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Spicy Pineapple BBQ Pork Skewers (Air Fryer or Grill)

Tender pork marinated in a tangy-sweet and spicy homemade BBQ sauce, skewered with juicy pineapple and vibrant bell peppers, then grilled or air-fried to smoky perfection. A delicious and colorful meal perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Fusion
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Spicy Pineapple BBQ Marinade
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp pineapple juice canned or fresh
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp sriracha or more, to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Skewers
  • 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin or boneless pork loin cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1.5 cups fresh pineapple chunks about 1-inch pieces
  • 1 red bell pepper cut into 1-inch squares
  • 1 yellow bell pepper cut into 1-inch squares
  • 1/2 red onion cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 12-16 wooden or metal skewers If wooden, soak in water for at least 30 minutes.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for air frying/grilling

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Air Fryer
  • Grill Tongs
  • Basting Brush
  • Wooden or metal skewers

Method
 

Prepare the Marinade & Pork
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, smoked paprika, sriracha, and black pepper until well combined. This is your Spicy Pineapple BBQ Marinade.
  2. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the marinade in a separate small bowl for basting during cooking. Set aside.
  3. Add the cubed pork to the remaining marinade in the large bowl, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, for best flavor.
Assemble the Skewers
  1. If using wooden skewers, ensure they have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  2. Thread the marinated pork, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and red onion pieces onto the skewers, alternating the ingredients for an even cook and appealing presentation. Aim for 2-3 pieces of pork per skewer.
Cook the Skewers (Air Fryer Method)
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with olive oil.
  2. Place skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. You will likely need to cook in batches.
  3. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through. During the last 3-5 minutes of cooking, baste the skewers with the reserved BBQ marinade. Continue cooking until the pork is cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F or 63°C) and slightly caramelized.
Cook the Skewers (Grill Method)
  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  2. Place skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and has nice grill marks. During the last 5 minutes of grilling, baste the skewers with the reserved BBQ marinade.
Serve
  1. Remove skewers from the air fryer or grill. Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot with any extra reserved BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

For an even spicier kick, add an extra dash of sriracha to the marinade. If you don't have fresh pineapple, well-drained canned pineapple chunks can be used. These skewers are fantastic served with rice, a simple green salad, or grilled corn on the cob.