The smell of pineapple always takes me back to summer vacations. My family would pile into our old station wagon, and no trip was complete without a cooler full of juicy pineapple chunks. Now, I’ve found a way to recreate that summery bliss year-round with this incredibly easy air fryer pineapple recipe.
It’s amazing how a little heat can transform a simple fruit into a caramelized, flavor-packed treat. It’s become my go-to dessert when I’m craving something sweet but want to keep it healthy. The air fryer makes it so quick and easy, it’s almost too good to be true!
Why you’ll love this Air Fryer Pineapple
- It’s incredibly easy and quick! You can have delicious, caramelized pineapple ready in under 15 minutes.
- This air fryer pineapple recipe uses minimal ingredients. You probably already have everything you need in your pantry.
- The air fryer creates a wonderfully caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
- It’s a healthier dessert option that satisfies your sweet tooth without being overly heavy.
- Air fryer pineapple is incredibly versatile – enjoy it as a snack, dessert, or even as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
- The hint of cinnamon adds a warm and comforting flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the pineapple.
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil (or butter)
- Optional: Honey or maple syrup for drizzling
- Optional: Vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream for serving
Directions
Step 1
Air fryer pineapple makes every moment feel sunny. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the pineapple will caramelize properly, giving it that perfect golden-brown color.
Step 2
In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple chunks, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted coconut oil. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Make sure each piece is coated for best flavor.
Step 3
Place the pineapple chunks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket for even cooking. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Step 4
Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pineapple is tender and caramelized. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. The sugars can caramelize quickly!
Step 5
Remove the air fryer pineapple from the basket and let it cool slightly. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup if desired. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream for an extra treat.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Want to kick things up a notch? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pineapple mixture for a spicy-sweet flavor. A little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and adjust to your liking.
Another delicious variation is to add a sprinkle of shredded coconut to the pineapple before air frying. This adds a lovely texture and a subtle coconut flavor that complements the pineapple beautifully. You could also use different spices like nutmeg or ginger instead of cinnamon, depending on your preference.
If you’re looking for a boozy twist (using permissible ingredients, of course!), try marinating the pineapple in a little pineapple juice and a splash of alcohol-free apple juice extract before air frying. This will infuse the pineapple with a rich, tropical flavor.
Pairings
Air fryer pineapple is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of other dishes. Try serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a tropical-inspired meal.
It’s also a wonderful addition to yogurt or oatmeal. The warm, caramelized pineapple adds sweetness and flavor to a healthy breakfast or snack. If you’re looking for a fun and festive beverage to pair with your pineapple, check out this Grinch punch recipe from Cook Reel – it’s a sweet and tangy treat. The juicy chunks complement creamy desserts perfectly, just like in my air fryer pineapple recipe.
For a truly indulgent dessert, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream. The combination of warm pineapple and cold ice cream is simply irresistible.
Serving ideas
For a simple yet elegant presentation, arrange the air fryer pineapple chunks on a platter and drizzle with honey or maple syrup. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.
You can also skewer the pineapple chunks and grill them for a fun and interactive dessert. Serve with a dipping sauce made from coconut yogurt and lime juice. For another fun twist, you can check out more delicious recipe ideas at Cook Reel, including this butterscotch pie recipe that’s sure to impress right here.
If you’re serving the pineapple as part of a larger meal, consider using it as a topping for burgers or tacos. The sweet and tangy flavor adds a unique twist to savory dishes. Alternatively, create a deconstructed dessert bar with the air fryer pineapple, ice cream, whipped cream, and various toppings so everyone can customize their own treat.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Leftover air fryer pineapple can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pineapple may become a bit softer over time, but it will still be delicious.
To reheat, simply pop it back into the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave it for a quicker option, but be careful not to overcook it.
While freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture, you can add leftover air fryer pineapple to smoothies for a tropical flavor boost.
Make-ahead
You can peel, core, and cut the pineapple into chunks ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. This will save you time when you’re ready to make the air fryer pineapple.
You can also mix the pineapple chunks with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and coconut oil in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more.
When you’re ready to air fry, simply transfer the pineapple mixture to the air fryer basket and cook as directed. This is a great option for meal prepping or for when you’re short on time.
Common mistakes when making Air Fryer Pineapple
- Overcrowding the air fryer basket: This can prevent the pineapple from cooking evenly and caramelizing properly. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each piece has enough space.
- Not flipping the pineapple: Flipping the pineapple halfway through cooking ensures that both sides are evenly caramelized. Don’t skip this step!
- Overcooking the pineapple: Overcooking can make the pineapple dry and tough. Keep a close eye on it and remove it from the air fryer as soon as it’s tender and caramelized.
- Forgetting to preheat the air fryer: Preheating the air fryer is essential for achieving the best results. It helps the pineapple to caramelize quickly and evenly.
- Not using enough sweetener: If you prefer a sweeter pineapple, feel free to add a little more brown sugar or drizzle with honey or maple syrup after cooking.
Final notes
This air fryer pineapple is a simple yet satisfying dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s quick, easy, and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great option for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and toppings to customize it to your liking. And remember, the key to perfectly caramelized pineapple is to preheat your air fryer and avoid overcrowding the basket.
So go ahead, give this recipe a try and enjoy the taste of summer all year round! You’ll be amazed at how delicious and easy it is to make.
Loved this Air Fryer Pineapple? Try these next
- Grinch Punch Recipe
- Butterscotch Pie Recipe
- Easy Chocolate Cake
- Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
- Homemade Lemonade
Air Fryer Pineapple
This air fryer pineapple recipe creates caramelized, juicy pineapple chunks with a hint of cinnamon. It’s a simple and healthy dessert or snack ready in minutes!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil (or butter)
- Optional: Honey or maple syrup for drizzling
- Optional: Vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the pineapple will caramelize properly.
- In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple chunks, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted coconut oil. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Make sure each piece is coated for best flavor.
- Place the pineapple chunks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket for even cooking. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pineapple is tender and caramelized. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Remove the air fryer pineapple from the basket and let it cool slightly. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup if desired. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream for an extra treat.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave. You can also grill the pineapple on an outdoor grill for a similar smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg