Air Fryer Pineapple

Ingredients

• 1 fresh pineapple , peeled, cored, and sliced into ½-inch thick wedges or rings
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt (optional, to balance sweetness)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple

1. Begin with a ripe pineapple. A good one will smell sweet at the base and feel slightly soft when pressed. Slice off the crown and base, stand the fruit upright, and cut away the skin in downward strips. Remove any remaining “eyes” with the tip of your knife. Cut the pineapple into ½-inch thick slices or wedges. If you prefer rings, core each slice with a small round cutter or knife. Aim for uniform thickness so the pieces cook evenly .

Step 2: Make the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon until smooth. The mixture should smell warm and inviting. If your maple syrup is cold from the refrigerator, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes so it combines more easily with the butter.

Step 3: Coat the Pineapple

1. Place the pineapple slices in a large mixing bowl and pour the butter mixture over them. Toss gently with your hands or a spatula until every piece is glossy and well coated. Let the fruit sit for a minute or two while you preheat the air fryer—this brief rest allows the glaze to cling rather than pool at the bottom of the basket.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and preheat for 3 to 5 minutes . Preheating is not strictly mandatory, but it helps the pineapple begin caramelizing immediately, producing a better texture and color . If your model does not have a preheat function, simply run it empty for a few minutes.

Step 5: Arrange and Air Fry

1. Place the coated pineapple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd them—if the pieces overlap, they will steam rather than caramelize. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in two batches. Set the temperature to 380°F and cook for 12 to 15 minutes , flipping each slice halfway through the cooking time with tongs . The pineapple is ready when the edges are deeply golden, slightly crisp, and the surface looks sticky and caramelized.

Step 6: Serve Warm

1. Remove the pineapple from the basket and let it cool for just a minute or two. Serve it warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the grooves of each slice, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a lighter finish. A sprinkle of flaky salt or toasted coconut is a lovely final touch.

Nutrition

Calories: 192 kcal · Protein: 1 g · Fat: 6 g · Carbohydrates: 37 g Dietary · Saturated Fat: 4 g · Fiber: 3 g · Sugar: 28 g · Sodium: 48 mg