Easy Air Fryer Caramelized Pineapples + Video

Name: Easy Air Fryer Caramelized Pineapples
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Ingredients: 2.5 cups pineapple chunks (freshly cut from a pineapple (see post above on how to cut the pineapple)); 1 tablespoon butter (melted); 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Can you air fry pineapple? Absolutely! And you’ll be glad you did. This delectable Air Fryer Caramelized Pineapple recipe is perfect for a quick dessert or side dish and is extremely delicious!

Like air fryer fruit recipes? Try my Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas next!

Caramelized pineapples with browned edges on a light gray plate. — Air Fryer Caramelized Pineapples

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Recipe Video:

Why You Will Love This Recipe:

This pineapple air fryer dessert is simple yet bursting with flavor! You’ll love how each bite is caramelly and juicy! It also works great as a side dish to chicken or pork.
Make these scrumptious pineapples for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. You will love how the delicious aroma fills the house. My family loves this recipe!
This is a fuss free dessert with only 5 ingredients and just 15 minutes or less of cook time.

Caramelized pineapples on a black air fryer tray.

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Q&A:

Does turning a pineapple upside down make it sweeter?

Removing the top of the pineapple and turning it upside down for at least 30 minutes allows for the juice at the bottom of the pineapple to distribute to the top of the pineapple. This is the best way to get an evenly juicy pineapple. Try it, it really works!

Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?

While using fresh pineapple will yield the best results, canned pineapple can be used. Use pineapple chucks or rings, fully drained and patted dry. Do not use crushed pineapples or the tidbits.

Can I use pineapple rings for this recipe?

Pineapple rings can be used for this recipe. I recommend that you use a basting brush to apply the brown sugar mixture instead of tossing it in a bowel to avoid breaking the rings.

Can frozen pineapple be used for this recipe?

I don’t recommend using frozen pineapple for this recipe.

More Air Fryer Side Dishes To Try Next:

What To Serve With Air Fryer Pineapple?

These pineapple chunks can be eaten as a dessert or side dish. Try topping with some whipped cream, vanilla ice cream or chocolate syrup. These also go great with air fryer pork chops, air fryer brown sugar chicken thighs, ham, or even on top of cottage cheese.

Caramelized pineapples being topped with whipped cream on a light gray plate next to a whole pineapple.

How To Cut A Pineapple:

Step 1: Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple.

A whole pineapple laying on its side while the top and bottom are being cut off with a silver knife on a wood cutting board.

Step 2: Slice off the pineapple skin. Remove any remaining brown eyes.

The skin and brown eyes of a pineapple being cut off with a silver knife on a wood cutting board.

Step 3: Slice the pineapple in half lengthwise into two pieces.

A whole pineapple with the top, bottom, sides, and brown eyes removed being cut in half lengthwise with a silver knife on a wood cutting board.

Step 4: Cut the two pieces in half lengthwise to make 4 pieces.

Two lengthwise cut pineapple halves being cut lengthwise again with a silver knife on a wood cutting board to make four long pieces.

Step 5: Cut the core out.

The core of a pineapple being cut off of four lengthwise cut pieces of pineapple with a silver knife on a wood cutting board.

Step 6: Slice the 4 pieces of pineapple in half lengthwise to make 8 pieces.

Four lengthwise cut pieces of pineapple being cut in half lengthwise again with a silver knife on a wood cutting board to make eight long pieces of pineapple.

Step 7: Slice the 8 pieces into 1 inch pineapple chunks.

Long pineapple pieces being cut into one-inch chunks with a silver knife on a wood cutting board.

Equipment Needed:

Air Fryer

Ingredients:

Pineapple - Fresh pineapple works best for this recipe. If you need to know how to cut a pineapple, see my instructions above. Canned pineapple chucks or rings can be used if that’s what you have on hand. If using canned pineapple, be sure to fully drain the liquid off and pat dry with a paper towel.
Melted Butter - Adds extra flavor and richness. I used unsalted butter.
Brown Sugar - Adds a rich caramel flavor. You can omit if you prefer to use just maple syrup.
Maple Syrup - Use pure maple syrup.
Vanilla Extract - Vanilla pairs so well with pineapple and rounds out all the other flavors.

Air Fryer Instructions:

1. To a large bowl, add the brown sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until well blended.

Brown sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract added to a silver bowl and stirred until well blended.

2. Add the pineapple chucks to the bowl and gently toss until the pineapple chucks are well coated.

Pineapple chunks added to a silver bowl with a brown sugar mixture and tossed until well coated.

3. Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit.

Black air fryer panel with a silver dial being set to 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes.

4. Once the air fryer is ready, add the pineapple chucks to the air fryer in a single layer and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until caramelized with slightly browned edges.

Pineapple chunks added to a black air fryer basket and cooked until caramelized with slightly browned edges.

5. Once done, remove the pineapple chunks from the air fryer, let cool, then enjoy!

Caramelized pineapples on a light gray plate next to a whole pineapple.

Recipe Variations And Substitutions:

Cinnamon Pineapple In The Air Fryer- Try adding a half teaspoon of cinnamon to this recipe for a cinnamon flavor.
Air Fryer Pineapple with Honey - Honey can be substituted for maple syrup.
Air Fryer Canned Pineapple - I recommend using fresh pineapple, but fully drained canned pineapple chucks or rings can be used.

Storage And Reheating Instructions:

Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To reheat, preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and heat for 2 minutes until warm. These pineapples can also be enjoyed cold. I prefer to heat them up so that the butter can melt. You can also reheat these in the microwave for 15 seconds at a time until warm.

Pro Tips:

For the best results use a fresh pineapple. See my post above if you need instructions for cutting the pineapple into chunks.
Cook the pineapples in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the air fryer.
A large pineapple yields about 4 cups of pineapple chunks. You will need 2 and a half cups of pineapple chunks for this recipe, and you can store the rest in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
The air fryer I used was the Instant Vortex Plus 6 quart. Since all air fryers are different, you will need to adjust the cook time based on the air fryer you are using.