Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken

Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken –If you have been looking for an easy Hawaiian recipe, this air fryer huli huli chicken recipe is one of my favorites! Serve over rice or serve over salad; you have a great and easy weeknight meal full of delicious flavor!  

Easy enough for anyone who owns an air fryer, and with a few simple ingredients, you have a delicious meal! 

What Is Huli-Huli Chicken

Huli Huli chicken is a popular Hawaiian dish known for its flavorful and grilled chicken. The term “huli huli” means “turn turn” in Hawaiian, which refers to the traditional method of cooking this dish by continuously turning or flipping the chicken while it’s grilled or cooked over an open flame, fire pit,  outdoor grill, or on grill grates.

Key characteristics of Huli Huli chicken include:

Marinade: The signature feature of Huli Huli chicken is its marinade, which imparts a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavor to the chicken. The marinade typically consists of soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, ketchup, and sometimes pineapple juice or other tropical flavors.

• Grilling: Huli Huli chicken is traditionally cooked on a gas grill, and it’s essential to continuously turn or “huli” the chicken while grilling to ensure even cooking and to achieve a caramelized, slightly charred exterior.

• Tropical Flair: The marinade often incorporates tropical flavors associated with Hawaiian cuisine, such as pineapple, which adds sweetness and acidity to the dish.

• Chicken Type: Huli Huli chicken is typically made with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or chicken quarters. This choice of cuts helps retain moisture and flavor during grilling.

• Serving Style: Huli Huli chicken is often served with rice or as part of a Hawaiian plate lunch, accompanied by sides like Hawaiian macaroni salad, white rice, coconut rice, or coleslaw.

Huli Huli chicken is a favorite in Hawaii and is often enjoyed at luaus, beachside gatherings, and local restaurants. The combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, along with the tropical influences, makes it a delightful and iconic dish that represents the flavors of the Hawaiian islands. It’s also a popular dish for grilling enthusiasts looking to try something different with a touch of Hawaiian flair.​

Can You Cook Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe In Air Fryer

Huli Huli chicken is traditionally cooked on a grill or over an open flame, which imparts a smoky flavor and caramelized char that is characteristic of the dish. While you can create a version of Huli Huli chicken in an air fryer, it won’t have the same smoky flavor and char as the traditional grilled version. However, it can still be tasty and convenient.  

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for years by natives of the Hawaiian Islands, but now it’s gaining popularity everywhere. It tastes amazingly delicious, but you can also make it in an air fryer for a quick meal.

You only need simple ingredients like chicken thighs and pantry staples like ketchup and soy sauce to make this amazing dish. Read on to learn exactly what ingredients are needed to whip up some flavorful Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken in no time! All of these ingredients are available at your local grocery store. 

Remember the step-by-step directions are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page and the nutritional facts.​

• Brown Sugar: This will give the huli huli marinade its sweetness. 
• Ketchup: Use regular ketchup
• Soy Sauce: You can use low-sodium soy sauce or regular soy sauce
• Rice Vinegar: You can also use apple cider vinegar
• Minced Garlic: Freshly minced garlic or garlic powder
• Ginger: Use freshly minced ginger
• Raw Chicken: Use boneless skinless chicken thighs, skinless chicken breasts, or a cut-up whole chicken. Any cuts of chicken will work, although the cooking time will vary, passed on the part of the chicken.

How To Make Huli Hulu Chicken In Air Fryer

If you’re a fan of delicious island cuisine, Huli Huli Chicken is something you need to try. This Hawaiian-style treat is succulent and savory, making it a highly sought-after dish worldwide.

Believe it or not, you can easily make this classic dish in your air fryer!

Below we’ll discuss how to make Huli Huli chicken in an air fryer and show you some amazing tips for achieving optimal flavor! So, if juicy, mouthwatering morsels are what get your taste buds firing, read on to learn how to prepare these tasty bites easily!

​Step One: Prepare The Chicken Marinade

Use paper towels to dry your chicken. In a small bowl or Ziploc Bag, add the brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic and mix well—reserve about 1/2 cup of the Hawaiian Huli Huli sauce.

Place the chicken in the remaining sauce, and let marinate for 3-6 hours or overnight for best results. 

​Step Two: Air Fry The Chicken

Place the piece of chicken into the air fryer basket and set the cook time for 10-15 minutes; brush the chicken frequently with the flavorful marinade to keep it juicy. Remove when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F using a meat thermometer or instant read thermometer. 

​Step Three: Serving

Serve with fresh herbs or pineapple chunks.

​Pro Tips For Air-Fried Huli-Huli Chicken

• Air-frying Huli Huli chicken is a convenient way to enjoy this Hawaiian favorite without a grill. Here are some pro tips for air-frying Huli Huli chicken to achieve the best results:
• Marinating Time: Give your chicken enough time to soak up the flavors of the marinade. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best results, marinate for 4-6 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
• Poke or Score the Chicken: To allow the marinade to penetrate the chicken more effectively, consider poking small holes in the chicken with a fork or knife or scoring the chicken lightly with shallow cuts.
• Generous Marinade: Prepare a generous amount of Huli Huli sauce to ensure you can fully coat the chicken and have extra for basting during air frying. The marinade is essential for flavor.
• Adjust Sweetness and Tanginess: Taste the marinade before using it and adjust the sweetness with brown sugar and the tanginess with rice vinegar according to your preferences.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature (usually 375°F or 190°C) for about 5 minutes before adding the chicken. This ensures even cooking.
• Baste Frequently: While air-frying, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade every 5-10 minutes. This adds layers of flavor and keeps the chicken moist.
• Arrange in a Single Layer: Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Crowding the basket can result in uneven cooking.
• Spray with Cooking Oil: Lightly spray the chicken pieces with cooking oil or use an oil mister before air frying. This helps achieve a crispy exterior.
• Cooking Time and Temperature: Follow your air fryer’s manufacturer guidelines for cooking times and temperatures. Typically, air-fry chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping and basting every 5-10 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked safely and retains its juiciness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the air-fried chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This lets the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender.
• Garnish and Serve: Finish your air-fried Huli Huli chicken with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, green onions, or sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
• By following these pro tips, you can make delicious and flavorful air-fried Huli Huli chicken that retains the essence of this Hawaiian classic dish, even without a grill.

What Does Huli Huli Chicken Taste Like?

Huli Huli chicken has a distinctive flavor profile: sweet and savory. The marinade and glaze used in Huli Huli chicken typically include ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, ketchup, and sometimes pineapple juice or vinegar.

This combination of flavors creates a unique taste experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Huli Huli Chicken​

Can I use boneless chicken for Huli Huli chicken?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken for Huli Huli chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, in particular, are commonly used for this recipe as they have more flavor and tenderness. However, if preferred, you can use bone-in chicken pieces like drumsticks or chicken breasts.

Can I make Huli Huli chicken without an air fryer?  

You can bake the marinated chicken in the oven or use a stovetop grill pan. Adjust the cooking times and temperatures accordingly for these alternative cooking methods. If you want to prepare this on your grill, you can use mesquite wood to flavor the chicken while it cooks on medium heat. 

How long should I marinate the chicken for Huli Huli chicken?

Marinating the chicken for at least 2-4 hours is recommended to allow the flavors to develop. For optimal flavor, marinating overnight in the refrigerator is even better. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.

Can I use store-bought Huli Huli sauce?

You can use store-bought Huli Huli sauce if you prefer a convenient option. However, making your own homemade Huli Huli sauce allows you to adjust the flavors and ingredients to your liking. 

Can I freeze Huli Huli chicken?

Yes, you can freeze Huli Huli chicken. If you have leftovers or want to prepare them ahead of time, let the cooked chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating or enjoying, and discard any leftover marinade. 

Can I use the Huli Huli sauce as a marinade for other meats?

Absolutely! The Huli Huli sauce can be used as a marinade for other meats like pork, beef, or even tofu. It imparts a delicious sweet and savory flavor to various proteins. Adjust the marinating times according to the specific meat you are using.

Can I make Huli Huli chicken with a different type of sauce?

While the authentic Huli Huli chicken is made with the signature Huli Huli sauce, you can experiment with other sauces or marinades. However, remember that the flavors may differ from the traditional Huli Huli chicken recipe.

What side dishes pair well with Huli Huli chicken?

Huli Huli chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include steamed white rice, coconut rice, brown rice, Hawaiian macaroni salad, grilled vegetables, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad. These sides complement the flavors of the chicken and create a balanced meal.

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• Air Fryer Crispy Bacon
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