Name: Air Fryer Pineapple Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Fresh Pineapple: 1 pineapple cut into cubes, spears or rings (about 4 cups of cut pineapple) Light Brown Sugar Mixture: 2 – 4 tablespoons (25 – 50 g) light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

If you’ve ever dreamed of grilled, caramel-glazed pineapple but don’t want to fire up the grill, you’re about to fall in love with this Air Fryer Pineapple Recipe. Imagine fresh pineapple spears or rings coated with sweet brown sugar and a hint of cinnamon, all sizzling in the air fryer until irresistibly golden and caramelized. It’s the kind of dessert (or breakfast, or snack!) that feels instantly bright and tropical—and comes together so quickly, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner.

Air Fryer Pineapple Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Air Fryer Pineapple Recipe is in its simplicity—just a few ingredients, each selected to maximize natural sweetness and create the ultimate caramelized bite. Here’s how each one works its magic in the recipe:

Pineapple: Opt for a ripe, fresh pineapple for the juiciest, most flavorful result—you can cut it into cubes, spears, or rings depending on your mood.
Light Brown Sugar: This gives that signature caramel taste and golden color as it melts onto the pineapple, enhancing its natural sweetness.
Ground Cinnamon: A touch of warm spice brightens each bite, making the whole kitchen smell incredible as the pineapple cooks.

How to Make Air Fryer Pineapple Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pineapple

Begin by selecting a ripe pineapple—look for one that feels heavy for its size and has a sweet scent at the base. Slice off the top and bottom, stand it upright, and trim off the spiky peel. Next, cut the pineapple into your preferred shapes: cubes, spears, or classic rings all work beautifully. Just be sure to keep the pieces even in size to ensure uniform caramelization.

Step 2: Toss with Sugar and Cinnamon

Place your cut pineapple pieces into a big mixing bowl. Sprinkle over the light brown sugar and the ground cinnamon, and then gently toss everything together. Don’t be shy—make sure every piece gets a little brown sugar-cinnamon love! The mixture will cling to the pineapple, creating a sticky-sweet coating that caramelizes perfectly in the air fryer.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, lightly coat the basket or tray with a spritz of non-stick cooking spray. This little step helps keep your pineapple from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze—plus it helps that sugar coating crisp up as the pineapple cooks.

Step 4: Air Fry to Caramelized Perfection

Arrange the coated pineapple in a single layer in your air fryer basket or tray. Don’t overcrowd—the air needs to circulate! Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, then give each piece a little flip for even caramelization. Pop the basket back in and finish with another 6 to 8 minutes of air frying, adjusting just a bit according to your preferred level of golden brown goodness.

Step 5: Cool Slightly and Serve

Once your pineapple is gloriously golden and fragrant, let it cool for just a few minutes so it’s warm but not scorching. The sugars will have created a luscious glaze over the fruit, ready for serving any way you love—on its own, or with a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat!

How to Serve Air Fryer Pineapple Recipe

Garnishes

Try a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, a few chopped fresh mint leaves, or a light dusting of extra cinnamon. If you’re feeling decadent, a drizzle of honey or a quick swirl of whipped cream will amplify that dessert factor. Remember, part of the fun is making this Air Fryer Pineapple Recipe your own!

Side Dishes

This sweet treat plays well with both breakfast and dessert spreads. Pair it with a stack of fluffy pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a sunny brunch. Or, if you’re serving after dinner, plate alongside cold vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or a wedge of pound cake—the caramel notes and tart pineapple light up every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Air Fryer Pineapple Recipe into a showstopper by threading pieces onto skewers for a playful presentation, or layering with berries and yogurt in festive parfait glasses. You can even chop the caramelized pineapple and use as a topping for overnight oats or smoothie bowls. Go ahead, get creative—the presentation is part of the experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover caramelized pineapple (lucky you!), transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. This Air Fryer Pineapple Recipe keeps beautifully for 4 to 5 days—enjoy it cold straight from the fridge for a quick and delicious treat, or bring it back to life with a gentle reheat.

Freezing

For longer storage, place fully cooled pineapple pieces on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. The pieces do well frozen for up to two months, and you can enjoy them in smoothies or thaw for future desserts—though their texture becomes softer after freezing, the taste stays fantastic.

Reheating

To recapture that just-cooked magic, microwave leftovers for 20 to 30 seconds until gently warmed. If you want to restore a bit more of the original caramelized exterior, pop the pineapple back in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes at 350°F. It’ll taste as if it’s just been made!

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Canned pineapple works really well in this recipe—just be aware that canned pineapple is often softer than fresh, so it will need less time in the air fryer. Check it after about 8 to 10 minutes to keep it from getting too mushy.

What’s the best way to cut pineapple for this recipe?

The choice is yours! You can cut the pineapple into rings, spears, or bite-sized chunks. Just be sure the pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking, and always remove the tough core if you prefer an extra-tender result.

Does this Air Fryer Pineapple Recipe make a healthy dessert?

Yes, it’s a naturally sweet treat—with just a dusting of sugar and cinnamon, it’s far lighter than many desserts. Plus, you’re getting lots of vitamin C and fiber from the pineapple itself. It’s a guilt-free indulgence you’ll want to make often!

Why did my pineapple come out mushy?

Mushy pineapple can result from overcooking or overcrowding the air fryer basket. Make sure pieces are spaced out and watch the cooking time, especially if you’re using extra-juicy or canned pineapple, which cooks faster than fresh.

Can I double the recipe for a party?

You sure can! If you’re making a bigger batch, just work in batches to avoid crowding your air fryer. Keeping the pieces in a single layer ensures each one caramelizes beautifully—no soggy pineapple here.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Pineapple Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who loves the zing of fresh pineapple and the irresistible pull of caramelized desserts. It’s fast, impossibly easy, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and let your air fryer transport you straight to the tropics, one golden bite at a time!