There’s something magical about pineapple—the way its natural sweetness bursts in every bite, its tropical aroma filling the air. Now, imagine taking that already-delicious fruit and making it even better. Enter: Air Fryer Pineapple. It’s caramelized, juicy, and just the right amount of crispy around the edges. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a side dish with a tropical twist, or a game-changing dessert topper, this recipe is about to become your new obsession. Trust me, you’re going to love this!
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Pineapple
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Serve it as a snack, a dessert, or a unique side dish to elevate any meal.
Budget-Friendly: Pineapple is a cost-effective ingredient that packs a punch of flavor without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and just a few minutes in the air fryer, you’ll have a delicious dish in no time.
Customizable: Add cinnamon, honey, or even a sprinkle of chili powder for different flavor profiles.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Air Fryer Pineapple
Here’s the magic of this recipe—it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is out-of-this-world delicious. Let’s break it down:
Pineapple: The star of the show! Fresh pineapple works best for a juicy and naturally sweet bite, but canned pineapple (drained well) can work in a pinch.
Brown Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness and helps with caramelization, giving the pineapple those beautiful golden edges.
Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spiced depth that complements the pineapple’s sweetness perfectly.
Butter: A little melted butter takes the flavor to the next level and helps achieve that rich, caramelized texture.
Honey or Maple Syrup (Optional): If you love an extra touch of sweetness, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup does wonders.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your air fryer to 380°F. This ensures even cooking and gives the pineapple the perfect texture.
Prepare the Pineapple: If using a whole pineapple, peel, core, and cut it into rings or chunks. If using canned, drain well to remove excess moisture.
Season the Pineapple: In a large bowl, toss the pineapple pieces with brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until they’re well coated. This step allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the pineapple pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even caramelization.
Cook to Perfection: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The edges should be slightly caramelized and golden brown.
Finishing Touches: Remove from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. If desired, drizzle with honey or maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy as a snack, pair it with yogurt, or use it as a topping for ice cream, pancakes, or grilled meats.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 110
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
How to Serve Air Fryer Pineapple
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Add to a tropical fruit salad for an extra burst of flavor.
- Use as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal.
- Pair with grilled chicken or pork for a sweet-savory contrast.
- Blend into smoothies for a caramelized pineapple twist.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- For extra caramelization, lightly spray the pineapple with cooking oil before air frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—work in batches if needed.
- Want a little kick? Sprinkle some chili powder or cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
FAQ
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh? Yes! Just make sure to drain it well and pat it dry before air frying to avoid excess moisture.
What’s the best way to cut a fresh pineapple? Peel, core, and slice it into rings or chunks. If you have a pineapple corer, it makes the job even easier.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer? Absolutely! You can grill or bake the pineapple at 400°F for a similar caramelized effect.
How do I store leftover pineapple? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze air-fried pineapple? Yes! Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the air fryer when ready to eat.
Can I add other seasonings? Definitely! Try nutmeg, allspice, or even a splash of lime juice for a fun variation.
Is this recipe vegan? It can be! Just use a plant-based butter or skip it altogether.
Can I make a large batch? Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
Why is my pineapple not caramelizing? Make sure it’s dry before air frying, and consider adding a bit more brown sugar or butter.
What can I serve this with? It’s delicious with yogurt, ice cream, grilled meats, pancakes, or even in a tropical salsa.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Pineapple is the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. With its caramelized edges, juicy center, and irresistible sweetness, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you enjoy it as a snack, dessert, or side dish, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. So go ahead, grab that pineapple, and let your air fryer work its magic!
Print
Air Fryer Pineapple
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack, Dessert, Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Tropical, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Air Fryer Pineapple recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy caramelized, juicy pineapple with a hint of cinnamon and honey. Perfect as a side dish, topping, or healthy dessert, this air-fried pineapple is ready in just minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings or chunks
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon melted butter or coconut oil (optional, for extra caramelization)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- A pinch of sea salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes.
2. Prepare the Pineapple
- In a large bowl, toss the pineapple pieces with honey (or maple syrup), cinnamon, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Ensure the pineapple is evenly coated for the best flavor.
3. Arrange in the Air Fryer
- Place the pineapple slices or chunks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Avoid overcrowding to allow even cooking.
4. Air Fry the Pineapple
- Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- The pineapple should become golden brown and slightly caramelized.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly.
- Serve warm as a dessert, topping for ice cream, pancakes, or yogurt, or as a side for grilled meats.
Notes
- For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted coconut or chopped nuts before serving.
- If using canned pineapple, drain well and pat dry before air frying.
- This recipe works with frozen pineapple—just increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: ~90 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg