Air Fryer Pineapple Recipe

Simple & Sweet Air Fryer Pineapple Recipe for Tropical Delight

Tropical sweetness meets crispy perfection in this delectable air fryer pineapple that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Golden rings caramelize beautifully, creating a stunning dessert with minimal effort.

The air fryer works magic, bringing out rich natural sugars and intense flavor in each slice.

Juicy pineapple transforms into a delightful treat that’s both healthy and indulgent.

A sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey can elevate this simple recipe from good to extraordinary.

Each bite offers a burst of sunshine and tropical warmth that transports you to a beachside paradise.

This quick and easy dessert will become your new favorite summer staple that everyone will absolutely love.

  • Conquer Comfort Baking: Perfect for home bakers seeking a delightful treat that requires minimal technical skills and delivers maximum satisfaction.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: These peanut butter cookie bars guarantee smiles at potlucks, family gatherings, and casual get-togethers with their irresistible sweet and nutty flavor profile.
  • Quick and Simple Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for busy home cooks, allowing you to create a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • School Lunch Nostalgia: Reminiscent of classic cafeteria-style treats, these bars capture the beloved childhood flavor that brings back warm memories of school lunch moments.

Ingredients For Air Fryer Pineapple

Fresh Produce:
  • Pineapple: A sweet tropical fruit that provides the main base for this caramelized dessert.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Brown Sugar: Adds rich, deep sweetness and helps create a caramelized exterior.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic spice that complements the pineapple's natural sweetness.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Butter, Melted: Helps coat the pineapple and promotes even browning and caramelization.
  • Honey, Shredded Coconut: Optional toppings that add extra sweetness and texture to the finished dish.

Step-By-Step Guide To Cooking Pineapple In Air Fryer

Step 1: Slice and Prepare Tropical Fruit

Grab a fresh, ripe pineapple and carefully slice it into even rings or wedges. Pat the pineapple pieces dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.

Step 2: Create Delicious Caramelizing Coating

In a mixing bowl, whip together:
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Melted butter

Gently toss the pineapple pieces until they’re completely and evenly coated with the sweet mixture.

Step 3: 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 4: Arrange and Cook Pineapple

Carefully place the coated pineapple pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.

Make sure they’re not overlapping to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.

Step 5: Flip and Crisp

Cook the pineapple for 8-10 minutes total.

Halfway through cooking, use tongs to gently flip each piece, allowing both sides to develop a gorgeous golden-brown caramelized exterior.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the hot, caramelized pineapple to a serving plate.

For extra indulgence, drizzle with honey or sprinkle with shredded coconut. Enjoy immediately while warm and crispy.

Helpful Tips To Get Perfect Air Fryer Pineapple

  • Pat pineapple slices dry before coating to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior with maximum sugar crystallization.
  • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to ensure easy removal and prevent pineapple pieces from adhering to the surface.
  • Use alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or agave for different flavor profiles while maintaining the caramelized texture.
  • Select ripe, fresh pineapples with vibrant yellow color and sweet aroma for the most delicious and tender air-fried results.
  • Try adding nutmeg, cardamom, or vanilla extract to create unique flavor variations and elevate the classic cinnamon-sugar combination.

Creative Twists To Try With Air Fryer Pineapple

  • Tropical Rum Delight: Marinate pineapple slices in dark rum and brown sugar before air frying for a boozy Caribbean-inspired treat.
  • Spicy Chili Pineapple: Dust pineapple slices with chili powder and lime zest for a sweet and spicy flavor combination.
  • Vegan Coconut Crunch: Replace butter with coconut oil and top with toasted coconut flakes for a dairy-free version.
  • Grilled Alternative: For those without an air fryer, grill pineapple slices on a barbecue for similar caramelized results.

Best Pairings To Serve With Air Fryer Pineapple

  • Pair with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, smooth vanilla perfectly balances the warm, caramelized pineapple, creating a heavenly contrast of temperatures and textures.
  • Match with Rum Cocktail: A light rum-based drink like a pina colada or mojito complements the tropical sweetness and enhances the pineapple's caramelized flavor.
  • Combine with Greek Yogurt: Tangy Greek yogurt adds a creamy, protein-rich element that cuts through the sweetness and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the caramelized fruit.
  • Serve alongside Toasted Coconut Granola: Crunchy granola with toasted coconut adds a delightful texture and nutty flavor that harmonizes with the caramelized pineapple's warmth.

Storage Advice To Keep Pineapple Fresh

  • Store leftover air fryer pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
  • Warm chilled pineapple slices at 350F for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even reheating and crispy edges.
  • Place pineapple slices on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 30-45 seconds. Check temperature and add extra seconds if needed.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen pineapple for this recipe?

Fresh pineapple works best. Frozen pineapple can release too much moisture and won’t caramelize properly in the air fryer.

  • Do I need to remove the core before air frying?

Yes, remove the tough central core before slicing to ensure tender, easy-to-eat pineapple pieces.

  • What if I don't have brown sugar?

White sugar or coconut sugar can be substituted, though brown sugar provides the best caramel-like flavor and color.

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

Look for golden-brown edges and caramelized surface. The pineapple should be slightly softened but still hold its shape.

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Air Fryer Pineapple Recipe

Air Fryer Pineapple Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

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

Description

Tropical Hawaiian air fryer pineapple caramelizes golden sweetness with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Crisp edges and juicy centers make this simple dessert a quick delight for Caribbean-inspired sweet tooths looking to savor summer’s best fruit.


Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Produce:

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

Sweeteners and Spices:

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

Fats and Optional Toppings:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) melted butter or coconut oil
  • Optional: honey (to drizzle)
  • Optional: shredded coconut (to sprinkle)

Instructions

  1. Slice fresh pineapple into uniform pieces, ensuring consistent thickness for even caramelization and cooking.
  2. Create a luxurious coating by thoroughly blending brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter in a mixing bowl, ensuring each pineapple slice is generously and evenly covered.
  3. Activate the air fryer and set the temperature precisely to 380°F, allowing 2-3 minutes for complete preheating and optimal cooking environment.
  4. Carefully arrange pineapple slices in a single layer within the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to promote proper heat circulation and crisp caramelization.
  5. Cook the pineapple for approximately 8-10 minutes, gently rotating the slices midway through the cooking process to achieve a golden-brown exterior and tender interior.
  6. Once cooking is complete, delicately remove the caramelized pineapple slices from the air fryer basket, taking care not to break the delicate pieces.
  7. Enhance the dessert by optional garnishing with a delicate drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of shredded coconut, adding an extra layer of sweetness and texture.
  8. Serve immediately while warm to fully appreciate the rich caramelized flavors and tender pineapple texture.

Notes

  • Caramelize gently by avoiding overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure each pineapple slice gets crispy edges and golden-brown color.
  • Enhance sweetness by selecting ripe, fresh pineapples with vibrant yellow-orange skin for maximum natural sugar content.
  • Customize flavor profiles by experimenting with alternative spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger instead of traditional cinnamon.
  • Accommodate dietary preferences by substituting butter with coconut oil for a vegan version or using sugar alternatives like maple syrup or stevia for lower-calorie options.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Sugar: 19 g
  • Sodium: 2 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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