This sweet caramelized air fryer pineapple is juicy, made with three ingredients, and coated in a maple cinnamon glaze. Enjoy it with ice cream for dessert, or pair it with oatmeal for a wholesome breakfast. It's an easy, healthy, and vegan-friendly recipe.
I'm so excited to share one of my latest obsessions with you—air fryer pineapple! After seeing how much you loved my air fryer apples, I couldn't wait to introduce you to this mouthwatering variation. Imagine biting into tender, juicy pineapple, perfectly caramelized in a maple cinnamon glaze that's simply irresistible.
What makes it so good? It's oil-free, vegan, gluten-free, and incredibly addictive. It's become a regular treat in our house because it's just that delicious!
Plus, it's incredibly versatile. Whether enjoyed as a decadent dessert with ice cream or alongside savory dishes like turkey burgers or BBQ chicken, it always hits the spot. And a little tip: I love adding it to my morning oatmeal or yogurt for a sweet, tropical twist.
Why you'll love this recipe:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes.
- Flavorful: Juicy pineapple chunks glazed in maple cinnamon sauce.
- 3 Ingredients: Simple and easy with just three items.
- No Oil: Oil-free for a healthier option.
- Healthy & Vegan: Made without butter and refined sugars.
Ingredients
This recipe requires just three simple and healthy ingredients: fresh pineapple, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon. Here's a list of everything you'll need to prepare:
- Pineapple: Prepare 1 large pineapple into 1-inch cubes. Air frying makes them juicy and tender. Canned or frozen pineapple works too—see instructions below.
- Maple Syrup: I prefer maple syrup for its natural sweetness. Honey or brown sugar are also options.
- Cinnamon: Adds flavor and sweetness to the caramelized pineapple.
How to make caramelized air fryer pineapple
This tender maple-glazed air fryer pineapple is incredibly easy to prepare with just three ingredients and your air fryer. Here's how:
In a bowl, toss pineapple pieces with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and cinnamon until evenly coated.
Mix until combined, and preheat your air fryer to air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
Arrange the glazed pineapple chunks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping too much. A slight overlap is fine.
Air fry for 12-16 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The pineapple should turn golden and become juicy and tender inside.
Finally, remove the caramelized pineapple from the air fryer and drizzle with an additional tablespoon of maple syrup. Enjoy warm on its own as a side dish, add it to oatmeal for breakfast, or serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for dessert!
Top Tips
- Cut Evenly: Slice pineapple into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Coat Well: Mix pineapple thoroughly with maple glaze to cook evenly.
- Prevent Stick: Spray air fryer basket or use parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Space Out: Arrange pineapple in a single layer to ensure even caramelization; avoid stacking in smaller air fryers.
Substations & Variations
- Swap the maple syrup: Use light brown sugar or honey instead.
- Use Pre-cut or Canned Pineapple: Short on time? Use pre-cut or canned pineapple. Refer to the recipe notes for specific instructions.
- Frozen Pineapple: Want to use frozen pineapple chunks? No need to thaw them. Simply glaze the frozen pieces and air fry as directed.
- Citrus Zest: Add zest from lemon or orange to brighten the flavors.
- Add Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle coconut flakes over the pineapple before air frying for added texture.
- Add Chili Powder: For a sweet and spicy kick, sprinkle a bit of chili powder over the pineapple before air frying.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Measuring Tools
Serving suggestions
This recipe is versatile and perfect for breakfast, snacks, sides, or dessert! I enjoy it with ice cream as a healthy dessert, but there are many ways to enjoy air fryer pineapple.
- Breakfast Ideas: Enjoy air fryer pineapple on yogurt granola bowls, oatmeal, yogurt toast, or simply on its own.
- As a Side Dish: Pair with your favorite meals! It complements dishes like cilantro lime chicken burgers, grilled turkey burgers, and buffalo chicken flatbreads.
- For Dessert: Serve as a sweet treat with vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or whipped cream.
Storage
Storing: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: You can reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 350ºF for about 8 - 12 minutes, in the air fryer at 350°F for 4 - 7 minutes, or in the microwave for 1 minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
I highly recommend using fresh pineapple, but canned pineapple works too. Adjust the air fry time as canned pineapple is softer. Start with 8-12 minutes, checking for doneness.
Yes, frozen pineapple works too. Use it straight from the freezer without thawing; expect a slightly softer texture.
Absolutely! Add air fryer pineapple to oatmeal, yogurt bowls, toast, or enjoy it on its own for a delicious breakfast option.
The pineapple should be golden, juicy, and tender when cooked. Taste a piece to check for doneness. Cook a few more minutes if needed.
Freshly cut pineapple stays good for 5-7 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Discard if it develops an off smell or mold appears.
More dessert recipes!
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Pineapple
Ingredients
- 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F and lightly spray with non-stick spray.
- In a bowl, combine the pineapple cubes, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, and the cinnamon. Toss gently to coat the pineapple evenly.
- Place the coated pineapple cubes into the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure they don’t overlap too much, or else they will not cook properly. A little overlap is ok.
- Air fry the pineapple for 12 - 16 minutes, pausing at the halfway mark to give the basket a shake. They should be golden, juicy, and tender on the inside.
- Once done, carefully remove the pineapple from the air fryer and drizzle the remaining tablespoon of maple syrup over the top.
- Serve the warm maple cinnamon pineapple on its own, or pair it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie 🙂
Sharing is caring!
Comments
No Comments