Air Fryer Caramelized Pineapple

Air fryer caramelized pineapple makes a sticky-sweet dessert that is perfect for summer, especially when paired with ice cream and lime zest. The air fried pineapple rings are delicious and easy to make!

I love grilling fruit in my air fryer. It's just so easy, and the air fryer helps bring out the natural sweetness of fruit.

Even though I love adding a bit more sweetness, you don't have to if you don't have a sweet tooth!

I've been making air fryer bananas since last summer, and now I'll be making air fried pineapple rings all this summer! It's such a delicious dessert that is the perfect way to use fresh pineapple.

My favorite way to eat the air fryer pineapple is topped with some vanilla bean ice cream and fresh lime zest. However, there are so many options!

This air fryer pineapple recipe tastes just like grilled pineapple slices, but without having to use an actual bbq.

Why make pineapple in the air fryer?

• It's quick and easy and uses just a few ingredients.
• The pineapple comes out nicely caramelized.
• Perfect for dessert or an easy snack.
• It's always fun to use the air fryer!

Ingredients to make air fried pineapple rings

• Pineapple - I sliced mine into rings, but you can do half rings or smaller pieces if that's easier.
• Light brown sugar - This adds that little extra sweetness.
• Cinnamon - The cinnamon adds just that extra touch of spice.
• Ice cream or whipped creawm (optional)
• Lime zest (optional, but very recommended)

How do you core a pineapple?

Coring a whole pineapple is easiest if you have a corer that can do most of the work for you!

However, if you wish to slice it up yourself, you cut off the top with the leaves, then cut down the sides, removing the outer skin of the pineapple.

At that point, it's best to cut into slices or chunks, and then remove the core as you go, not worrying about perfect rings. The recipe will still taste just as delicious.

Equipment

Air Fryer - This is an air fryer recipe, so you'll need an air fryer to make it! I have this Cosori air fryer. Still in the market for an air fryer and not sure which one to get? Check out this blog post on 5 things to consider before buying an air fryer.

Knife - If you're cutting up your own pineapple, a large, sharp knife will be necessary to slice and cut the pineapple. (Or just to chop off the top part and then use a corer for the rest).

Pineapple corer - If you are cutting up your own pineapple and want a smooth center, a pineapple corer will help you get that!

Air fryer parchment paper (optional) - If you want to keep your air fryer cleaner, you may want to use air fryer-specific liners (these have a variety of sizes to fit any air fryer). These have holes in them that fit your air fryer. I use them for my air fryer I use whenever I'm cooking something messy.

Don't have air fryer parchment paper and your basket is dirty? Here's the best way to clean your air fryer basket.

How to serve

• As is! Air fryer pineapple is delicious and sweet, and can be enjoyed right out of the air fryer as a fantastic treat.
• As shown, the pineapple rings are delicious served warm with a scoop of ice cream and some fresh lime zest to create a dessert fit for a special occasion.
• Topped with whipped cream (or whipped coconut cream) for tropical vibes!
• Popped into a smoothie or a milkshake. The roasted, perfectly caramelized pineapple adds so much flavor.
• Blended to create a flavorful and sweet sauce for chicken or shrimp.
• Cut into smaller pieces and eaten on top of oatmeal.

How to store air fryer caramelized pineapple?

The leftover air fryer pineapple rings can be frozen (once cooled) or stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days.

Recipe tips

• All air fryers cook differently and cooking time can vary depending on your air fryer and thickness of the pineapple rings. Check frequently to see if your pineapple rings are done yet. They should be a nice golden brown.
• Make sure to cook the pineapple rings in a single layer and don't crowd.
• While it can be tempting to put a lot of brown sugar/cinnamon on the pineapple slices, roasted pineapple is also naturally sweet. A sprinkling of the mixture works better than putting on too much.
• If possible, try to cut all pineapple slices the same thickness so they cook evenly.
• To make this recipe really easy, buy pre-sliced, pre-cored pineapple. That can be pricier though, so it is more economical to slice a pineapple yourself.

Other air fryer recipes to try

• Air Fryer Dijon Salmon
• Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples
• Air Fryer Peaches
• Air Fryer Banana
• Air Fryer Squash
• Air Fryer Cherry Tomatoes
• Air Fryer Croutons

Try more air fryer fruit recipes.

How to make air fried caramelized pineapple rings

Take your brown sugar and cinnamon and mix together in a bowl.

Slice and core the pineapple if needed, and cut into rings (or whatever size you prefer). Lay on parchment paper or a cutting board.

Preheat your air fryer at 400 F for 5 minutes. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture lightly on one side of the pineapple rings.

Place pineapple rings gently in the air fryer basket. Cook for 7-8 minutes at 380 F, then flip and sprinkle a little more sugar mixture on the other side and cook again for 7-8 minutes.

Yum.

Let cool slightly, then remove the air fried pineapple rings from the air fryer and eat as desired.

I love stacking mine up and serving with some vanilla ice cream and lime zest.

So, so good. Dessert of the summer that requires minimal effort for maximum taste.

More dessert recipes

• Funfetti cake mix cookie bars
• Chess bars
• Air fryer cinnamon apples
• Air fryer peaches
• Dutch apple pie
• Air fryer biscuit donuts