Sticky Air Fryer Pineapple Delight Recipe

Crispy-Sweet Air Fryer Caramelized Pineapple Recipe

Tropical sweetness meets crispy perfection in this delightful air fryer caramelized pineapple that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Golden brown edges and a rich caramel glaze create an irresistible dessert experience.

The air fryer works magic, turning ordinary pineapple slices into a luxurious treat with minimal effort.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of natural fruit sweetness and deep caramelized notes.

Warm spices like cinnamon subtly enhance the pineapple natural flavor profile.

Serve these golden gems alongside vanilla ice cream or as a standalone dessert that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Get ready to elevate your dessert game with this simple yet spectacular recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 16 minutes

Total Time: 26 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 5

Air Fryer Caramelized Pineapple Ingredient Setup

For Fruit Base:
  • Pineapple: Sweet tropical treasure that transforms into a golden, caramelized delight with a juicy and tender center. Choose a ripe pineapple with vibrant yellow-golden skin and a fragrant aroma at the stem.
For Caramelizing Agents:
  • Light Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: These magical ingredients create a rich, warm coating that enhances the natural sweetness and adds a deep, aromatic dimension to the pineapple. Select fresh, fragrant ground cinnamon and soft, clump-free brown sugar for the best caramelization.

Tools You’ll Need for Caramelized Pineapple

  • Air Fryer: Essential for cooking pineapple rings evenly and creating caramelization.
  • Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing cinnamon and sugar coating.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for slicing pineapple rings safely.
  • Sharp Knife: Crucial for cleanly cutting pineapple into uniform rings.
  • Measuring Spoon: Helps accurately measure cinnamon and sugar.
  • Measuring Cup: Ensures precise sugar measurement.

Air Frying Directions for Caramelized Pineapple

  • Tropical Warmth Preparation

Bring your air fryer to a toasty 375 degrees, creating the perfect environment for transforming fresh pineapple into a golden delicacy.

  • Fruit Transformation

Cut ripe pineapple into elegant rings, preparing them for their sweet journey of caramelization.

  • Sweet Spice Blend

Create a magical mixture of brown sugar and warm cinnamon, dancing together to form a tantalizing coating.

  • Sugar Embrace

Lovingly dust each pineapple ring with the fragrant sugar mixture, ensuring every surface gets a delectable kiss of sweetness.

  • Crispy Golden Magic

Arrange pineapple rings in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, allowing them to transform into caramelized treasures. Flip halfway through cooking, watching them turn a gorgeous amber color.

  • Sensory Celebration

Remove the pineapple rings when they’ve reached a perfect golden-brown state. Serve immediately as a standalone treat or alongside creamy vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.

Add-Ons for Air Fryer Pineapple Flavor

  • Sweet Flavor Boosters: Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the caramelized pineapple for an extra touch of sweetness that complements the natural fruit sugars.
  • Spice Adventure: Experiment with different ground spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to create unique flavor profiles that enhance the pineapple's natural taste.
  • Dessert Transformation: Turn these caramelized pineapple rings into a spectacular dessert by serving them alongside vegan vanilla ice cream, coconut whipped cream, or as a topping for pancakes and waffles.
  • Storage Wisdom: Store leftover caramelized pineapple rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in the air fryer to restore their crispy exterior and warm, soft interior.

Serving Air Fryer Caramelized Pineapple

  • Sweet Sundae Sensation: Crown your caramelized pineapple rings with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a tropical dessert experience that melts in your mouth.
  • Breakfast Bliss Topper: Slice the warm pineapple rings and nestle them over vegan pancakes or waffles, drizzling with maple syrup for an indulgent morning treat.
  • Smoothie Bowl Upgrade: Chop the caramelized pineapple into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle them on top of a creamy coconut smoothie bowl, adding a delightful crunch and sweet-spiced flavor.
  • Yogurt Parfait Surprise: Layer the cooled pineapple rings with coconut yogurt and granola for a refreshing, protein-packed snack that celebrates tropical vibes.

Storing Caramelized Pineapple for Later

  • Quick Serving Suggestions: Pair these golden caramelized pineapple rings with dairy-free vanilla ice cream, coconut yogurt, or as a topping for morning pancakes and waffles for an instant flavor boost.
  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover pineapple rings in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore their crispy texture and warm caramelized goodness.
  • Advance Prep Technique: Slice and coat pineapple rings with cinnamon-sugar mixture up to 6 hours before cooking. Keep covered in the refrigerator, then air fry just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and flavor intensity.
  • Flavor Enhancement Hack: Transform leftover caramelized pineapple into a tropical salsa by chopping the rings and mixing with fresh mint, red onion, and a splash of lime juice – perfect as a topping for grilled plant-based proteins or as a vibrant side dish.
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Sticky Air Fryer Pineapple Delight Recipe

Sticky Air Fryer Pineapple Delight


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 26 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent air fryer caramelized pineapple delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with minimal effort. Caramelized edges and golden-brown goodness await when you dive into this simple, irresistible tropical dessert.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pineapple (whole), peeled and cored
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Core and slice pineapple into uniform rings, ensuring even thickness for consistent caramelization.
  2. Seasoning Blend: Combine light brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a mixing bowl, creating a fragrant coating that will enhance the fruit’s natural sweetness.
  3. Coating Process: Thoroughly dust each pineapple ring with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, massaging the blend into both surfaces to maximize flavor absorption.
  4. Air Fryer Setup: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F, positioning the pineapple rings in a single layer within the basket to guarantee optimal heat circulation and prevent overcrowding.
  5. Cooking Transformation: Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping rings midway to develop a rich golden-brown caramelized exterior with crisp, slightly charred edges.
  6. Finishing Touch: Allow the caramelized pineapple rings to rest briefly, then serve warm as a standalone dessert or elegant accompaniment to vegan ice cream, yogurt, or as a sophisticated dessert garnish.

Notes

  • Slice Precisely: Cut pineapple rings uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent caramelization.
  • Sugar Coating Technique: Massage cinnamon-sugar mixture thoroughly into both sides of pineapple for maximum flavor absorption.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange rings in a single layer to allow proper air circulation and achieve crisp, golden edges.
  • Watch Cooking Time: Monitor rings closely between 15-16 minutes to prevent burning while achieving perfect caramelization.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 5 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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