Description
These Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs are a delicious blend of sweet pineapple and savory marinated chicken, grilled to perfection in an air fryer. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, they feature tender chicken breasts, colorful red bell peppers, and red onions, all brushed with a tangy pineapple-ginger glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Marinade
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1/4 cup aminos (or soy sauce if not gluten free)
- 1/4 cup 100% pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch or tapioca flour (reserved until the end)
Vegetables & Fruit
- 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks
- 2 red bell peppers
- 1 medium red onion
Others
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 12-15 wooden skewers
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the aminos (or soy sauce), 100% pineapple juice, honey, ground ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and kosher salt to create the marinade. This mixture will infuse the chicken with a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and place them into the marinade. Make sure the chicken is fully coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to absorb all the flavors.
- Soak the Skewers: To prevent the wooden skewers from burning during cooking, soak them in warm water for 30 minutes before assembling the kabobs.
- Assemble the Kabobs: Thread the marinated chicken pieces alternately with pineapple chunks, sliced red bell peppers, and chunks of red onion onto the soaked wooden skewers. Aim to balance the ingredients evenly on each skewer.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat while assembling the kabobs. This ensures even cooking from the moment you start.
- Cook the Kabobs: Place the assembled kabobs in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice char.
- Thicken the Marinade: While the kabobs cook, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Whisk in the cornstarch or tapioca flour and heat over medium heat until the sauce thickens into a glaze.
- Brush and Serve: Once the kabobs are cooked through and juicy, remove them from the air fryer and brush them generously with the thickened marinade glaze. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor.
Notes
- Ensure wooden skewers are soaked well to avoid burning in the air fryer.
- Use gluten-free soy aminos to keep this recipe gluten free.
- Adjust honey quantity to control sweetness according to preference.
- Turning the kabobs halfway through cooking ensures even browning and cooking.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
- Serve with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
