The first time I tried air fryer pineapple, I knew I’d discovered something truly special. That caramelized, golden-brown exterior with its natural sweetness intensified and the juiciest center made every bite unforgettable. It’s become one of those recipes I can’t stop making, especially when I want something quick, delicious, and a little different.
I love how incredibly simple it is. With just a few ingredients and the air fryer doing all the heavy lifting, this treat is ready in minutes. It’s perfect for those warm afternoons when you crave something light yet satisfying. And let’s be honest, there’s just something magical about the smell of pineapple caramelizing—it instantly puts me in a sunny mood.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or want a weeknight dessert without turning on the oven, air fryer pineapple never disappoints. Plus, it pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory dishes. I’ve even tossed leftovers into salads and tacos, and it’s been a hit every single time. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re seriously missing out.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Pineapple Recipe
Air fryer pineapple brings out the natural sugars in the fruit, giving you that sweet, slightly crisp edge while keeping the inside juicy and tender. It takes minimal prep and no mess, which means more flavor and less cleanup. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, vegan, and incredibly versatile. Serve it as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or as a savory side with grilled meats.
For more ideas to pair with this, check out my Easy Crock Pot Orange Chicken, or add it on the side of this crowd-pleaser Best Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Wings. This tropical upgrade will surprise your guests and satisfy your cravings.
How to Make Air Fryer Pineapple
Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple
Start by peeling the pineapple and cutting it into 1/2-inch thick rings or chunks. If using fresh pineapple, core it as well. You can also use canned pineapple slices for a quicker option, just be sure to drain them thoroughly.
Step 2: Season the Pineapple
In a bowl, toss the pineapple with a mixture of brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. If you want to add a little zing, a dash of lime juice or a pinch of chili powder can elevate the flavor. Let the slices sit for 5 minutes to absorb the seasoning.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Place the pineapple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges caramelize and turn golden brown.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
You can easily switch things up based on what you have on hand or what flavor profile you prefer. Instead of brown sugar, try using maple syrup or honey for a more natural sweetness. Coconut sugar adds a nice tropical depth, especially when paired with a sprinkle of shredded coconut.
Want a more savory version? Skip the sugar entirely and sprinkle on some sea salt and smoked paprika before air frying. If you enjoy heat, try cayenne pepper or chipotle powder for a smoky kick.
For added richness, drizzle a bit of melted butter or coconut oil over the pineapple before air frying. You can also try serving it with a dash of rum or over a scoop of dairy-free coconut ice cream for a tropical dessert twist.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Air fryer pineapple is incredibly flexible when it comes to serving. For a light dessert, I like to serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or frozen yogurt. The contrast between the hot caramelized fruit and cold creamy topping is irresistible. It also works beautifully in tropical sundaes with coconut flakes, toasted nuts, and a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.
If you’re looking to add it to a meal, try pairing it with grilled pork chops, teriyaki chicken, or even a smoky pulled pork sandwich. Its natural acidity and sweetness cut through the richness of savory meats perfectly. I’ve even added it to breakfast bowls alongside granola, Greek yogurt, and a drizzle of honey.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To store leftover air fryer pineapple, allow it to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it—just layer slices with parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
To reheat, pop the slices back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes or warm them in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the texture mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, canned pineapple works great! Just make sure to drain it well to avoid extra moisture during air frying.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating isn’t mandatory but it helps to get even caramelization on the pineapple. A quick 3-minute preheat makes a difference.
Can I make this without any added sugar?
Absolutely. Pineapple is naturally sweet, especially when ripe. You can air fry it plain or add a pinch of salt or spices instead of sugar.
What air fryer temperature is best for pineapple?
380°F (193°C) is the sweet spot—it gives you golden caramelized edges without burning the sugars.
Can I use this in savory dishes?
Yes! Air fryer pineapple pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, tacos, rice bowls, and even pizza if you like a sweet-savory balance.
Related Recipe You’ll Like
If you’re a fan of simple and bold flavors like this Air Fryer Pineapple, you’ll definitely enjoy some other fruit-forward and oven-friendly creations on the blog. For example, the Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler is the perfect southern-style dessert with a buttery golden crust and syrupy peach filling. Or try the Cherry Topped Coconut Macaroons for a tropical dessert that’s both chewy and crisp.
These sweet treats bring a similar sense of comfort and creativity into your kitchen, making them wonderful companions to the fruity goodness of roasted pineapple.
Save and Share This Recipe for Later
If this Air Fryer Pineapple made your mouth water, don’t forget to save it! Pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so you can find it easily next time you crave something sweet, fast, and tropical. Share it with your friends and family via Facebook, Instagram, or even text—trust me, they’ll thank you later. And if you do try it, tag me so I can see your delicious results!
Air Fryer Pineapple Recipe
This air fryer pineapple recipe delivers juicy, golden-brown caramelized fruit with just the right amount of sweetness and a slightly crisp edge. Perfect as a quick tropical dessert or a flavorful side to savory grilled dishes, this gluten-free and vegan-friendly recipe is ideal for summer gatherings, BBQs, or a healthy snack. Using fresh or canned pineapple and a few pantry ingredients, you'll have a mouthwatering treat in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple (or 1 can pineapple rings, drained)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lime juice or a pinch of chili powder
Instructions
- Peel and core the pineapple, then slice into 1/2-inch thick rings or chunks. If using canned pineapple, drain well.
- In a bowl, toss the pineapple with brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional lime juice or chili powder.
- Let the pineapple sit for 5 minutes to absorb the flavor.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Place pineapple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until edges are caramelized and golden.
- Serve warm or cooled, on its own or with your favorite dessert topping.
Notes
- You can substitute brown sugar with maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar.
- For a savory twist, skip the sugar and add sea salt, smoked paprika, or cayenne.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore texture.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.
