Experience a tropical twist with this air fryer pineapple delight. Ripe pineapple slices are bathed in a luxurious blend of melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and lime juice before being caramelized. The result is a mouthwatering balance of tang, sweetness, and spice that elevates any meal into a vacation.

Jump to Recipe

I’m excited to share my version of Air Fryer Pineapple that gets a similar taste to Brazilian Grilled Pineapple. I start with 1 ripe pineapple that I peel, core, and cut into rings or chunks.

Then, I mix in 2 tbsp unsalted butter that’s been melted with 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. I also add 1 tbsp lime juice to give it a fresh kick.

When air frying, these ingredients work together to naturally dehydrate the pineapple while creating a deliciously caramelized edge. I find that the Air Fryer Pineapple recipe transforms into a delightful snack or dessert that is both sweet and tangy.

It’s one of my favorites when i want a treat that’s crispy outside and tender inside, kind of like other Air Fryer recipes i enjoy. Its nutritional value is solid too if you’re watching your diet.

Enjoy this simple yet tasty twist on traditional grilled pineapple.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because the mix of tangy and sweet flavors is awesome. The pineapple gets this caramelized, buttery taste with a hint of lime and cinnamon that makes it super delicious even when i’m just craving a simple treat.

I also love how quick and easy it is to make. It doesn’t take long to prep and air fry so it’s perfect when i need something tasty without a lot of fuss.

Another thing is the versatility; I can serve it as a dessert or as a side dish with my main meal and it always adds a nice burst of flavor to my plate.

Plus, the air fryer really locks in the juiciness and tenderness of the pineapple while giving it a crisp outer texture that i just can’t get enough of.

Ingredients

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

Ripe pineapple: Provides natural fiber and essential vitamins with a juicy, sweet burst.
Unsalted butter: Adds a rich, smooth texture and a dose of healthy fats.
Brown sugar: Sweetens naturally and caramelizes when heated to enhance flavor.
Ground cinnamon: Brings a warm, spicy note that lifts and deepens the dish.
Lime juice: Offers a tangy kick that perfectly cuts through the sweetness.
Pinch of salt: Helps all the flavors marry well and enhances each ingredient.

Ingredient Quantities

1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings or chunks

2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

Pinch of salt

1 tbsp lime juice

How to Make this

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.

2. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, pinch of salt, and lime juice together until well combined.

3. Place the pineapple slices or chunks in a large bowl and drizzle the butter mixture all over them, ensuring each piece gets coated.

4. Arrange the pineapple pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket so they cook evenly.

5. Air fry the pineapple for about 8 minutes, then carefully flip the pieces.

6. Continue air frying for an additional 5 minutes or until the pineapples are tender and have a caramelized look.

7. Check if they need a little extra cooking based on your air fryer model, and adjust the time if necessary.

8. Remove the pineapples from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes.

9. Serve the pineapple warm as a sweet dessert or as a tangy side dish to your main meal.

10. Enjoy the burst of tropical flavors with a slight hint of cinnamon and lime in every bite!

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer (with a basket that can fit the pineapple in a single layer)
2. Oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves (to handle the hot basket safely)
3. Small mixing bowl (for mixing melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and lime juice)
4. Large mixing bowl (for tossing the pineapple pieces in the butter mixture)
5. Measuring spoons (for accurate portions of butter, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and lime juice)
6. Knife (for cutting the pineapple into rings or chunks)
7. Cutting board (for safely prepping the pineapple)
8. Spoon or spatula (for drizzling and mixing the butter mixture)

FAQ

Q: Can I use pineapple chunks instead of rings?

A: Sure you can use chunks instead of rings. The cook time might be a bit different so keep an eye on it while it air fries.

Q: Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

A: Yes it's a good idea to preheat your air fryer for about 3 mins to get the best results with the pineapple.

Q: Can I substitute white sugar for brown sugar?

A: Yeah, you can use white sugar but your pineapple might not get as rich and caramelized of a flavor as with brown sugar.

Q: Is it okay to tweak the amount of cinnamon?

A: Absolutely, if you're not that into cinnamon or want more flavor, always feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Q: Should I use fresh or canned pineapple for this recipe?

A: Fresh pineapple is best 'cause it's firmer and has more natural juice, but if you only have canned on hand, it can work too with some adjustments.

Air Fryer Pineapple (Like Brazilian Grilled Pineapple) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can swap unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative if you still want that richness.
If you dont have brown sugar, try using coconut sugar or even white sugar mixed with a little molasses to get that similar flavor.
Instead of ground cinnamon, you could mix equal parts of nutmeg and allspice (about 1/2 teaspoon each) to create a warm spice note.
When it comes to lime juice, if you’re short of limes, lemon juice works pretty good as a replacement.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your pineapple is really ripe before you start cuz a less ripe one won’t get as sweet and tender when air fried.
2. When you mix your butter sauce, mix it in a bowl first so you can coat every piece evenly. Don’t just try to toss ’em in the basket, cuz then some parts might have too much and others not enough.
3. Every air fryer is different so keep an eye on the pineapple after the first few minutes. Check if its browning evenly and if not, give it a quick flip or adjust the time.
4. If you like it extra tangy, try drizzling a bit more lime juice after cooking. Just be careful not to add too much or it might get too soggy.