This Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple is a fun and tasty treat! It’s sweet, juicy, and gets those lovely grill marks without the fuss of a barbecue.
Picture this: a warm slice of pineapple with a hint of caramel, perfect with vanilla ice cream or just on its own. It’s so good, you might want to hide it from your friends! 🍍
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just slice the pineapple, toss it in the air fryer, and in a few minutes, you’ll have a delicious dessert. Super simple and super yummy!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: A ripe pineapple is key for sweetness. If fresh pineapple is hard to find, canned pineapple chunks can work in a pinch. Just ensure they’re well-drained!
Brown Sugar: This adds deep flavor. If you’re out of it, you can substitute with white sugar or coconut sugar. The flavor will change slightly, but it’ll still be tasty.
Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth. If you’re not a fan, you can leave it out or use nutmeg for a different flavor. Vanilla extract is also a nice alternative!
Honey: Adding honey enhances sweetness and glaze. If you prefer to keep it sugar-free, maple syrup or agave nectar is a good option.
Cooking Spray or Oil: Use any oil you have on hand, like coconut or olive oil. Just a light coat will do to prevent sticking.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Evenly Grilled Pineapple?
For perfectly grilled pineapple, it’s important to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This allows hot air to circulate, giving you that golden caramelization.
- Make sure your pineapple chunks are of similar size for even cooking.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking to let the hot air reach all sides.
- Monitor cooking time as air fryers can vary; aim for 8-10 minutes but check for doneness at 8 minutes.
How to Make Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium pineapple, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing the air fryer basket
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 5 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook. So, you can have this delicious Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple ready in just 15 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This helps ensure that the pineapple cooks evenly and gets that nice grilled texture.
2. Prepare the Pineapple Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, add the pineapple chunks along with the brown sugar, cinnamon, honey (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt. Gently toss everything together until the pineapple is well-coated in the sugary mixture, making it extra tasty!
3. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with some cooking spray or a little oil. This step is important to prevent the pineapple from sticking while it cooks.
4. Air Fry the Pineapple:
Now, place the coated pineapple chunks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them, as this helps them cook evenly. Air fry the pineapple at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes, giving the basket a shake halfway through to make sure they grill evenly. You’ll want to see that beautiful caramelization and golden brown color!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the pineapple is done, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Serve it warm as a delicious dessert, a sweet snack, or even as a topping for yogurt or grilled meats. Enjoy your fantastic creation of Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple for This Recipe?
While fresh pineapple gives the best texture and flavor, you can use canned pineapple. Just be sure to drain the pineapple well to remove excess moisture. You might want to reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
Can I Substitute the Brown Sugar?
Absolutely! You can use coconut sugar, maple syrup, or even regular granulated sugar for a different flavor profile. If using syrup, you may need to adjust the amount slightly to achieve your desired sweetness.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold, or reheat it in the air fryer for about 2-3 minutes to bring back that warm, caramelized flavor.
Can I Add Other Spices or Ingredients?
Definitely! You can experiment with other spices like nutmeg or ginger for a different twist. Adding a splash of lime juice before serving can also enhance the sweetness and add a refreshing zing!
