This air fryer grilled pineapple is sweet, juicy, and super easy to make! The hot air brings out the natural sugars, giving it a delicious caramelized flavor.
I love throwing this on top of pancakes or adding it to a summer salad. It’s like a mini tropical vacation on your plate! 🍍✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is the star here. Look for a ripe one with a sweet smell and a slight give when pressed. If fresh isn’t available, canned pineapple packed in juice (not syrup) can work, but the texture might vary.
Brown Sugar: This adds a rich sweetness and helps achieve that caramelized look. If you’re out of brown sugar, simple granulated sugar mixed with a bit of molasses can substitute well. You can also try coconut sugar for a different flavor.
Cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the fruit’s natural sweetness. If you’re not a cinnamon fan, nutmeg or cardamom can be good alternatives. Just use a smaller amount, as they can be more potent.
Coconut Oil/Melted Butter: I love using coconut oil for a tropical vibe, but melted butter works great too. If you want to keep it dairy-free, stick with the coconut oil or use another neutral oil like canola.
Vanilla Extract: This is optional but adds a lovely depth. If you’re avoiding vanilla, you could enhance the flavor with a splash of orange juice or a bit of maple syrup instead.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor From the Pineapple?
Coating the pineapple chunks well is key to getting flavorful, caramelized pieces. Start by making sure they’re evenly coated with your mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and oil or butter. This helps the sugars melt and caramelize nicely.
- When air frying, spread the pineapple in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding for optimal air circulation.
- Don’t skip the shaking step halfway! This helps with even cooking, so every piece gets that beautiful golden color.
Letting them cool slightly before serving helps the caramelization set a little more, making every bite delicious!
Delicious Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into bite-sized chunks
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or melted butter
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty grilled pineapple takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. So in total, you’re looking at around 20 minutes from start to finish. Quick and super easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This will help ensure that your grilled pineapple cooks evenly and gets beautifully caramelized.
2. Prepare the Pineapple Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the pineapple chunks with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, coconut oil (or melted butter), and a pinch of salt. If you’re feeling a little extra, add the vanilla extract for a lovely flavor boost. Mix it all together until the pineapple is evenly coated with the sweet goodness.
3. Air Fry the Pineapple:
Now it’s time to cook! Place the coated pineapple chunks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you have a small air fryer, you might need to do this in batches so they cook evenly.
4. Cooking Time:
Air fry the pineapple for about 10-12 minutes. Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through to make sure every piece gets that perfect golden brown color. You’ll know they’re done when they look beautifully caramelized!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re out, let the grilled pineapple cool for just a minute. Serve it warm as a delightful dessert, a scrumptious topping for yogurt or ice cream, or alongside grilled meats. Enjoy every bite of this tropical treat!
Can I Use Fresh or Frozen Pineapple?
Fresh pineapple is best for this recipe because it caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer. If using frozen pineapple, thaw it first and drain excess moisture to avoid sogginess, though it may not caramelize as well as fresh.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses for every cup of white sugar) to mimic that rich flavor, or simply use regular white sugar for a sweeter taste without the caramel notes.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s great cold in a fruit salad or warmed up in the air fryer for a few minutes if you want that grilled flavor again!
Can I Add Other Spices or Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger for added warmth, or even add a splash of rum for a tropical twist. Just keep the quantities balanced so they don’t overpower the pineapple flavor.
