How long for barbecue chicken in the air fryer?

When making Hawaiian BBQ Chicken in the air fryer, set the temperature to 375°F and cook boneless thighs or breasts for about 14 to 16 minutes until golden and cooked through. Flip halfway to ensure even cooking. If the pieces are small or thin, start checking around the 12-minute mark. Want crispier edges? Add a minute at 400°F at the end.

Can you use barbecue sauce in an air fryer?

Yes, you can use barbecue sauce in an air fryer—but timing matters. Don’t coat the chicken too early. Instead, brush the sauce on during the final 4 to 5 minutes of cooking. This helps it caramelize without burning and gives your Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Air Fryer dish that sticky-sweet finish.

How long do you cook chicken and pineapple in the air fryer?

Air fry the chicken for about 14 to 16 minutes, then toss in the pineapple during the last 4 to 5 minutes of cooking. Since pineapple is naturally sweet, cooking it near the end helps avoid scorching and gives it a tender bite with a hint of caramelization. This method enhances that tropical flavor in your Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Air Fryer meal.

Can you use teriyaki sauce in the air fryer?

Absolutely. Teriyaki sauce works well, especially if you're looking to switch up your Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Air Fryer flavor profile. Use the same timing method as barbecue sauce—apply it in the last few minutes to avoid burning. Add pineapple or mango for a bold, sweet-savory combo.

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Air Fryer: Crispy, Juicy, Sweet & Fast

Name: Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Air Fryer – Sweet, Juicy, and Shockingly Easy
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian-American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts; 3/4 cup barbecue sauce; 1 cup canned pineapple chunks (reserve juice); 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; Optional: red pepper flakes, green onion, sriracha

Description

Sweet, smoky, and juicy—this Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Air Fryer recipe brings bold tropical flavor to your dinner in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts

3/4 cup barbecue sauce

1 cup canned pineapple chunks (reserve juice)

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

Optional: red pepper flakes, green onion, sriracha

Instructions

Preheat air fryer to 375°F.

Pat chicken dry and season with garlic and onion powder.

Toss chicken with barbecue sauce and soy sauce.

Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Cook for 14–16 minutes, flipping halfway.

During final 4–5 minutes, add pineapple chunks and brush with more sauce mixed with juice.

Cook until chicken is caramelized and reaches 165°F.

Serve over rice, in wraps, or sliders.

Notes

Marinate the chicken for extra flavor if time allows.

Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy version.

Use teriyaki sauce as a variation.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: Hawaiian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 310
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Chicken thighs, pineapple juice, bbq sauce, brown, soy sauce, brown sugar, raw chicken