Air Fryer Pineapple
This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
My air fryer pineapple recipe features thick pineapple slices air fried in brown sugar, butter, and warm spices until they’re caramelized and golden brown. We love to serve them over ice cream or yogurt for a healthy sweet treat!
My new favorite way to enjoy pineapple
After perfecting my air fryer apples, I’ve set out to recreate the flavor of freshly baked pineapple…using an air fryer, of course. The result? Tender, golden, and lightly spiced pineapple slices that elevate any dessert or dish.
I’ve tested making this with all kinds of pineapple- I prefer fresh pineapple when it’s in season, but of course, frozen or canned pineapple work in a pinch. While there is brown sugar and butter in this recipe, it’s surprisingly little, and you could easily modify this recipe to make it even healthier.
We love serving it over vanilla ice cream, chopping it into fruit salad, or pairing it with savory dishes (it’s especially good with ham steaks). My toddler’s favorite? Mashed into yogurt.
Key ingredients
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
- Pineapple. You’ll need eight slices in total. If using a whole pineapple, make sure to remove the core. It’s safe to eat, but it’s very tough and not sweet.
- Brown sugar. To make caramelized pineapple. I used light brown sugar so it didn’t overpower the natural sweetness of the pineapple. I also tested pure maple syrup, and while the flavor was good, I found the texture too soft.
- Melted butter. I used unsalted butter, so there’s no chance of the pineapple being salty.
- Spices. I used a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, and cardamom.
How to make air fryer pineapple
Step 1- Prep. Preheat the air fryer. In a large bowl, toss together the pineapple with the remaining ingredients.
Step 2- Air fry. Place the rings in the air fryer basket and air fry until they’re fork-tender.
Step 3- Serve. Serve the pineapple rings warm as desired.
Recipe tips and variations
- Air fry in a single layer. I find that if there’s too much overlapping, some pineapple pieces don’t get evenly cooked. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may want to air fry in batches.
- Don’t use air fryer liners. Or parchment paper or tin foil. I tried all of them, and unfortunately, it made the pineapple soggy. I know it’s an extra step to clean, but it is worth it.
- Canned pineapple tip! I tested using pineapple canned in its juices and also in syrup. DO NOT use the syrup. Oh my word, it was way too sweet, and it burned the edges instead of caramelizing them.
- Using frozen pineapple? Don’t bother thawing it first. Just add an extra 1-2 minutes of air frying time.
- Pineapple chunks work. But you’ll want to decrease the cooking time. The smaller the pineapple, the faster it’ll cook. I suggest 4 minutes, and then checking every minute until done.
- Swap the sugar. Try my sugar-free brown sugar.
Frequently asked questions
Besides using it as a topping for yogurt or ice cream, I love it with pork or Mexican recipes. Some of our tried-and-true favorites include Air fryer pork chops, smoked ham, chicken al pastor, and pineapple chicken.
Warm the pineapple in a pan over medium-low heat or microwave for 30 to 45 seconds. I don’t recommend warming it in the air fryer, as it will be too muchy (as it softens once cooled).
Storage instructions
To store: Let the pineapple cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
To freeze: Transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 3 months.
If you tried this Air Fryer Pineapple recipe, please leave a star rating and comment. It helps others thinking of making this.
Air Fryer Pineapple
Ingredients
- 8 slices pineapple about one pound
- 2 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine the pineapple with sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom.
- Place the pineapple rings in an air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 7 minutes.
- Remove the pineapple from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Notes
- Leftovers: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
- Frozen pineapple: Increase the air frying time by two minutes.
- Canned pineapple: Please use pineapple in juices, NOT syrup.
I love your quick and easy recipes. I especially like your low carb and two and three ingredients healthy “indulgence” recipes.
This pineapple recipe sounds amazing, can’t wait to try it.