Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple is a sweet and juicy treat that’s super easy to make! Just slice some fresh pineapple, sprinkle with a little cinnamon, and let the air fryer work its magic.
This tasty snack has that perfect caramelized taste without needing a grill. I love munching on it as a dessert or tossing it on yogurt to make breakfast special. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: A ripe pineapple is key for sweetness. If you’re short on fresh pineapple, canned pineapple slices in juice can work in a pinch. Just make sure they’re drained well!
Brown sugar: This adds a lovely caramelization. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use regular sugar with a touch of molasses or even honey for natural sweetness.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon gives that warm flavor. If you want to mix it up, nutmeg or allspice can also add great depth. Just use a smaller amount since they’re more potent.
Vanilla extract: It’s optional, but I love the added flavor. Instead, try a splash of coconut extract for a tropical vibe, or simply leave it out if you prefer a more straightforward taste.
Cooking spray or oil: Use any oil you have on hand, like olive oil or coconut oil. Cooking spray is convenient, but a light brush with oil will do just fine!
How Do You Prepare Fresh Pineapple for Grilling?
Preparing fresh pineapple is simple but requires a bit of technique. Start by slicing off the top and bottom to create a stable base. Then, carefully cut off the skin, following the curve of the fruit.
- Be sure to remove all the “eyes” (the little brown spots) as they can be tough in texture.
- Once peeled, slice the pineapple into the desired shapes—rings or chunks work great for grilling.
- Keep the pieces uniform in size so they cook evenly in your air fryer.
This easy prep makes a huge difference in how well the pineapple turns out!
How to Make Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium ripe pineapple
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Cooking spray or oil for the air fryer
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 12 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at about 30 minutes to enjoy this sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pineapple:
Start by carefully removing the skin and core from the pineapple. Cut the pineapple into bite-sized chunks or slices based on what you prefer. Make sure the pieces are fairly uniform in size for even cooking.
2. Mix the Cinnamon Sugar:
In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. If you want an extra burst of flavor, you can add the vanilla extract. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed.
3. Coat the Pineapple:
Toss the pineapple chunks or slices in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they’re all coated nicely. Let the coated pineapple sit for about 10 minutes. This will help the flavors blend together beautifully.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
While the pineapple is resting, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is essential for getting that perfect grilled texture!
5. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with some oil. This will help prevent the pineapple from sticking during cooking.
6. Arrange the Pineapple:
Place the pineapple pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd them, as this can prevent proper cooking. If necessary, cook in batches to keep them spaced out.
7. Cook the Pineapple:
Cook the pineapple in the air fryer for about 10-12 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through to ensure that they cook evenly. When they’re done, the pineapple should look golden brown and slightly caramelized.
8. Serve:
Once cooked, carefully remove the grilled pineapple from the air fryer and let it cool for a minute. Serve it warm as a delightful side dish, a topping for desserts like ice cream, or enjoy it on its own as a healthy snack. Enjoy your sweet grilled treat!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple; however, it’s best to use the unsweetened variety. Drain the liquid and pat the pineapple dry before tossing it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to avoid excess moisture. Since canned pineapple is softer, reduce the cooking time to about 6-8 minutes.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to regain their warmth and slight crispiness. Alternatively, you can enjoy them cold in salads or smoothies!
What If I Don’t Have Brown Sugar?
No worries! You can substitute brown sugar with regular granulated sugar mixed with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses for 1 cup of granulated sugar) to achieve a similar taste. Alternatively, coconut sugar is a great substitute and has a delightful flavor as well.
Can I Add Other Spices or Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist. For added crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top after cooking, or try adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert!
