Get ready for a flavor-packed meal! This Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken is sweet, smoky, and irresistibly juicy—Hawaiian-inspired goodness made easy!

Juicy Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken glazed with a sweet and smoky Hawaiian-style sauce, served with rice and pineapple.
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Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken is a delicious twist on the classic Hawaiian dish, delivering sweet, smoky, and savory flavors in every bite.

Marinated in a rich blend of soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic, this chicken caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, creating a sticky, flavorful glaze.

It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a taste of the islands without firing up the grill. Perfectly juicy and tender, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice, grilled pineapple, or a fresh salad for a meal the whole family will love!​

Glazed Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken with a caramelized finish, served with rice and pineapple slices.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Quick & Easy: Cooks fast with minimal effort.
  • Deliciously Juicy: Tender chicken with a flavorful glaze.
  • Hawaiian-Inspired: Sweet, smoky, and tropical flavors.
  • Family-Friendly: A meal everyone will enjoy.
  • Air Fryer Convenience: No need for a grill.
  • Perfectly Caramelized: Beautifully glazed without extra work.
  • Versatile Pairing: Great with rice, veggies, or salad.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Make ahead for easy dinners.

If you love quick air fryer meals try my recipe for Air Fryer Pad Thai, Copycat Kmart Submarine Sandwiches, or Air Fryer Steak Fingers.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients needed for Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken on kitchen table.
  • 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 Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken

Marinating chicken in a flavorful homemade Huli Huli sauce in a bowl.

​Step One: 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. 

Chicken marinating in a rich Huli Huli sauce for maximum flavor.

​Step Two: Place the piece of chicken into the air fryer basket and set the air fryer temperature to 370 degrees F, 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. 

Chicken cooking in an air fryer, brushed with Huli Huli marinade for a juicy, flavorful finish.

​Step Three: Serve with fresh herbs or pineapple chunks.

Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken with a caramelized glaze, served with rice and pineapple.

Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken Recipe Tips

  • Marinating Time: Give your chicken enough time to soak up the flavors of the marinade.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Storing

  • Storing: To store leftover Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to let the chicken cool completely before storing to maintain its texture and flavor.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months, maintaining its taste when reheated.
  • Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, brushing with extra marinade if desired for added moisture. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, but the air fryer will keep it crispy and juicy.
Juicy Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken glazed with sweet, smoky sauce, served with rice and pineapple slices.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken

Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that complement its sweet and smoky flavors. For a tropical touch, serve it alongside coconut rice or steamed jasmine rice to balance the richness of the glaze.

Grilled pineapple or a fresh fruit salad adds a burst of sweetness, while a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help cut through the savory chicken. You could also serve roasted vegetables or a creamy coleslaw for a satisfying, well-rounded meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken Recipe Faqs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful. If using breasts, be sure to monitor the cooking time to avoid over-drying.

How long do I need to marinate the chicken? For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 3-6 hours, or overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.

Can I use store-bought Huli Huli sauce? Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought Huli Huli sauce, but homemade gives it a more personalized touch.

How do I know when the chicken is done? The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. You can also check if the juices run clear.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken? Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken. Just place it in a freezer-safe bag and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw before cooking.

Can I cook this recipe in a regular oven? Yes, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

Tender Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken with a sweet and smoky glaze, served with rice and grilled pineapple.

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Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken

Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken

5 from 3 votes
Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 32 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
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Description

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! 

Ingredients 

Huli Huli Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup rice vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 piece ginger, minced

Chicken:

  • 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, or boneless skinless chicken breasts

Serving:

  • 1/4 cup cilantro, diced
  • 1/4 cup green onions, diced
  • 1/4 cup pineapple chunks, canned, drained

Instructions

  • 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.
  • Place the piece of chicken into the air fryer basket and set the air fryer temperature to 370 degrees F, and set the cooking time for 10-12 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. 
  • Serve with fresh herbs or pineapple chunks, sliced cilantro, or green onions.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Notes

Storing, freezing, and reheating air fryer Huli Huli chicken can help you enjoy this dish at your convenience. Here’s a guide on how to do it properly:
Storing Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken:
  1. Cooling: Allow the cooked Huli Huli chicken to cool down to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container.
  2. Airtight Container: Place the chicken pieces in an airtight container. You can layer them with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking.
  3. Refrigeration: Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken pieces are not stacked on top of each other to maintain their crispiness.
Freezing Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken:
If you want to freeze your Huli Huli chicken for longer-term storage:
  1. Cooling: Allow the cooked chicken to cool down to room temperature.
  2. Wrap Individually: Wrap each piece of chicken individually with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This prevents them from sticking together and preserves their texture.
  3. Airtight Bag or Container: Place the individually wrapped chicken pieces in a resealable plastic freezer bag or an airtight freezer-safe container.
  4. Label and Date: Label the bag or container with the date of freezing so you can keep track of how long they’ve been in the freezer.
  5. Freeze: Store the chicken in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. For longer storage, consider vacuum-sealing them.
Reheating Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken:
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen Huli Huli chicken:
  1. Thawing (Optional): You can thaw the frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours if you have time. This will help them reheat more evenly.
  2. Air Fryer Reheating: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You can lightly spray them with cooking spray or oil to help them regain their crispiness.
  3. Reheat: Reheat the chicken for 3-5 minutes, flipping them halfway through, or until they’re heated through and crispy.
  4. Microwave Reheating (Alternative): If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat the chicken in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 30-second intervals until they’re hot.
Remember that reheating times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken pieces and the power of your air fryer or microwave. Always ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. Enjoy your air fryer Huli Huli chicken!

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 474kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 61gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 287mgSodium: 1537mgPotassium: 901mgFiber: 1gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 267IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 58mgIron: 3mg

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