Easy Air Fryer Pineapple

Easy Air Fryer Pineapple is a quick and simple way to enjoy the natural sweetness of pineapple with a caramelized, slightly smoky twist. Slices of fresh pineapple are brushed with a bit of honey and cinnamon, then air-fried to golden perfection. The result is a perfectly tender and juicy pineapple with crisp, slightly caramelized edges that bring out its natural sweetness.

The first time I made this, I was looking for a quick, healthy dessert or snack, and it turned out to be both simple and incredibly delicious! The air fryer does a fantastic job of concentrating the pineapple’s natural sugars, while the cinnamon and honey add just the right amount of warmth and sweetness. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can add a sprinkle of chili powder for a spicy kick or drizzle it with chocolate or coconut for an extra indulgent treat. Easy Air Fryer Pineapple is the perfect light dessert, snack, or side dish for any meal!

Perfect for:

Quick desserts
Healthy snacks
Summer gatherings
BBQs
Pineapple lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Easy Air Fryer Pineapple will become your go-to treat:

Naturally Sweet: The natural sweetness of pineapple is enhanced by air frying, making it an irresistible treat.
Quick and Easy: Prepare this dessert in less than 20 minutes, making it perfect for a fast snack or last-minute gathering.
Caramelized Perfection: The air fryer caramelizes the pineapple, bringing out its natural sugars for a delicious golden crust.
Healthy Dessert: No added sugars or fats make this a guilt-free indulgence.
Burst of Flavor: The pineapple’s tangy sweetness is complemented by a slight smokiness from the air fryer.
Versatile Topping: You can enjoy it plain or top it with whipped cream, cinnamon, or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor.
No Oven Required: Skip the traditional oven and use your air fryer for a quicker, more efficient result.
Kid-Friendly: A fun and healthy snack that kids will love, especially during the summer months.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is easy to prepare in batches and can be stored for a quick snack later.
Low-Calorie: Enjoy a sweet, refreshing dessert with fewer calories compared to traditional fried or baked treats.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 80-100 calories
Key Nutrients: Carbs: 22g, Fiber: 2g, Fat: 0g

Ingredients

For the Air Fried Pineapple:

1 ripe pineapple, peeled and cut into rings or wedges
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Fresh Pineapple: Naturally sweet and juicy, this fruit is packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
Honey: Adds a light sweetness to complement the pineapple without overpowering it.
Cinnamon: Optional, but it adds a warm, cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with pineapple.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pineapple:

Prepare Pineapple: Peel and slice the pineapple into rings or wedges, removing the core.
Optional Coating: Drizzle honey over the pineapple slices, then sprinkle with cinnamon for extra flavor if desired.

Air Fry the Pineapple:

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
Arrange Pineapple in Air Fryer: Place the pineapple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overlapping.
Air Fry: Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pineapple is golden and caramelized.

Serve:

Serve Warm: Enjoy the air-fried pineapple warm, either on its own or with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Easy Air Fryer Pineapple:

As a Light Dessert: Serve as a refreshing, healthy dessert after a meal.
With Whipped Cream: Top with a light dollop of whipped cream for added richness.
On Pancakes or Waffles: Use as a topping for your morning pancakes or waffles for a tropical twist.
With Vanilla Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet and creamy contrast.
With Yogurt: Top with Greek yogurt and granola for a breakfast or snack option.
For BBQs: Serve as a sweet, savory side dish to accompany grilled meats.
With Coconut Cream: For a tropical touch, drizzle with coconut cream or serve alongside coconut yogurt.
In Smoothies: Blend air-fried pineapple with coconut milk and ice for a refreshing smoothie.
As a Snack: Enjoy it as a quick, healthy snack to curb your sweet tooth.
With Cinnamon Sugar: For a decadent treat, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before serving.

Additional Tips

Choose ripe pineapples – Look for pineapples with a golden color and a sweet smell to ensure the best flavor.
Cut into even pieces – Ensure the pineapple pieces are similar in size for even cooking.
Experiment with seasoning – Add cinnamon, chili powder, or a drizzle of honey for a fun flavor twist.
Avoid overcrowding the basket – Place pineapple in a single layer to allow for proper air circulation and crispiness.
Brush with oil for extra crispiness – Lightly coat the pineapple with a bit of oil for a golden, crispy exterior.
Add a sprinkle of brown sugar – For a caramelized effect, sprinkle a little brown sugar on the pineapple before cooking.
Use parchment paper – Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Adjust time based on thickness – Thicker pineapple slices may need a bit more time in the air fryer.
Flip halfway through cooking – Turn the pineapple pieces halfway to ensure even cooking on all sides.
Serve with ice cream or yogurt – For a delicious dessert, serve the air-fried pineapple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Recipe Variations

Grilled Pineapple: If you don’t have an air fryer, grill the pineapple slices for a smoky, charred flavor.
Spicy Pineapple: Add a sprinkle of chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick to balance the sweetness.
Pineapple with Coconut: Top the air-fried pineapple with toasted coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.
Maple Syrup Pineapple: Swap honey for maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Baked Pineapple: Bake in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes if you prefer a more traditional approach.

Special Equipment

Air Fryer – The primary tool for cooking the pineapple, ensuring it gets a perfectly crispy exterior while remaining juicy inside.
Tongs – For safely flipping the pineapple slices halfway through cooking in the air fryer.
Basting Brush – To apply honey or glaze evenly on the pineapple before air frying.
Pineapple Corer – Helps remove the core from the pineapple for easier slicing.
Knife – For slicing the pineapple into rings or wedges.
Cutting Board – A stable surface to slice the pineapple with ease.
Bowl – For mixing any spices or glaze to coat the pineapple.
Spray Bottle (for oil) – For lightly spraying the pineapple slices with oil to help them crisp up in the air fryer.
Parchment Paper Liners – To prevent the pineapple from sticking to the air fryer basket and for easy cleanup.
Measuring Spoons – For accurately measuring spices or sweeteners to coat the pineapple.

FAQ Section

Can I use canned pineapple?
Fresh pineapple works best for this recipe, but canned pineapple can be used if drained thoroughly.
How long does air-fried pineapple last?
Store leftover pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze air-fried pineapple?
Yes, freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw before serving or reheating.
Can I add other fruits?
Yes, you can air fry other fruits like peaches or mangoes for similar results.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is already vegan as it uses only pineapple, with optional honey or syrup as sweeteners.
Can I use other spices?
Yes, nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom can add a unique twist to the flavor.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep leftover air-fried pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Air-fried pineapple is best served fresh, but you can prepare it a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge.
Can I air fry frozen pineapple?
Yes, but frozen pineapple may release more liquid. Adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.
Can I add a glaze on top?
A simple honey or maple syrup glaze can be brushed on after air frying for extra sweetness.

Conclusion

Easy Air Fryer Pineapple is a simple yet delicious way to bring out the natural sweetness and caramelization of fresh pineapple. The air fryer gives the pineapple a slightly crispy, golden exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. With just a sprinkle of cinnamon, brown sugar, or a drizzle of honey, the pineapple becomes a sweet, tropical treat that’s perfect as a snack, dessert, or even a topping for salads and yogurt.

This recipe is quick to make, and the air fryer makes it easy to cook without needing to turn on the oven or grill. The caramelized edges give each bite a delightful sweetness, while the juicy pineapple adds a refreshing and tropical flavor.

I can’t wait to see how your Easy Air Fryer Pineapple turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!