This Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple is a sweet treat that combines fresh pineapple slices with a little caramelization. It’s quick, easy, and gives you that warm, delicious flavor without the grill hassle!
You can serve it as a dessert or with grilled meats for a fun twist. Just watch out—it’s so good, you might want to keep it all to yourself! 🍍😄
I love making this when I have friends over. Just slice, sprinkle some cinnamon or brown sugar, and pop it in the air fryer—cheers to easy and tasty snacks!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is best for this recipe since it has great sweetness and juiciness. If fresh isn’t available, you can try canned pineapple, but make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a lovely caramel flavor. If you’re out, you can use white sugar, but you might miss some of that deep richness. A hint of molasses (about 1 teaspoon) mixed with white sugar can mimic brown sugar.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon enhances the tropical flavor of pineapple. If you want a different spice kick, try nutmeg or even a bit of cardamom. Just a small amount can make a big difference!
Vanilla Extract: This is optional, but adds a nice aroma. You may also use almond extract for something different, but use less, as it’s stronger in flavor.
Melted Butter: The butter gives richness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can skip it, or use coconut oil for a tropical twist.
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Caramelized Grilled Pineapple in the Air Fryer?
Caramelizing pineapple in the air fryer is a quick and easy method! Follow these steps for the best results:
- Preheat the air fryer! This helps the pineapple caramelize evenly right away.
- Toss pineapple cubes gently in the sugar mixture until they are evenly coated. This ensures every piece gets that sweet flavor.
- Arrange the pineapple in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding. If the air fryer is too full, the pieces won’t caramelize properly.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This helps all sides get that lovely golden color.
Let the pineapple cool briefly after air frying to enhance its flavors before enjoying. It’s delicious warm over yogurt or on its own!
Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 medium pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled pineapple recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a sweet and caramelized treat ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Coating:
In a large bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Make sure to stir well so that all the dry ingredients are combined nicely. This sweet mixture is what will give your pineapple a tasty caramelized finish!
2. Coat the Pineapple:
Add the bite-sized pineapple cubes to the bowl with the sugar mixture. Gently toss the pineapple cubes until they are well coated. This step is important to ensure every piece gets that sweet flavor.
3. Add Optional Ingredients:
If you’d like an extra burst of flavor, drizzle the melted butter and vanilla extract over the coated pineapple cubes. Toss them again to combine everything evenly. This will help to add richness and enhance the sweetness of the pineapple.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps to get that perfect caramelization on your pineapple.
5. Air Fry the Pineapple:
Carefully place the coated pineapple cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you have a smaller air fryer, you might need to do this in batches. Air fry the pineapple for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once the pineapple is golden brown and beautifully caramelized, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Let the grilled pineapple cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm on its own, or use it as a delicious topping for yogurt or ice cream!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple chunks if you’re short on time! Just make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent proper caramelization. You might also want to skip the added sugar since canned pineapple is usually sweeter than fresh.
Is There a Substitute for Brown Sugar?
Absolutely! You can use white granulated sugar, but for a hint of caramel flavor, consider using coconut sugar or a mixture of white sugar and a little molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses per cup of sugar). Just mix well before coating the pineapple cubes!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy them cold, or reheat them briefly in the air fryer for a delicious warm treat again!
Can I Add Other Spices or Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile. You can also add toppings like shredded coconut or chopped nuts after air frying for added texture and taste!
