Name: Air Fryer Pineapple
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Tropical
Ingredients: 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into rings or chunks; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon melted butter or coconut oil; Optional: a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of shredded coconut for serving

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Are you ready for a tropical twist on a classic fruit? This Air Fryer Pineapple recipe is a game-changer! Sweet, caramelized pineapple with a hint of smokiness—all without needing to turn on your grill or stove. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or even a sweet topping for desserts, this recipe is a simple way to bring a burst of summer to your table all year round. Trust me, the caramelized edges and juicy center will make you fall in love with pineapple all over again!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Pineapple

Quick & Easy: The air fryer makes this recipe super fast—just a few minutes for a tropical treat!
Sweet & Caramelized: The pineapple becomes golden and caramelized on the edges, enhancing its natural sweetness.
Healthy: Light and refreshing with no added sugar—just the natural sweetness of the fruit.
Versatile: Perfect as a standalone treat or served alongside grilled meats, over ice cream, or in tropical salads.
Minimal Cleanup: The air fryer does all the work with no messy pans or ovens to deal with.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this sweet and savory Air Fryer Pineapple:

For the Pineapple

Fresh pineapple: The star of the dish, peeled and sliced into rings or chunks.
Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor to balance the natural sweetness of the fruit.
Honey (optional): A touch of sweetness if you want to enhance the pineapple’s natural sugars.
Lime zest (optional): For a zesty kick to brighten the tropical flavors.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make Air Fryer Pineapple:

Prepare the Pineapple

Start by peeling and slicing your fresh pineapple. You can slice it into rings or cut it into chunks—whichever you prefer. Be sure to remove the tough core if using chunks.

Season the Pineapple

If desired, drizzle a little honey over the pineapple slices or chunks to enhance the sweetness.
Sprinkle the cinnamon over the pineapple, then toss gently to coat each piece evenly. If you’re using lime zest, add it now for that extra burst of citrus flavor.

Air Fry the Pineapple

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Arrange the pineapple pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket.
Air fry the pineapple for 8–10 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through, until they are golden and slightly caramelized on the edges.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the pineapple is done, serve immediately. It’s perfect on its own, over a scoop of vanilla ice cream, as a topping for yogurt, or paired with grilled meats for a savory-sweet side.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 100 kcal

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

How to Serve Air Fryer Pineapple

This Air Fryer Pineapple is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ways you can serve it:

As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or pork for a tropical twist on your meal.
With Ice Cream: Place it over vanilla or coconut ice cream for a decadent treat.
In a Salad: Add the pineapple chunks to a fresh salad with greens, avocado, and a light vinaigrette.
With Yogurt: Spoon the pineapple over Greek yogurt for a refreshing breakfast or snack.
With Coconut: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the pineapple for an extra tropical flavor.

Additional Tips

Use Firm Pineapple: Make sure your pineapple is firm and ripe to ensure it holds up well during the cooking process and doesn’t get too mushy.
Flavor Variations: Experiment with other spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a different flavor profile. You can also use maple syrup in place of honey for a different sweetness.
Storage: Store any leftover pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or enjoy cold.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?

A1: Fresh pineapple works best for this recipe because it holds its shape better and caramelizes nicely. Canned pineapple may become too soft and watery.

Q2: Can I make this recipe without cinnamon?

A2: Absolutely! If you prefer a more natural pineapple flavor, skip the cinnamon and try adding a little lime juice or vanilla extract for a twist.

Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A3: While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the pineapple and season it ahead of time, then store it in the fridge until you’re ready to air fry it.

Q4: How do I store leftover pineapple?

A4: Store any leftover pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it in the air fryer or enjoy cold.

Q5: Can I air fry other fruits in the same way?

A5: Yes! You can use the same method for fruits like peaches, apples, or pears. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fruit.

Q6: How do I make the pineapple extra caramelized?

A6: For an extra caramelized effect, drizzle more honey over the pineapple after cooking or increase the cooking time slightly for more browning.

Q7: Can I serve this with other toppings?

A7: Yes! Try serving it with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut for added texture and flavor.

Q8: Can I make this recipe without honey?

A8: Yes, you can omit the honey entirely or use a different sweetener like maple syrup or agave syrup if you prefer.

Q9: Can I cook this pineapple in the oven?

A9: Yes, you can! Simply arrange the pineapple slices on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q10: Can I use frozen pineapple?

A10: Fresh pineapple works best, but if using frozen pineapple, make sure to thaw and drain it well before air frying to avoid excess moisture.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Pineapple is a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious treat that will have you craving more with every bite. Whether you enjoy it as a snack, a topping, or a side dish, it’s the perfect way to bring tropical flavors to your plate without the hassle. Plus, the air fryer makes it fast and convenient! So, grab a fresh pineapple, fire up your air fryer, and treat yourself to this sweet, caramelized delight.