If you’re looking for a quick and delicious treat that’s both healthy and satisfying, this Easy Air Fryer Pineapple recipe is perfect. The air fryer caramelizes the pineapple slices beautifully, enhancing their natural sweetness, while the cinnamon and sugar glaze adds a delightful touch of warmth. Whether you enjoy it as a snack or a dessert topping, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
- Pineapple: 1 whole
- Fresh pineapple is best for this recipe, but you can also use pre-cut pineapple if you’re short on time.
- Unsalted butter, melted: 2 tablespoons
- Adds richness and helps the sugar and cinnamon adhere to the pineapple.
- Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the pineapple.
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon
- Adds a warm, spicy flavor that complements the sweetness of the fruit.
- Pinch of salt (optional):
- Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Directions:
1. Prep the Pineapple:
Begin by washing, peeling, and coring the pineapple. Cut the pineapple into 1/4-inch thick slices, and then cut those slices into wedges or bite-sized pieces. This size ensures even cooking and allows the glaze to coat each piece thoroughly.
2. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and an optional pinch of salt. The glaze should be smooth and well-combined.
3. Coat the Pineapple:
Place the pineapple pieces in a large bowl and pour the glaze over them. Toss the pineapple until each piece is evenly coated with the buttery, sugary glaze. This step ensures that the pineapple caramelizes nicely in the air fryer.
4. Preheat and Air Fry:
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 2-3 minutes. Once preheated, arrange the glazed pineapple pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other. If you have a lot of pineapple, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent even cooking.
5. Cook and Serve:
Air fry the pineapple for 8-12 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. The pineapple is ready when the edges are slightly golden and caramelized. Serve the pineapple warm, either on its own or with your favorite dessert toppings.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8-12 minutes
- Total Time: 18-22 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 100 kcal per serving
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Pineapple:
- Serving Suggestions: For an indulgent treat, serve your air-fried pineapple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts. The contrast between the warm pineapple and cold ice cream is divine.
- Adjusting Flavors: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and sugar to suit your taste. If you prefer a less sweet option, reduce the sugar slightly, or for more spice, add a touch more cinnamon.
Conclusion:
This Easy Air Fryer Pineapple recipe is a quick and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a simple snack, a healthy dessert, or a fun way to use up extra pineapple, this recipe delivers. With minimal prep and cooking time, it’s a hassle-free way to enjoy the tropical flavors of pineapple with a sweet, caramelized twist.