Name: Easy Air Fryer Caramelized Pineapple Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491003H25M20S
Total time: PT-491003H25M20S
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 pineapple, cut into cubes, spears, or rings (about 4 cups of cut pineapple); 2 – 4 tablespoons (25 – 50 g) light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 56 reviews

If you’re craving something sweet, juicy, and bursting with tropical flavor, you’re going to fall in love with this Easy Air Fryer Caramelized Pineapple Recipe. It transforms fresh pineapple into golden, caramelized perfection with just a few simple ingredients and a little help from your air fryer. The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon adds a warm, delicious depth that pairs beautifully with pineapple’s natural tartness. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, a unique snack, or a flavorful side, this recipe is a total game-changer for pineapple lovers and air fryer fans alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view shows three white bowls on a white marbled surface, each holding a different ingredient. The largest bowl at the top right is filled with bright yellow, cubed fresh pineapple pieces that have a juicy, slightly rough texture. Below it to the left is a medium white bowl full of light brown sugar with a grainy, soft texture, heaped neatly. At the bottom right is a small clear glass bowl containing a mound of reddish-brown ground cinnamon powder, smooth and finely textured. The composition is clean and simple, emphasizing the natural colors and textures of each ingredient. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients for this Easy Air Fryer Caramelized Pineapple Recipe is refreshingly simple. Each component plays a vital role: the pineapple provides juicy sweetness and texture, brown sugar lends that irresistible caramelized crust, and cinnamon brings a hint of warm spice to brighten every bite.

Fresh pineapple (about 4 cups cut): Choose ripe but firm pineapple for the best balance of sweetness and texture.
Light brown sugar (2 – 4 tablespoons): This sugar melts and caramelizes beautifully, adding depth without overpowering.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Just the right amount to enhance the pineapple’s natural flavors with a cozy warmth.

How to Make Easy Air Fryer Caramelized Pineapple Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pineapple

Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, slice, core, and cut your pineapple into even-sized chunks, spears, or rings. Uniform pieces are key to ensuring every bite cooks evenly and gets beautifully caramelized.

Step 2: Toss Pineapple with Sugar and Cinnamon

Next, place your pineapple pieces into a bowl and sprinkle the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon over them. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly until every piece is coated in that sweet, spiced mixture. This coating will melt and create the signature caramel glaze during air frying.

Step 3: Air Fry the Pineapple

Lightly spray your air fryer basket or tray with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the pineapple in a single layer and air fry for 6 to 8 minutes. Then carefully remove the basket, flip each piece for even caramelization, and return it to the air fryer for another 6 to 8 minutes. Depending on thickness and your desired caramelization level, the total cook time is between 12 and 16 minutes.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Once your pineapple is gloriously golden and caramelized, allow it to cool slightly just until warm. Now it’s ready to be served as is or topped with your favorite extras like ice cream or whipped cream. These caramelized bites are sure to please any palate!

How to Serve Easy Air Fryer Caramelized Pineapple Recipe

The image shows four steps of making a dish with pineapple pieces. In the first part, yellow pineapple chunks are in a clear glass bowl with brown sugar and cinnamon sprinkled on top. The second part shows the pineapple pieces in a black air fryer basket, starting to cook, with a light browning. The third part shows the pineapple more cooked, golden brown, and caramelized inside the same air fryer basket placed on a wire rack. The last part shows a white bowl with caramelized pineapple pieces sitting on white marbled surface, mixed in creamy white yogurt with some cinnamon, and a metal spoon resting in the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or chopped fresh mint adds a vibrant contrast to the sweet, caramelized pineapple. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a luscious balance of warm and cold, perfect for dessert lovers.

Side Dishes

This Easy Air Fryer Caramelized Pineapple Recipe shines alongside grilled chicken, pork chops, or even a tropical salad. The juicy, sweet elements can brighten up savory meals and bring a fresh twist to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the caramelized pineapple over a stack of fluffy pancakes or waffles to elevate your breakfast or brunch game. Alternatively, use the pineapple as a topping for homemade yogurt parfaits or blend some into smoothies for an extra burst of caramelized sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any unused caramelized pineapple into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days. It keeps well and maintains its flavor, making it easy to enjoy as a quick snack or dessert later on.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover caramelized pineapple, but keep in mind that the texture may become softer once thawed. Place the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag.

Reheating

For the best flavor and texture, reheat your caramelized pineapple gently in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or pop it back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes. This helps revive its warm, caramelized goodness without overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Since canned pineapple is softer and already slightly sweet, reduce the air frying time to about 8 to 10 minutes to avoid overcooking and mushiness.

What if I don’t have ground cinnamon?

You can skip the cinnamon or replace it with a pinch of nutmeg or allspice. While cinnamon enhances the flavor wonderfully, the caramelized pineapple will still be delicious without it.

Is it necessary to flip the pineapple pieces during air frying?

Flipping ensures even caramelization on all sides. Without turning, you might end up with one side cooked more deeply than the other, which could affect texture and flavor.

Can I use frozen pineapple for this recipe?

Frozen pineapple can be used but it’s best to thaw and drain it thoroughly first. Frozen pineapple has a higher water content, so cooking time may vary and the caramelization might be less crisp.

How sweet is the final caramelized pineapple?

The sweetness can be adjusted by varying the brown sugar amount from 2 to 4 tablespoons based on your preference. It strikes a perfect balance of tropical sweetness and warm caramel notes without being overpowering.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Air Fryer Caramelized Pineapple Recipe is a wonderful shortcut to enjoying tropical sweetness with a luscious caramel twist. Whether it’s a quick dessert or a fun addition to your meals, the simplicity and incredible flavor make it a recipe worth keeping close. Give it a try next time you want to impress without the fuss — your taste buds will thank you!