These Air Fryer Pineapples have the best texture and caramelized flavor! They are one of my favorite things to make when fresh pineapple is in season and an easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal effort. Serve these pineapple chunks with Greek yogurt as a snack or a scoop of ice cream for a next level delicious dessert!
As a dietitian with a sweet tooth, I've found that using my air fryer to make a delicious recipe out of my favorite fruits is a great way to satisfy my taste buds while also providing nutrients. And when I was growing up, my dad always grilled pineapple in the summertime and I remember it being something I looked forward to every year. I don't have a grill so I decided to try to air fry pineapple instead. I'm telling you, it is a fantastic treat that takes minimal cooking time and tastes very similar to using a grill.
This air-fried pineapple can be served as a great side dish to add sweet flavor to Shrimp Tacos, salmon bites, or other savory dishes. This caramelized pineapple could also be served as a healthier dessert option or with a squeeze of lime juice as a snack.
If you're looking for more air fryer recipes, try my Vanilla Air Fryer Peaches or Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples.
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Key Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
This Air Fryer Pineapple recipe is made with simple ingredients. Below are some ingredient notes. Check the recipe card at the bottom for ingredient measurements.
- Pineapple - pineapple is a popular tropical fruit and contains nutrients including vitamin C, antioxidants, and an enzyme called bromelain that may ease the digestion of meat. if it's available, I suggest using fresh pineapple and cutting it into smaller pieces. If you can find it already cut, that's even easier. You can use frozen pineapple, just be sure and adjust the cooking time to account for it. Pineapple contains
- Honey - a drizzle of honey is my favorite way to add a touch of extra sweetness and some antioxidants to fresh fruit. It also helps these pineapples caramelize! You can use maple syrup instead if you prefer.
- Vanilla Extract - just a bit of vanilla extract brings all the flavors together.
- Cinnamon - a little cinnamon adds warmth. Cinnamon is a good source of antioxidants so it can help with immune health.
How to Make Air Fryer Pineapples
Below are the instructions for how to make this easy recipe with some visuals that I hope are helpful! Don't forget to check out the recipe card at the bottom for the full recipe.
- Step 1: Using a sharp kitchen knife, cut your pineapple into about 2-inch pieces. In a large bowl, toss the diced pineapple with the honey, vanilla, and cinnamon until it is fully coated.
- Step 2: Place the pineapple in the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry at 400℉ (200°C) for 12-14 minutes, shaking halfway through. Be sure to watch them closely since cooking times will vary depending on your air-fryer. The pineapples are done when they are a golden brown color.
Hint: to save time, buy pre-cut pineapple slices!
Dietitian Tip
Fresh fruit is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth - especially in the summertime when pineapples, berries, and stone fruits are in season! But eating fruit by itself can be boring. Make it more fun and elevate your fruit game with recipes like this one!😊
Variations
The best part about this air fryer pineapple recipe is you can customize it to your liking. Below are some suggestions for variations, but feel free to get creative and put your spin on it.
- Spicy - add some Tajin or chili powder and a squeeze of fresh lime for a spicy twist.
- Various Shapes - instead of cubes, do air fryer pineapple rings! You can use fresh pineapple or canned pineapple rings for this. If using canned, be sure to look for ones with no sugar added.
- Deluxe - enhance the sweetness of the pineapple even more with a bit of light brown sugar on top of the pineapple slices!
Equipment
You'll need an air fryer for this recipe. I have a COSORI TurboBlaze 6.0-Quart Air Fryer which is perfect for recipes like these air-fried pineapples or air fryer salmon bites! To get one of your own, visit cosori.com and use my discount code "MALLORYB10" and get 10% off at checkout!
Storage for Air Fryer Pineapples
- Refrigerator - store leftover pineapple in an airtight container (sealed container) for up to 2-3 days. Reheat on low in the air fryer, in the oven, or in the microwave.
How to Serve Air Fryer Pineapples
You can eat these Air Fryer Pineapples by themselves (I totally do)! But there are many different ways to serve them. The best way to eat them is the way you enjoy them. Here are some of my favorites:
- Breakfast - elevate a warm bowl of oatmeal by topping it with this juicy pineapple air fryer recipe. They are also the perfect addition on top of protein pancakes.
- As a wholesome and delicious snack - warm sweet pineapple is excellent with plain Greek yogurt or in a Skyr Bowl topped with walnuts, slivered almonds, or hemp seeds.
- Easy Dessert - add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the pineapples and finish with an extra drizzle of honey and cinnamon for a special occasion.
- Savory - the sweetness of these pineapples pair nicely as an easy side dish or served on top of shrimp tacos or in a salmon bowl.
Expert Tips
- Be sure to cut the pineapple into similarly sized pieces so that it cooks evenly.
- Flip the pineapples halfway through cooking for an even caramelization.
- For easier clean-up, line your air-fryer with parchment paper or an air-fryer liner.
- Be sure to place the pineapple in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do 2 batches.
FAQ
While healthy means something different to everyone, these are a nutrient-rich option. Pineapples are a good source of dietary fiber to support gut health. They also contain antioxidants and other nutrients including potassium and Vitamin C. This recipe is also gluten-free and dairy-free.
Absolutely! Air frying takes less time. But if you don't have an air fryer, follow the same recipe and place the pineapples on a parchment-lined baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray in the oven at 400℉ (200°C) for 30-40 minutes until they are browned and pierced easily with a fork.
For sure! You may need to cook them for a few extra minutes if you use frozen pineapples.
There are several ways to cut a pineapple, so choose what works best for you. One way is to place your cutting board on a flat surface then turn the pineapple on its side and use a sharp knife to cut the crown and the bottom of the pineapple off. Place the pineapple upright and cut off the outer skin, being careful not to cut off too much of the flesh of the fruit. After that, you can cut the flesh of the fruit into four quarters. There is a core in the center of the pineapple. You can use a pineapple corer to cut out the middle or cut the core out of the 4 quarters once you've sliced it. Then you'll cut those quarters into smaller pieces!
According to the Foundation for Fresh Produce, choosing a ripe pineapple is easy. Choose one that has dark green leaves and feels heavy for its size. Avoid dark spots or dry-looking leaves.
Related
Looking for other dietitian recipes like this? Try these:
Perfect for Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Air Fryer Pineapples:
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! I would love to hear from you! If you made this recipe, please leave me a review below or tag me in a photo or story on Instagram. Your reviews help support me and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you know and love. 🙂 IG: @mallorythedietitian
📖 Recipe
Caramelized Air Fryer Pineapples, Easy & Healthy
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups pineapple slices
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Using a sharp kitchen knife, cut your pineapple into about 2-inch pieces.
- In a large bowl, toss the diced pineapple with the honey, vanilla, and cinnamon until it is fully coated.
- Place the pineapple in the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry at 400℉ (200°C) for 12-14 minutes, shaking halfway through. Be sure to watch them closely since cooking times will vary depending on your air-fryer. The pineapples are done when they are a golden brown color.
Notes
- Be sure to cut the pineapple into similarly sized pieces so that it cooks evenly.
- Flip the pineapples halfway through cooking for an even caramelization.
- For easier clean-up, line your air-fryer with parchment paper or an air-fryer liner.
- Be sure to place the pineapple in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do 2 batches.
- Refrigerator - store leftover pineapple in an airtight container (sealed container) for up to 2-3 days. Reheat on low in the air fryer, in the oven, or in the microwave.
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