Easy Air Fryer Pineapple

Popping pineapple slices in the air fryer takes regular fruit and turns it into a super tasty treat. The heat really amps up that sweet, juicy flavor, giving you golden-brown edges with a little crunch outside and nice soft fruit inside. Cinnamon and brown sugar melt into a warm coat of caramel. Every bite is crazy good—especially when you drop a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Hot fruit with cold ice cream? Pure awesome.

I first tried this because I was craving grilled pineapple in the summer but didn’t want to mess with the grill outside. I was actually surprised how much the air-fried version tasted just like grilled, but way easier. Now my family asks for this all the time since it satisfies their sweet tooth without being heavy. The melted ice cream mixing with warm pineapple? That’s the best part!

Irresistible Ingredients

• Vanilla ice cream: Scoop it on while the fruit’s still hot and you get the best melt and creamy bite ever.
• Cooking spray or oil: Helps stop sticking and makes those sugary bits caramelize nice and even. Coconut oil is great if you want an extra hit of tropical flavor.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy spiced kick that goes really well with sweet pineapple, balancing out the tang.
• Light brown sugar: Makes sure you get those deep caramel flavors and blends perfectly with the fruit’s sweetness.
• Fresh pineapple rings: Go for a ripe one that feels a little soft and smells sweet at the bottom for max flavor and texture.

Easy Directions

Pineapple Prep:

If you’re working with a fresh pineapple, slice off the top and bottom. Peel it, then cut into rings about half an inch wide. Pop out the tough core in the middle (use a small cutter or knife). Canned rings? Just drain them real good and gently blot dry to help them brown up.

Making the Sweet Topping:

Mix cinnamon with brown sugar in a small bowl—make sure it’s blended smooth for coating the fruit evenly. Stick to about a tablespoon sugar and half a teaspoon cinnamon for every four rings.

Get the Air Fryer Ready:

Make sure your air fryer’s clean and crank it up to 400°F ahead of time. Letting it get hot first is important, so the outside of your pineapple turns golden quick and those sugars bubble up to caramel.

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I can’t get enough of experimenting with pineapple in my kitchen. Ever since discovering it works this well in the air fryer, I use it everywhere. My grandma used to make grilled pineapple with her legendary Easter ham, and this version brings back all those memories and creates new ones with my kids. They used to avoid fruit desserts, but now they gobble up this caramelized pineapple and even ask for it instead of cookies sometimes.

Tasty Twists

This basic air fryer pineapple is just the start—let your imagination go wild. Add chili powder or a little cayenne to your cinnamon-sugar for a spicy sweet hit that’s awesome with cold ice cream. If you’re making it for grown-ups, brush a splash of dark rum over the fruit before dusting with sugar, then let it sizzle. Coconut lovers? Stick some unsweetened coconut flakes onto the sugared pineapple slices so they toast right in the fryer for extra crunch.

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It never gets old seeing such simple kitchen staples turn out this awesome. This air fryer pineapple shows that you don’t need fancy gear or weird ingredients to wow your friends. When I set out a plate of this for visitors, nobody believes it was so easy to pull off. The caramelized brown sugar and snuggly cinnamon with the tropical fruit make it taste like a chef’s secret, even though it barely takes any work. We have it after dinner or even for special breakfasts—it’s a true all-star in my house.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Definitely — canned pineapple rings work fine! Pat them dry first and drain them well. You might need a little less cook time since they're already soft.

→ How do I know when the pineapple is done cooking?

It’s ready when you poke it with a fork and it’s soft, and the sugar’s turned into a golden, sticky coating. Crispy bits on the edge? Even better.

→ Can I make this recipe without sugar?

Sure can. Pineapple gets sweet on its own once cooked. You could leave out sugar or swap in a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if you want.

→ What can I serve with air fryer pineapple?

All by itself is great, but try it with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream, a spoon of Greek yogurt, or sprinkle coconut on top. Also awesome on cereal or pancakes.

→ How should I store leftover air-fried pineapple?

Pop leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge — they’ll last about three days. Reheat in the air fryer a couple minutes to crisp them back up.

→ Can I add other spices besides cinnamon?

Oh yeah! Add a bit of cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger if you want. Lime zest with coconut sugar gives it a fun, tropical kick.