Air Fryer Pineapple Recipe

The Perfect Air Fryer Pineapple Recipe for Sweet Caramelized Bliss

Crispy golden air fryer pineapple transforms ordinary fruit into a mouthwatering tropical sensation that dances between sweet and caramelized.

Juicy rings emerge with surprising depth of flavor when heat works its magic.

Every slice promises a delightful crunch you won’t forget.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness in this simple culinary adventure.

Mediterranean and tropical cuisines inspire this quick dessert or snack option.

Summer gatherings or lazy afternoons become instantly more exciting with these golden treats.

Dive into a recipe that guarantees smiles and pure enjoyment.

Sweet and Juicy Air Fryer Pineapple

  • Elevate Simple Desserts: Transform ordinary pineapple into a gourmet treat with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, creating a restaurant-quality dessert right in your kitchen.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare a delightful sweet dish in less than 15 minutes that impresses guests and satisfies cravings with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
  • Customize Your Delight: Experiment with toppings like honey, coconut, or vanilla ice cream to personalize this versatile recipe, making it perfect for different taste preferences and occasions.
  • Healthy Indulgence: Enjoy a naturally sweet dessert that's lighter than traditional baked goods, using the air fryer to caramelize fruit without excessive added fats or calories.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Pineapple

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Pineapple: A sweet tropical fruit that caramelizes beautifully and provides a juicy base for this air fryer dessert.
For the Seasoning:
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness that helps create a caramelized exterior.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Provides a warm, aromatic spice that complements the pineapple's natural sweetness.
For the Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Melted Butter: Helps the seasonings stick to the pineapple and adds a rich, smooth flavor.
  • Honey: An optional topping that brings extra sweetness and shine to the caramelized pineapple.
  • Shredded Coconut: An optional garnish that adds tropical texture and complementary flavor.

How to Make Caramelized Pineapple in Air Fryer

Step 1: Prepare Delicious Pineapple Slices

Grab your fresh pineapple and slice it into even, mouth-watering pieces. In a mixing bowl, gather your delightful ingredients:
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Melted butter

Gently toss the pineapple slices until every piece is wonderfully coated with the sweet and spicy mixture.

Step 2: Fire Up the Air Fryer

Turn on your air fryer and set the temperature to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it warm up for about 3 minutes to create the perfect cooking environment.

Step 3: Create Caramelized Magic

Carefully arrange the pineapple slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Make sure they aren’t overlapping to ensure even cooking.

Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through to achieve a gorgeous golden-brown caramelization.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the pineapple slices from the air fryer.

For an extra touch of deliciousness, drizzle with honey or sprinkle some shredded coconut on top. Serve immediately while warm and savor the incredible flavor explosion.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Air Fryer Pineapple

  • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to ensure the pineapple slices don't stick and caramelize evenly.
  • Cut pineapple slices to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) for consistent cooking and perfect caramelization.
  • Check pineapple slices at the 6-minute mark to avoid burning, as air fryer temperatures can vary between models.
  • Experiment with alternative spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist on the classic cinnamon coating.
  • Substitute melted butter with coconut oil for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the rich, caramelized flavor.

Variations on Air Fryer Pineapple

  • Tropical Rum Splash: Marinate pineapple slices in dark rum and vanilla before air frying for a boozy Caribbean-inspired treat.
  • Spicy Chili Lime Version: Coat pineapple with chili powder, lime zest, and a touch of salt for a zesty, tangy flavor profile.
  • Coconut Crunch Edition: Roll sugared pineapple slices in toasted coconut flakes before air frying for added texture and tropical richness.
  • Chocolate Drizzle Finale: After air frying, drizzle warm dark chocolate over caramelized pineapple for an indulgent dessert option.

Pairings to Enjoy with Pineapple

  • Pair with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Create a heavenly contrast between warm, caramelized pineapple and cold, smooth vanilla ice cream that melts beautifully on the hot fruit.
  • Complement with Rum-Based Cocktail: Mix a tropical rum cocktail like a Piña Colada or Mai Tai to enhance the pineapple's sweet and slightly charred flavors, bringing out a Caribbean-inspired taste experience.
  • Match with Greek Yogurt Topping: Dollop tangy Greek yogurt over the warm pineapple slices to add a creamy, protein-rich element that balances the fruit's natural sweetness and caramelized edges.

Best Ways to Store Cooked Pineapple

Store leftover air fryer pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap slices carefully to prevent moisture loss and maintain texture.

Warm refrigerated pineapple slices at 350F for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Restore crispy edges and caramelized surface quickly and evenly.

Heat pineapple slices for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Add a small splash of water to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.

Place cooled pineapple slices in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

  • Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?

Yes, you can use canned pineapple rings, but drain them thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture.

  • Do I need to grease the air fryer basket before cooking?

No, the butter coating and natural pineapple juices will prevent sticking, so you don’t need additional greasing.

  • How do I know when the pineapple is perfectly cooked?

Look for golden-brown caramelized edges and a slightly softened texture. The pineapple should have a slightly crisp exterior with a tender inside.

  • Can I adjust the sweetness level?

Absolutely! You can reduce or increase the brown sugar amount based on your preference, or swap it with honey or maple syrup for different flavor profiles.

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Air Fryer Pineapple Recipe

Air Fryer Pineapple Recipe


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4.5 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Tropical Hawaiian air fryer pineapple caramelizes sweet golden rings with rich brown sugar and cinnamon glaze. Crisp exterior and juicy interior make this simple dessert a quick island-inspired treat you’ll crave after any meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 fresh pineapple (peeled, cored, and sliced into rings or chunks)

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) ground cinnamon

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) melted butter or coconut oil

Optional Toppings:

  • Honey (drizzle)
  • Shredded coconut (sprinkle)

Instructions

  1. Slice pineapple into uniform pieces, ensuring consistent thickness for even caramelization and cooking.
  2. Create a luscious coating by thoroughly combining brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter in a mixing bowl, ensuring each pineapple slice is generously and evenly glazed.
  3. Activate air fryer and set temperature precisely to 380°F, allowing 2-3 minutes for complete preheating.
  4. Carefully arrange pineapple slices in a single layer within the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to guarantee optimal heat circulation and crisp edges.
  5. Cook pineapple for 8-10 minutes, rotating pieces midway through cooking process to achieve uniform golden-brown caramelization and enhance natural sweetness.
  6. Monitor closely during final minutes to prevent burning, watching for rich amber coloration and slightly crisp exterior.
  7. Delicately remove caramelized pineapple slices from air fryer, letting excess heat dissipate for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Enhance serving presentation by optional drizzling of honey or sprinkling of shredded coconut, adding complementary texture and flavor dimensions.
  9. Serve immediately while warm to maximize sensory experience and preserve crisp caramelized edges.

Notes

  • Ensure pineapple slices are roughly the same thickness for even cooking and consistent caramelization in the air fryer.
  • Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and prevent steaming instead of browning.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute melted butter with coconut oil or olive oil for a similar richness and caramelization effect.
  • Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom to create unique flavor profiles that complement the sweet pineapple.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 113 kcal
  • Sugar: 19 g
  • Sodium: 1 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 0.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 7 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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