This Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple is a sweet and tasty treat that’s super easy to make! Just slice fresh pineapple, toss it in a bit of brown sugar, and air fry until it’s caramelized.
Honestly, it smells amazing while cooking! I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top—it’s the perfect summer dessert that will impress your friends, too! 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Fresh, ripe pineapple is essential for sweetness and juiciness. If fresh isn’t available, you can use canned pineapple chunks. Just make sure to drain them well to avoid excess liquid.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient adds depth and richness. If you run low, you can substitute with white sugar or coconut sugar, which will also give a nice caramel flavor.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice. If you’re in the mood for a twist, try using nutmeg or cardamom instead. They each bring their unique flavors.
Vanilla Extract: This optional ingredient enhances the overall sweetness and aroma. If you don’t have vanilla extract, a splash of maple syrup can work in its place.
Olive Oil: Using olive oil helps the sugar caramelize beautifully. However, you can skip it for a lighter option, or use melted coconut oil for a tropical vibe.
How Do I Ensure Even Cooking in the Air Fryer?
Getting perfectly grilled pineapple involves a bit of care, especially in an air fryer. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Always preheat your air fryer. This ensures that the cooking starts right when you add the pineapple.
- Toss the pineapple pieces gently in the glaze to coat them evenly—this way, they cook consistently.
- Arrange the pineapple in a single layer in the basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, so if you have a lot, batch it out.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking to promote even browning on all sides.
How to Make Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. In total, you’ll need around 15-20 minutes to enjoy this sweet grilled treat! Perfect for a quick dessert or a flavorful side.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This should only take about 5 minutes and is important for getting that nice grilled effect on your pineapple.
2. Make the Glaze:
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. If you want to add a little extra flavor, stir in the vanilla extract and olive oil. This will create a tasty glaze for the pineapple pieces.
3. Coat the Pineapple:
Add the bite-sized pineapple pieces to the bowl with the glaze. Toss them gently until all the pieces are nicely coated with that wonderful sugar mixture. You want every piece to get a taste of that sweet goodness!
4. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Place the glazed pineapple pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Try not to overcrowd them to ensure they cook evenly. If you have too much pineapple, you can do this in batches.
5. Air Fry the Pineapple:
Now, air fry the pineapple for about 10-12 minutes. Make sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking to help them grill evenly. You’ll know it’s done when the pineapple turns golden and caramelized!
6. Cool and Serve:
Carefully remove the cooked pineapple from the air fryer and let it cool slightly. Then, it’s ready to serve warm! Enjoy it as a dessert on its own or use it as a delicious topping for yogurt or ice cream. Yum!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh Pineapple?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple, but I recommend draining it well first to remove excess liquid. Since canned pineapple is softer than fresh, reduce the cooking time to about 8-10 minutes to prevent it from becoming mushy.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
To lighten up the recipe, you can omit the brown sugar and use a sugar substitute or cut down on the amount used. Additionally, you can skip the olive oil; the natural sugars in the pineapple will still caramelize beautifully in the air fryer!
What Should I Do If I Have Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold, or reheat it in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to warm it up again.
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Other fruits like peaches, bananas, or apples work well too. Just adjust the cooking time, as some fruits may require less time in the air fryer. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking!
