These Air Fryer Hawaiian chicken skewers bring the vibrant flavors of the islands straight to your plate. Juicy marinated chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful veggies come together in this simple yet mouthwatering dish, perfect for grilling or air-frying. Let’s dive into this tropical delight!
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About Air Fryer Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
Hawaiian chicken skewers are a tropical-inspired dish featuring marinated chicken chunks, fresh pineapple, and vibrant vegetables like bell peppers and onions, all threaded onto skewers and grilled or air-fried to perfection.
The marinade typically combines sweet and savory elements like soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, infusing the chicken with a burst of flavor.
The addition of juicy pineapple enhances the dish with a refreshing sweetness, while the grilled vegetables add texture and color.
Hawaiian chicken skewers are perfect for summer barbecues, luaus, or quick family meals, bringing a taste of the islands to your table with every bite.
The Origins and Culinary Heritage of Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
Hawaiian chicken skewers are a flavorful representation of the diverse influences that have shaped Hawaiian cuisine.
Native Hawaiian diets were once centered around fresh fish, taro, and sweet potatoes, with traditional cooking methods like the imu (underground oven) used to bring out the natural flavors of local ingredients.
Over time, the arrival of various cultures, including Polynesians, Chinese, Japanese, and Portuguese, enriched the islands’ food scene, creating a unique fusion of flavors.
Hawaiian chicken skewers, often enjoyed at luaus and festive gatherings, reflect this fusion. Marinated chicken, grilled or air-fried, is paired with sweet pineapple and colorful vegetables, showcasing Hawaii’s love for fresh, tropical ingredients.
The sweet and savory combination of the skewers highlights the culinary creativity of Hawaiian cuisine, blending traditional and international influences into one delicious dish.
Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Ingredients
Chicken Breasts:Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for skewers because they cook evenly and absorb the marinade well. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Fresh Pineapple and pineapple Juice-The sweet, juicy pineapple chunks and its juice add a tropical flair to the dish, perfectly complementing the savory chicken. Fresh pineapple works best.
Bell Peppers: Brightly colored bell peppers (red, yellow, or green) not only add a pop of color but also a mild, sweet flavor and crisp texture that contrasts well with the chicken and pineapple.
Red Onion– Sliced into chunks, red onion brings a sharp, slightly sweet flavor when grilled, balancing the other flavors in the skewers.
Soy Sauce– This salty, umami-rich base for the marinade infuses the chicken with depth and enhances the overall taste.
Honey & Brown Sugar– A touch of honey & brown sugar provides sweetness to the marinade, which caramelizes beautifully during grilling or air-frying, adding a sticky, flavorful coating.
Fresh Ginger Garlic paste– Garlic adds a rich, savory kick, while ginger brings subtle spiciness and warmth. Together, they enhance the chicken and pineapple, creating a perfectly balanced and aromatic dish.
Chili Flakes or Paste – I love adding a teaspoon of chili flakes or chili paste to give the dish a little kick! It perfectly balances the sweetness of the pineapple and honey, and adds an Asian twist that takes the flavors to the next level.
Lemon Juice– I like to add a simple squeeze of lemon juice, but it’s optional if you don’t prefer it. It makes all the flavors pop and gives the skewers a nice, refreshing twist!
Olive Oil– Olive oil helps the marinade adhere to the chicken and keeps the skewers juicy during cooking.
Salt and Pepper– To taste, these essential seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients and give the skewers a balanced finish.
How to Make Air Fryer Hawaiian Chicken Skewers (Chicken Kabobs)
Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, pineapple juice,honey,brown sugar, garlic, ginger, olive oil, and black pepper, chili flakes or chili paste. Add the chicken cubes and marinate for at least 2 hrs (or overnight for more flavor).
Prepare the Skewers:
Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and onion onto the skewers, alternating between each ingredient.
Cook:
Preheat the air fryer to 370–375°F (190–190°C).
Place the assembled chicken skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook them in batches. Cook the skewers for 8 minutes, then carefully flip them over.
Brush the skewers with the marinade. Air fry for another 8 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve:
Remove from the heat, let cool for a few minutes, then serve warm. Enjoy with rice or a fresh salad!
Recipe Tips:
- Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent them from burning.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
FAQs
Can I make Hawaiian chicken skewers ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers ahead of time. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
How do you not overcook Chicken Skewers?
Make sure the chicken pieces are cut evenly so they cook at the same rate. Preheat the air fryer or grill, and cook at medium-high heat, about 375°F, so the chicken stays juicy.
Keep an eye on the time, and use a meat thermometer to check if it’s done—165°F is perfect. Let the skewers rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices.
What can I serve with Hawaiian chicken skewers?
They pair well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve them with dipping sauces like teriyaki or sweet chili sauce.
What is hawaiian chicken Sauce made of?
Hawaiian chicken sauce is typically made from a blend of sweet and tangy ingredients.
The base often includes soy sauce for a savory depth, pineapple juice for sweetness and tropical flavor, brown sugar for added sweetness, and garlic and ginger for a bit of spice and warmth.
Some versions may also include rice vinegar or lime juice for acidity, and chili flakes for a mild heat. This sauce gives Hawaiian chicken its signature tropical taste!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for best results.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking. If using frozen, thaw it completely before marinating.
Looking for more chicken inspiration? Check out these delicious and easy-to-make recipes.
Baked Chicken Wings (Ginger-Lemon flavored
Chicken Karahi ( kadai Chicken)
Air Fryer Hawaiian Chicken Skewers (Chicken Kabobs)
Description
Hawaiian chicken skewers bring a taste of the tropics to your plate, combining succulent marinated chicken with sweet pineapple and colorful vegetables. Perfect for grilling or air frying, these skewers are not only delicious but also a fun way to enjoy a meal. Dive into this blog post to explore the culinary heritage, ingredients, nutritional value, and a step-by-step recipe for making these delightful skewers at home!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Marinate Chicken:
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey,brown sugar, garlic, ginger, olive oil, and black pepper lemon juice and chili flakes or paste. Add the chicken cubes and marinate for at least 2 hrs (or overnight for more flavor).
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Prepare Skewers:
 Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and onion onto the skewers, alternating between each ingredient.
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Air fry to perfection:
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Serve and enjoy!
 Remove from the heat, let cool for a minutes or 2, then serve warm. Enjoy these Hawaiian chicken Skewers with rice or your favorite side dishes.
Servings 3
- Amount Per Serving
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10g16%
- Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 25g50%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- These skewers can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before grilling or air frying.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference or seasonal availability.
- If you prefer not to use brown sugar, you can simply skip it and double the amount of honey instead.
