This air fryer grilled pineapple is a sweet and juicy treat that’s super easy to make! Just sprinkle some brown sugar and cinnamon, then let the air fryer do its magic.
Trust me, the caramelized edges will have you coming back for seconds. I love serving it with vanilla ice cream—perfect together! 🍍🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is key for this recipe. It’s sweet and juicy, making it perfect for grilling. If you’re looking for something different, you can try using canned pineapple chunks, but make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Brown Sugar: This gives the pineapple a lovely caramel flavor. You can substitute with coconut sugar or even regular white sugar if that’s what you have on hand. Both will work, but brown sugar adds a slightly deeper flavor.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth to the sweetness of the pineapple. If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, you could use nutmeg or vanilla extract for a different twist. Try to adjust according to your taste!
Coconut Oil: It helps the sugar and cinnamon stick and adds a nice flavor. If you need a substitute, any neutral oil like vegetable oil or even butter works well too. If you’re using a non-stick spray, just make sure to coat it evenly.
Honey or Maple Syrup: These are optional but add a nice finishing touch. If you’re vegan, stick with maple syrup or agave nectar. If you want to cut back on sweetness, you can leave it off or drizzle lightly just before serving.
How Do You Get That Perfect Grilled Texture in the Air Fryer?
Getting that lovely grilled texture is all about the air fryer technique! The key is to preheat your air fryer to ensure it’s hot enough for proper cooking. Here are some tips:
- Cut the pineapple into uniform cubes for even cooking.
- Make sure to toss the pineapple cubes well with the oil and sugar mixture so that every piece gets coated.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—this helps with airflow and ensures that the pineapple grills evenly. You might need to do it in batches.
- Shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps caramelize all sides of the pineapple cubes.
- Watch closely towards the end, as cooking times can vary a bit based on your air fryer model. Aim for a nice golden brown color.
How to Make Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted) or non-stick cooking spray
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10-12 minutes of cooking time. You’ll have warm, grilled pineapple ready to enjoy in just under half an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by setting your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot while you prepare the pineapple. Preheating ensures a perfect grilling experience.
2. Mix the Sugar and Spices:
In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix them together until well combined. This mix will add a delightful sweetness and flavor to the pineapple!
3. Coat the Pineapple:
Add the cut pineapple cubes into the bowl with the sugar mixture. Drizzle the melted coconut oil over the pineapple. Gently toss everything together until the pineapple is thoroughly coated with the sweet mixture. Yum!
4. Air Fry the Pineapple:
Place the coated pineapple cubes in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer. If you have a lot of pineapple, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. This helps them grill evenly!
5. Cook Until Caramelized:
Air fry the pineapple for about 10-12 minutes. Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure the pineapple gets nicely caramelized on all sides.
6. Drizzle and Serve:
Once the pineapple is golden and tender, carefully remove it from the air fryer. If you’re feeling a little extra, drizzle it with honey or maple syrup for added sweetness. Serve it warm to enjoy as a delicious snack or dessert.
7. Enjoy Your Creation!
This grilled pineapple is perfect on its own or can be used as a delightful topping for ice cream, yogurt, or even grilled meats. Enjoy your tropical treat!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple, but be sure to drain it well to remove excess moisture. Fresh pineapple has a firmer texture that caramelizes better, but canned pineapple can still be delicious.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of This Recipe?
If you prefer a less sweet version, simply reduce the brown sugar to 1 tablespoon or substitute it with a sugar alternative like stevia. You can also skip the optional honey or maple syrup drizzle if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
While grilled pineapple is best served fresh, you can prepare the pineapple cubes and toss them in the sugar mixture a few hours ahead. Keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to air fry. Just note that the texture may change slightly if they sit too long.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy the leftovers cold or reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain that warm, caramelized goodness.
