This air fryer pineapple is caramelized, juicy, and made with just 3 ingredients. It's an easy, healthy dessert or side dish, and the warm cinnamon flavor makes it taste like grilled pineapple without turning on the grill in under 15 minutes!
A Quick Look At The Recipe
- ✅ Recipe Name: Air Fryer Pineapple
- 🕒 Ready In: 15 minutes
- 👪 Serves: 4
- 🍽 Calories: ~140 per serving
- 🥣 Main Ingredients: Fresh pineapple, maple syrup, cinnamon
- 📖 Dietary Info: Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, refined sugar-optional
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: Most air fryer pineapple recipes are overly sugary or don't caramelize evenly - this version uses just a touch of maple syrup and cinnamon to create perfectly golden, juicy, caramelized pineapple in 15 minutes.
SUMMARIZE & SAVE THIS CONTENT ON
Air fryer desserts are kind of my thing - I'm #1 on Google for air fryer apples, and my air fryer peaches and air fryer banana chips are some of my most popular recipes. I love turning fruit into warm, caramelized, healthy desserts in minutes.
This air fryer pineapple is one I make on repeat. The cinnamon and maple syrup create that sweet, caramelized flavor (like grilled pineapple), but it's faster, lighter, and made right in the air fryer.
It's the perfect healthy dessert or easy topping for some vegan baked oatmeal, a yogurt bowl, or even this air fryer teriyaki chicken.
Jump to:
- A Quick Look At The Recipe
- What is Air Fryer Pineapple?
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients You'll Need
- Best Pineapple to Use in the Air Fryer
- Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- How to Make Air Fryer Pineapple (Step-by-Step)
- Pineapple Chunks vs Rings (Which Is Best?)
- Expert Tips
- What to Serve with Air Fryer Pineapple
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Storage Tips
- More Air Fryer Dessert Recipes You'll Love
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
What is Air Fryer Pineapple?
Air fryer pineapple is very similar to grilled pineapple! It is fresh pineapple cooked at 380°F for 12-16 minutes until golden, caramelized, and juicy. It's an easy 3-ingredient recipe made with pineapple, cinnamon, and maple syrup.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly caramelized air fryer pineapple in 15 minutes - golden edges with a juicy center
- Healthy but tastes like dessert - naturally sweet with cinnamon and maple syrup
- Just 3 simple ingredients - minimal prep, big flavor
- Works with fresh, canned, or frozen pineapple - super flexible
- No oil needed - naturally caramelized with just maple syrup and cinnamon
Ingredients You'll Need
- Pineapple (fresh, canned, or frozen) - Fresh pineapple is my go-to because it caramelizes best and develops golden edges. But canned and frozen both work too - just make sure to drain (for canned) or thaw and pat dry (for frozen) so it doesn't steam in the air fryer.
- Maple syrup (or honey) - Just a small amount helps the pineapple caramelize and brings out its natural sweetness. I prefer maple syrup because it keeps this recipe refined sugar-optional and adds a subtle warm flavor.
- Ground cinnamon - This is what takes it to the next level. It adds that cozy, slightly spiced flavor that makes the pineapple taste like a warm dessert (almost like grilled or roasted fruit).
Scroll to recipe card for quantities!
Best Pineapple to Use in the Air Fryer
- Fresh pineapple (best option) - caramelizes the most and gives you golden, slightly crisp edges
- Canned pineapple - works well, just drain and pat dry so it doesn't steam
- Frozen pineapple - also works, but thaw and dry first for the best texture
Tati's Tip: The drier your pineapple, the better it caramelizes in the air fryer.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- No maple syrup? Use honey or skip it entirely - if your pineapple is ripe, it will still caramelize naturally in the air fryer
- Make it no added sugar - Simply use fresh, ripe pineapple and cinnamon only
- Add a little crunch - Sprinkle coconut sugar or brown sugar for extra caramelized edges
- Citrus twist - Add a squeeze of lime juice after cooking to brighten everything up
- Vanilla dessert version - Add a splash of vanilla extract to the maple syrup before tossing
- Savory option - Skip the cinnamon and pair with my air fryer teriyaki chicken or juicy grilled turkey burgers for a sweet + savory combo
- Different cuts - This works with pineapple chunks, rings, or spears - just keep them evenly sized for even cooking
How to Make Air Fryer Pineapple (Step-by-Step)
- Step 1: In a large bowl, toss the pineapple chunks with maple syrup and cinnamon.
- Step 2: Mix until each pineapple chunk is well coated.
- Step 3: Arrange the pineapple in the air fryer basket in a mostly even layer. A slight overlap is okay, but avoid overcrowding.
- Step 4: Air fry for 12-16 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the pineapple is golden, caramelized on the edges, and juicy inside.
Pineapple Chunks vs Rings (Which Is Best?)
- Pineapple chunks (best for this recipe) - They caramelize faster and get more golden edges, making them perfect for oatmeal, yogurt bowls, ice cream, or snacking
- Pineapple rings - Great for presentation and serving as a dessert or on burgers for a sweet + savory combo
- Pineapple spears - A good option for savory meals like teriyaki chicken or grilled protein
Tati's Tip: I almost always use chunks because they cook more evenly and caramelize better in the air fryer.
Expert Tips
- Dry your pineapple well - This is the biggest game changer. I always pat mine dry (especially canned or frozen) so it caramelizes instead of steaming.
- Don't overcrowd the basket - A little overlap is fine, but too much prevents those golden edges. I cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
- Use less syrup if the pineapple is extra ripe - When my pineapple is super sweet, I barely use maple syrup (or skip it). It still caramelizes beautifully.
- Watch the last few minutes - I check mine early because pineapple can go from perfectly caramelized to too soft quickly.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Pineapple
- Oatmeal or overnight oats - Spoon it on top for a warm, naturally sweet breakfast (I love these High-Protein Overnight Oats and this Vegan Baked Oatmeal Recipe).
- Greek yogurt bowls - Adds the perfect caramelized, juicy bite with a little crunch from granola
- Ice cream or frozen yogurt - An easy, healthier dessert that tastes like grilled pineapple (try it with my High-Protein Cottage Cheese Ice Cream).
- Teriyaki chicken or salmon - The sweet + savory combo is so good (I love my 15-Minute Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken, it's one of my favorites)
Frequently Asked Questions
Toss pineapple with maple syrup and cinnamon, then air fry at 380°F for 12-16 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and caramelized.
Pineapple takes about 12-16 minutes at 380°F, depending on the size of your pieces.
Yes! Fresh pineapple works best and caramelizes the most.
Yes, just drain and pat it dry first so it doesn't steam.
Yes! If your pineapple is ripe, it's naturally sweet and will still caramelize in the air fryer. You can skip the maple syrup and just use cinnamon (or leave it plain).
380°F (190°C) is the sweet spot for getting caramelized edges without overcooking.
Storage Tips
- Store in the fridge - Let the pineapple cool, then place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer (best) - Air fry at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to bring back the caramelized edges.
- Microwave option - Heat in 30-second intervals until warm (it will be softer, not as crisp).
- Freezing isn't ideal - You can freeze it, but the texture will be much softer after thawing.
More Air Fryer Dessert Recipes You'll Love
If you loved this air fryer pineapple, here are a few more recipes to try next:
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
- 1 - 2 tablespoon pure maple syrup, or honey (if you are not vegan)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F and lightly spray the basket with non-stick spray.
- Toss the pineapple: In a bowl, combine the pineapple chunks, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, and cinnamon. Toss until evenly coated.
- Add to the air fryer: Place the pineapple in the air fryer basket in a mostly even layer. A slight overlap is fine, but don't overcrowd.
- Air fry until caramelized: Air fry for 12-16 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the pineapple is golden, juicy, and tender.
- Finish with maple syrup: Remove from the air fryer and drizzle the remaining tablespoon of maple syrup over the top.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve warm on its own or with yogurt, oatmeal, or vanilla ice cream.
Tati Chermayeff says
My favorite healthy dessert! It tastes like a sweet pie filling but is made with simple and healthy ingredeints! YUM!