Air Fryer Pineapple Chicken and Rice 🍍🍚

recip


This Air Fryer Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a tropical twist on a classic dish, combining juicy chicken, sweet pineapple chunks, and fluffy rice into one easy, flavorful meal. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer, this recipe delivers tender chicken with a caramelized exterior, fragrant rice, and a hint of sweetness from the pineapple—all without heating up your kitchen. Whether you’re craving something quick for dinner or looking to bring island vibes to your table, this dish is sure to satisfy. Let’s whip up this delicious, fuss-free meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One-Pan Simplicity: Cook the chicken, rice, and pineapple together for minimal cleanup.
  • Tropical Flavors: Sweet pineapple pairs perfectly with savory chicken and aromatic spices.
  • Healthy & Balanced: Packed with protein, fiber, and fresh ingredients.
  • Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dish:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice for extra flavor)
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger (or 1 tsp fresh grated ginger)
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • Green onions, sliced
  • Sesame seeds
  • Lime wedges for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with garlic powder, onion powder, ginger, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. If using fresh pineapple, cut it into bite-sized chunks. If using canned pineapple, drain the juice and reserve it for extra flavor (optional).

2. Assemble in the Air Fryer

  1. In an air fryer-safe baking pan or oven-safe dish that fits inside your air fryer basket, combine the rice, chicken broth, water, olive oil (or butter), and seasoned chicken pieces.
  2. Stir gently to ensure the rice is submerged in the liquid and the chicken is evenly distributed.
  3. Tuck the pineapple chunks into the mixture, pressing them slightly into the rice and chicken.

3. Cook in the Air Fryer

  1. Place the pan or dish into the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 360°F (180°C) and cook for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C) and the rice is tender.
  2. Halfway through cooking, carefully stir the mixture to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.


 

تعديل المقال