BBQ Pineapple Meatballs in an Air Fryer 🍍🥩
These sweet and savory BBQ pineapple meatballs are juicy on the inside with a sticky, caramelized glaze. The air fryer makes them quick and perfectly browned. Great as an appetizer, snack, or served with rice for dinner.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Meatballs
500 g (1 lb) ground beef or ground chicken
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp milk
1 tbsp soy sauce
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
BBQ Pineapple Sauce
¾ cup BBQ sauce
½ cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
¼ cup pineapple juice
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp garlic, minced
½ tsp ginger, grated (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl combine:
ground meat
breadcrumbs
egg
garlic
onion
milk
soy sauce
salt, pepper, and paprika
parsley
Mix gently until just combined.
Form into 1–1½ inch meatballs (about 18–20 meatballs).
2. Air Fry the Meatballs
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
Lightly spray the basket with oil.
Place meatballs in a single layer (do not overcrowd).
Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until browned and cooked through.
3. Make the BBQ Pineapple Sauce
In a small saucepan combine:
BBQ sauce
pineapple chunks
pineapple juice
honey
soy sauce
garlic
ginger
Simmer on medium heat for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Coat the Meatballs
Add the cooked meatballs to the saucepan.
Toss gently until they are well coated in the sauce.
Cook together for 1–2 minutes so the glaze sticks to the meatballs.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
Steamed rice
Fried rice
Noodles
Toothpicks as a party appetizer
💡 Tips
Add chili flakes or sriracha if you like a spicy kick.
For extra caramelization, return the sauced meatballs to the air fryer for 2 minutes.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
