Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple is a sweet treat that’s super easy to make! Just slice fresh pineapple, sprinkle with a little cinnamon or sugar, and pop it in the air fryer.
This juicy dessert caramelizes beautifully, making it even more delicious. I love to serve it with a scoop of ice cream. Trust me, you’ll want to make this often! 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: A ripe pineapple is key for this recipe. Look for fruit with a sweet smell at the base. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple rings can work too; just make sure to drain them well.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and a lovely caramel flavor when grilled. If you’re out, try using white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses—about one tablespoon of molasses to a cup of white sugar will do the trick!
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon enhances the sweetness of the pineapple. If you want a different flavor, nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice can be a nice alternative.
Vanilla Extract: While optional, it adds depth to the dish. Almond extract could be used as a substitute for a different twist!
How Do I Make Sure My Pineapple is Caramelized Perfectly?
Caramelizing pineapple is all about cooking it until the sugars form a nice golden exterior. Follow these tips to get that perfect caramelization:
- Use freshly prepared pineapple chunks for the best texture and flavor.
- Ensure your air fryer is preheated to 375°F (190°C) for an even cook.
- Shake the basket halfway through to allow both sides of the pineapple to caramelize evenly.
- Keep an eye on the time; depending on your air fryer, it may take a few minutes more or less than 8-10 minutes.
How to Make Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into bite-sized chunks
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe takes about 15 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 5 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 8-10 minutes air frying the pineapple. It’s a quick and delightful treat that’s perfect for any time of day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is important as it helps get that lovely caramelization on the pineapple!
2. Prepare the Sugar Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. If you like, add the vanilla extract for an extra flavor boost. Stir it all together until mixed well.
3. Coat the Pineapple:
Add your pineapple chunks to the bowl with the sugar mixture. Toss them gently to make sure all the pieces are evenly coated in that sweet cinnamon goodness.
4. Grease the Air Fryer Basket:
Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray or wipe it with a bit of oil. This will help prevent the pineapple from sticking and make cleanup easier!
5. Arrange the Pineapple in the Basket:
Place the coated pineapple chunks into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure there’s a little space between each piece so that they cook evenly.
6. Air Fry the Pineapple:
Now it’s time to cook! Air fry the pineapple for about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure all sides get that golden-brown caramelization.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, carefully remove the grilled pineapple from the air fryer and let it cool for a minute. Serve it warm as a delicious dessert, a delightful topping for ice cream, or enjoy it as a sweet side dish. Yum!
Can I Use Other Types of Sugar for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While brown sugar adds a nice depth of flavor, you can substitute it with granulated sugar, coconut sugar, or even honey. If using honey, reduce the amount slightly since it’s sweeter, and consider adding a tiny bit of cornstarch to help with the caramelization.
What If I Don’t Have an Air Fryer?
No worries! You can grill the pineapple on a traditional grill or in a grill pan on the stovetop. Just follow the same seasoning steps, then cook the chunks over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until caramelized and grill marks appear.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold, or reheat it in the microwave for about 15-30 seconds or back in the air fryer for a quick warm-up!
Can I Add Other Spices or Flavors?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative—adding a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or even a splash of rum can enhance the flavor wonderfully. You can also try using fresh herbs, like mint, for a refreshing twist!
