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Baked Pineapple Chicken Kabobs (Air Fryer Option) – Sweet, Savory & Juicy


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

Scale
(Serves 4)

Kabob base:

  • lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed (you love high-protein!)
  • 1½ cups fresh or canned pineapple chunks in 100% juice (not syrup—you love blood sugar friendly!)
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1” pieces
  • 1 red onion, cut into 1” pieces

Sugar-free pineapple marinade:

  • ¼ cup unsweetened crushed pineapple (from can)
  • 2 tbsp coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce (you love low-sodium!)
  • 2 tbsp sugar-free honey (monk fruit blend—you love this!)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp lime juice (you love citrus!)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional—you love spicy!)

For serving:

  • Fresh cilantro or mint
  • Lime wedges
  • Optional sides:
    → Cauliflower rice or coconut rice (low-carb—you love this!)

Instructions

1. Marinate:
In a bowl, whisk all marinade ingredients. Add chicken; toss to coat. Marinate 15–20 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
2. Skewer:
Thread chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion onto 8 soaked wooden or metal skewers.
3. Bake (oven method):
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place kabobs on parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake 15–18 minutes, turning once halfway, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and edges are caramelized.
4. Air fryer method:
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place kabobs in basket (work in batches if needed).
Air fry 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
5. Serve:
Garnish with herbs and lime. Serve with optional sides.
💡 Pro Tips for Perfection:
Use chicken thighs—more flavorful and stay juicier during cooking.
Pat pineapple dry—helps it caramelize instead of steam.
Low-sodium mastery (you love this!):
→ Coconut aminos = 65% less sodium than soy sauce
→ Boost umami with extra ginger and garlic
Blood sugar friendly (you love this!):
→ Sugar-free honey + no-syrup pineapple = zero glycemic impact
→ Net carbs: 9g/serving
Low-carb/keto option (you love this!):
→ Reduce pineapple to ¾ cup; double bell pepper
→ Net carbs drop to 5g/serving
Make ahead:
→ Marinate chicken up to 24 hours
→ Skewer 4 hours ahead; refrigerate

Storage & Serving Ideas
Fridge life: 3 days | Best fresh
Serving ideas:
→ Over greens for a tropical bowl
→ With grilled zucchini or asparagus
→ For summer entertaining or weeknight dinner

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving):
Prep Time: 15 min (+15 min marinate) | Cook Time: 15 min | Total Time: 45 min
Calories: 320 | Protein: 30g | Net Carbs: 11g | Fats: 16g | Fiber: 2g | Gluten-Free • Low-Sodium Adaptable • Blood Sugar Friendly • Low-Carb/Keto Option