Air Fryer Caramelized Pineapple

Equipment

• Air Fryer (any size, but a 3-5 quart model is ideal)
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Basting brush (optional)
• Tongs

Ingredients

• 1 fresh pineapple (or a pre-cut pineapple spear pack, about 1 lb / 450g)
• 1-2 tbsp coconut sugar, brown sugar, or maple syrup (optional, but recommended for deeper caramelization)
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of sea salt
• Optional Flavor Boosters: A squeeze of fresh lime juice, a pinch of chili powder, or a dash of vanilla extract.
• For Serving (Optional): Greek yogurt, vanilla ice cream, chopped mint, toasted coconut flakes.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Pineapple (Time: 5 minutes | Intensity: Low)

1. Slice the Pineapple: If using a whole pineapple, slice off the top and bottom, stand it upright, and carefully cut away the skin. Cut the fruit into quarters, remove the core, and slice into 1/2-inch thick spears or rings.
2. Pat Dry: This is a crucial step. Use paper towels to pat the pineapple pieces completely dry. Surface moisture will steam the fruit instead of caramelizing it.
3. Season: In a small bowl, mix the sugar (if using), cinnamon, and sea salt. Lightly brush or rub the pineapple pieces with a little maple syrup (if using) to help the sugar stick, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over all sides of the fruit.

Step 2: The First Roast (Time: 6 minutes | Intensity: High)

1. Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Preheating is key for getting that immediate sear.
2. Arrange: Place the seasoned pineapple spears in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; work in batches if necessary. A little space between each piece allows the hot air to circulate.
3. Air Fry: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 6 minutes . This initial high-intensity blast starts the caramelization process and drives off excess moisture. Intensity Level: High.

Step 3: Flip & Finish (Time: 4-6 minutes | Intensity: Medium-High)

1. Flip: After 6 minutes, open the air fryer and carefully flip each pineapple piece using tongs. You should see a beautiful golden-brown color on the underside.
2. Continue Cooking: Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 4-6 minutes at 380°F (193°C) . This slightly lower intensity allows the heat to penetrate the fruit, softening it without burning the sugars. Intensity Level: Medium-High.
3. Check for Doneness: The pineapple is done when it’s tender, slightly translucent, and has a deep, caramelized exterior. The total cook time will vary based on the thickness of your pieces and your specific air fryer model.

Step 4: The Finish (Time: 1 minute | Intensity: Low)

1. Rest & Glaze: Remove the pineapple from the air fryer and transfer to a serving plate. Immediately squeeze a little fresh lime juice over the hot fruit if you’re using it—the acid will balance the sweetness and create a delicious glaze.
2. Serve: Serve immediately while warm. Enjoy it on its own, or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut and fresh mint.

Nutrition

Calories: 95 · Protein: 1g · Fat: 0.2g · Carbohydrates: 25g Dietary · Saturated Fat: 0g · Fiber: 2.5g · Sugar: and maple syrup. It does not include any · Sodium: 40mg