Introduction

Enjoy the sweet and smoky flavor of caramelized pineapple made effortlessly in your air fryer. This simple recipe brings out the fruit’s natural sugars with a touch of cinnamon and brown sugar, perfect as a dessert or a refreshing snack.

A close-up view of a stack of five grilled pineapple rings, each ring showing a golden-yellow color with a caramelized brown crust around the edges, giving a slightly crispy and textured look. The layers are neatly stacked on a white plate, with the juicy and fibrous texture of the pineapple visible in each ring. The background is a white marbled texture that contrasts with the warm tones of the pineapple slices. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

5 slices pineapple
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
lime zest (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Core your pineapple and slice into rings about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 2: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F for 5 minutes.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together.
Step 4: Place pineapple slices in the air fryer basket and sprinkle lightly with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Save some for the other side.
Step 5: Cook the pineapple at 380 degrees F for 7-8 minutes on the first side, then carefully flip the slices.
Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining sugar mixture on the other side and cook for an additional 7-8 minutes.
Step 7: Remove from the air fryer, plate the pineapple, and serve. Add lime zest or pair with ice cream for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

Try adding a pinch of chili powder for a spicy kick alongside the sweetness.
Use fresh or canned pineapple rings, but fresh will caramelize better.
Serve warm pineapple over yogurt or oatmeal for a tasty breakfast boost.

Storage

Store leftover caramelized pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or microwave before serving to maintain texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A stack of four golden brown, slightly crispy pineapple rings form the base of the dish, each ring showing caramelized edges and juicy texture. On top of the pineapple stack sits one large scoop of creamy white ice cream with visible small vanilla bean specks, slightly melting over the top pineapple layer. Bright green lime zest is sprinkled over the ice cream and a little around the base on the white plate, adding a fresh pop of color to the warm tones below. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pineapple for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat the slices dry to prevent excess moisture, which can affect caramelization and crispiness.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, all ingredients are plant-based. Just ensure your brown sugar is certified vegan if that is important to you.

Air Fryer Caramelized Pineapple Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 70 reviews

This Air Fryer Caramelized Pineapple recipe transforms fresh pineapple slices into a sweet and slightly spiced treat with a caramelized finish, perfect as a healthy dessert or a flavorful topping for ice cream and other dishes. Using an air fryer ensures a quick and even caramelization without the mess of traditional pan cooking.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-16 minutes
Total Time: 25-26 minutes
Yield: 5 servings (1 slice each) 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

5 slices fresh pineapple, about 1/4 inch thick
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Lime zest (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Prepare Pineapple: Core your fresh pineapple and slice into rings about 1/4 inch thick to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes to prepare for cooking the pineapple slices evenly.
Mix Sugar and Cinnamon: Combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl to create the caramelizing spice mixture.
Coat Pineapple: Place the pineapple slices in the air fryer basket. Sprinkle lightly with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on one side, reserving some for the other side and possibly leftover for additional sprinkling.
Cook First Side: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and cook the pineapple slices for 7-8 minutes on one side until caramelized and golden.
Flip and Cook Second Side: Carefully flip the pineapple slices, sprinkle the remaining sugar mixture, and cook for another 7-8 minutes to caramelize the second side evenly.
Serve: Remove the pineapple from the air fryer. Serve warm with a sprinkle of lime zest if desired. These caramelized slices pair wonderfully with ice cream or as a sweet snack.

Notes

Ensure pineapple slices are evenly cut to promote uniform caramelization.
Adjust cooking time slightly based on your specific air fryer model and the thickness of the pineapple slices.
Lime zest adds a bright citrus contrast but is optional.
Leftover caramelized pineapple can be refrigerated and enjoyed within 2-3 days.

Keywords: air fryer dessert, caramelized pineapple, healthy dessert, quick pineapple recipe, easy air fryer recipes