1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, minced garlic, ginger, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until well mixed.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
2. Cook the Rice:
- Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, salt, and olive oil. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
4. Cook the Chicken:
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard any leftover marinade) and place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are spread out in a single layer for even cooking.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a golden-brown exterior. Shake the basket or stir the chicken halfway through cooking.
5. Add Pineapple:
- After the chicken has cooked for 8 minutes, add the pineapple chunks to the air fryer basket with the chicken. Continue to air fry for the remaining time, allowing the pineapple to caramelize and warm up.
6. Serve:
- Spoon the cooked rice onto serving plates. Top with the pineapple chicken mixture.
- Garnish with chopped green onions for added flavor and a pop of color.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pineapple Chicken and Rice
- Marinate for Flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor. If you have more time, marinate it longer for even more depth of flavor.
- Even Cooking: Ensure the chicken pieces are spread out in a single layer in the air fryer basket for even cooking. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Rice Variations: You can use different types of rice such as brown rice or basmati. Just adjust the cooking time and water ratio according to the type of rice used.
- Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds a delightful burst of flavor, but canned pineapple can also be used. Make sure to drain it well if using canned.
- Garnishing: Adding green onions or fresh herbs like cilantro can enhance the dish’s flavor and presentation.
Air Fryer Pineapple Chicken and Rice is a quick, tasty, and satisfying meal that combines the sweetness of pineapple with savory chicken and rice. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a simple weekend dinner. Enjoy your delicious creation!