Say aloha to bold flavor! This Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken is sweet, tangy, and full of tropical flair—a perfect way to bring Hawaiian vibes to your dinner table. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, it's fast, flavorful, and totally irresistible.
Whether you're craving a sunny escape on a weeknight or looking to spice up your summer BBQ rotation, this Air Fryer Hawaiian Chicken delivers all the island flavor without needing a grill. It's easy, crowd-pleasing, and pairs beautifully with tropical sides like grilled pineapple or Instant Pot glazed carrots.
Perfect for summer BBQs, luau-themed parties, or meal-prep Sundays.
If you love this flavor-packed chicken, you'll also want to check out our Air Fryer Orange Beef and Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower for more quick, satisfying meals with big flavor.
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Incredibly Flavorful – The signature pineapple-soy marinade makes every bite sing with sweet, salty, and tangy notes.
- Air Fryer Magic – You get grill-like results in under 20 minutes, no flipping over fire required.
- Meal-Prep Friendly – Marinate overnight and air fry fresh when you need it. Great hot or cold!
🌟 Star Ingredients
- Boneless Chicken Thighs – I love using thighs here because they stay juicy and soak up the marinade like a sponge. Chicken breasts work too, but thighs are truly unbeatable for tenderness.
- Pineapple Puree – This is the heart of the tropical flavor! I usually blend canned pineapple chunks or use store-bought puree. It adds sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Soy Sauce & Ketchup – A classic combo that adds savory umami and acidity. I always use low-sodium soy sauce and my favorite no-sugar ketchup to keep things balanced.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Chicken Breasts: Swap for a leaner option.
- Teriyaki Marinade: Use your favorite teriyaki sauce instead of homemade.
- Fresh Ginger Glaze: Add grated ginger and extra garlic for punchy flavor.
- Spicy: Add more chili flakes or a splash of sriracha.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
Try these recipes next if you're in the mood for island-inspired flavor: Carrot And Raisin Salad With Pineapple, Mango Arugula Salad or Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp.
🔪 How To Make Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken
- Step 1: First, add the soy sauce, ketchup, pineapple puree, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes to the blender.
- Step 2: Blend together to make your marinade.
- Step 3: Next, place your chicken thighs in a bowl with a lid. Pour ½ of the marinade over the chicken. Make sure it fully coats the chicken. Then, put the lid on the bowl and place the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours.
- Step 4: After you've allowed the chicken to marinate, add the chicken thighs to your air fryer.
- Step 5: Cook at 380°F for 18 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through. Check that your chicken is cooked through.
- Step 6: After you've allowed the chicken to marinate, add the chicken thighs to your air fryer.
💡 Hint: Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing—it locks in moisture and keeps the flavor juicy.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Marinate Overnight: For the most flavorful Hawaiian chicken, I recommend allowing it to marinate overnight.
- Use Half the Marinade: Save some for drizzling later—it’s gold.
- Batch Cooking: Don’t overcrowd the basket. Work in two rounds if needed.
- Watch the Glaze: Add sauce at the end to avoid burning sugars.
💭 FAQs
Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian favorite made with a soy-pineapple marinade and traditionally cooked over open flame. "Huli" means "turn" in Hawaiian, referring to the constant flipping during grilling.
Absolutely! Blend fresh pineapple chunks with a splash of water to make your own puree.
Yes—grill over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, basting as you go.
Yes! Cool completely, store in an airtight container, and freeze up to 3 months.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to keep them juicy.
💖 Serving Suggestions
Serve your Huli Huli Chicken with:
- Grilled Pineapple Spears: For that sweet-and-savory island flair.
- Cauliflower Rice Stir Fry: Light, healthy, and packed with flavor.
- Instant Pot Glazed Carrots: The perfect sweet contrast.
- Cucumber Pineapple Slaw: Cool, crunchy, and citrusy.
- Hibiscus Iced Tea: Refreshing and fruity to round things out.
What To Do With Leftovers?
- Slice and add to rice bowls or wraps.
- Serve cold on salad with a tropical vinaigrette.
- Toss into noodle stir-fry with extra sauce.
🍽 More Easy Chicken Dishes
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Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Chicken Thighs
- 1 Cup Brown Sugar
- ¾ Cup Soy Sauce
- ¾ Cup Ketchup
- ½ Cup Pineapple Purée
- 3 Tbsps Ground Ginger
- 3 Tbsps Minced Garlic
- 1 tablespoon Chili Flakes
Instructions
- Mix together your soy sauce, ketchup, pineapple purée, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes. Marinade your chicken thighs in this sauce mixture for at least three hours if not overnight.
- Add your chicken thighs to your air fryer. Depending on how many thighs you’re cooking you may need to do a couple of batches. Do not overcrowd your thighs.
- Cook at 380° for 18 minutes or until internal temp reaches 165°. Flip after 9 minutes
- Serve your chicken thighs over rice, noodles, or vegetables. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Sweet, smoky, and irresistibly juicy—this air fryer Huli Huli chicken brings Hawaiian BBQ vibes right to your kitchen!