsentation arrangiere die Spieße auf einem großen Servierteller und bestreue sie mit frisch gehacktem Koriander oder Frühlingszwiebelringen sowie einem Hauch Sesamsamen. Als Teil eines größeren Buffets ergänzen sie sich wunderbar mit anderen Fingerfood-Klassikern und frischen Salaten.

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These Air Fryer Chicken Pineapple Bites prove that spectacular party food doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just a handful of pantry staples, a quick marinade, and your trusty air fryer, you can have 24 golden, juicy, caramelized bites on the table in under 30 minutes. At only 38 calories per bite, they're a smart choice that never sacrifices flavor. Make them once, and they'll become your go-to appetizer for every occasion — because once the platter is empty, everyone will be asking for the recipe.

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Recipe FAQs

→ How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?

Marinating the chicken in soy sauce, honey, and olive oil adds moisture and flavor, while air frying at the right temperature keeps it tender inside.

→ Can I use fresh pineapple or canned pineapple?

Both fresh and drained canned pineapple work well; fresh offers more texture while canned is convenient and sweet.

→ What temperature and time are best for air frying?

Preheat to 390°F (200°C) and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway to ensure even crisping.

→ Are there good alternatives for chicken in this dish?

Turkey breast or firm tofu can be swapped in for a similar texture and consistency when air-fried.

→ What garnishes complement these bites?

Chopped cilantro, green onions, or sesame seeds add fresh flavor and a pleasant crunch.