This air fryer grilled pineapple is sweet, juicy, and super easy to make! Just slice up some fresh pineapple, season it a bit, and let the air fryer do its magic.
There’s something so fun about the caramelized edges that come from air frying. I often serve it as a dessert or on top of ice cream—talk about a tasty treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is essential for that juicy, sweet flavor. If it’s not in season or available, you can use canned pineapple, but make sure to drain it well.
Brown Sugar: This adds a lovely caramel flavor. If you’re looking for a substitute, coconut sugar or even honey can work. Just remember, honey is liquid, so you might need to adjust other liquids slightly.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon gives a wonderful warmth. If you’re out, nutmeg or pumpkin spice can also add a unique twist.
Butter: Adding melted butter can enhance richness. You can leave it out for a lighter snack or use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Salt: Just a pinch helps to balance the sweetness! Sea salt or kosher salt works well.
How Can I Get My Pineapple Perfectly Grilled in an Air Fryer?
The air fryer gives you that grilled flavor without having to fire up the grill. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Make sure to cut the pineapple into uniform chunks. This helps them cook evenly.
- Preheating the air fryer to 375°F is important. This gets the air circulating before the pineapple goes in, leading to even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Keep the pineapple in a single layer to allow the heat to circulate around each piece for that perfect caramelization.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This redistributes the pieces for even browning.
- Air fry until golden and caramelized (about 10-12 minutes). Keep an eye on it; cooking times can vary by air fryer model.
Let it cool slightly before enjoying for the best experience!
How to Make Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional for richness)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 5 minutes for prep and around 12 minutes for cooking—so you’ll have delicious grilled pineapple ready in about 17 minutes. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is important to ensure your pineapple gets that perfect caramelized finish.
2. Prepare the Pineapple:
In a large bowl, mix the pineapple chunks with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, melted butter (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt. Use your hands or a spoon to toss everything together until the pineapple pieces are nicely coated in the sweet mixture.
3. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Take the coated pineapple chunks and place them in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded; this helps them cook evenly and become wonderfully caramelized.
4. Air Fry the Pineapple:
Air fry the pineapple for about 10-12 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket gently to turn the pineapple pieces for even cooking. You’ll know they are ready when they are golden and caramelized.
5. Cool and Serve:
Once done, take the pineapple out of the air fryer and let it cool for a few moments. It’s warm and sweet, perfect for enjoying on its own, as a tasty snack, or as a topping for yogurt or grilled meats. Enjoy!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple instead of Fresh Pineapple?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to drain the canned pineapple well to remove excess liquid. You might want to reduce the cooking time slightly since canned pineapple is already soft. Air fry for about 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
What Spices Can I Substitute for Cinnamon?
If you don’t have cinnamon, you can use nutmeg, allspice, or even a dash of ginger for a different flavor profile! Just remember to use them in moderation, as they can have stronger flavors than cinnamon.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold, or reheat it in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to bring back that caramelized texture!
Can I Add Other Flavors to the Pineapple?
Absolutely! Consider adding a splash of vanilla extract, a sprinkle of chili powder for some heat, or even some lime or orange zest for a citrusy kick. Mix and match to find your favorite flavor combinations!
