Description
This Air-Fryer Chicken Breast with Pineapple Salsa recipe offers a juicy, flavorful chicken breast marinated in a zesty blend of fish sauce, honey, and spices, paired perfectly with a fresh, tangy pineapple salsa. Cooked quickly in the air fryer for a healthy twist, this dish brings bright tropical flavors and a satisfying texture, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a refreshing summer meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 1 tablespoon Fish Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
- 1/2 tablespoon Honey
- 1/4 Lime, juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
For the Pineapple Salsa
- 1 cup Pineapple, diced
- 1 bunch Fresh Cilantro
- 1/2 Lime, juiced
- 1 clove Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Brown Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Fish Sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon Tajin seasoning
To Serve
- Salad Mix, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pineapple Salsa: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup diced pineapple, 1 bunch chopped fresh cilantro, 1 clove minced garlic, juice of 1/2 lime, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon fish sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon Tajin seasoning. Mix everything thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld.
- Flatten the Chicken Breasts: Place the 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts on a cutting board, cover with cling wrap, and gently pound them with a rolling pin until they are of even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, stir together 1 tablespoon fish sauce, juice of 1/4 lime, 1/2 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, and 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the flattened chicken breasts to the marinade and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 1 hour for best results. Before cooking, remove chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
- Preheat and Prepare Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Flip the chicken breasts and cook for an additional 4 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) ensuring they are fully cooked yet juicy.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for about 2 minutes to retain juices, then slice it.
- Serve: Plate the sliced chicken breast with a side of salad mix to taste and generously spoon the chilled pineapple salsa over or alongside the chicken for a refreshing finish.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight, but if short on time, 1 hour will suffice.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on preferred spice level.
- The pineapple salsa can be made a day ahead and stored refrigerated for enhanced flavor.
- Spraying the air fryer basket lightly with vegetable oil prevents sticking and helps achieve a golden finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Fusion (Southeast Asian inspired)
Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken Breast, Pineapple Salsa, Quick Healthy Dinner, Tropical Chicken Recipe, Easy Air Fryer Meal
