This Air Fryer Pineapple is made with fresh pineapple, maple syrup, cinnamon, and optional vegan butter—a quick, caramelized treat that’s ready in just 12 minutes!
You ever have those moments where you accidentally create something amazing in the kitchen? Like, you’re just throwing ingredients together, not expecting much, and then—boom—you taste it and immediately question why you’ve never made it before?
That was me with this Air Fryer Pineapple.
I had a half-eaten pineapple sitting in my fridge, looking all sad and neglected. I didn’t feel like eating it raw (because, let’s be real, pineapple is great, but after a few bites, my tongue starts to feel weird). I wasn’t about to fire up the grill just to caramelize a few slices either. But my
So I tossed the pineapple in some maple syrup and cinnamon, threw it in the
And now? I make this all the time.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Pineapple Recipe?
- It’s insanely easy. No fancy techniques, no babysitting—just throw it in the
air fryer and let it work its magic. - It gets perfectly caramelized. The heat brings out all the pineapple’s natural sweetness and gives it that golden, sticky goodness.
- It’s way faster than grilling. You get that same deep, caramelized flavor without waiting for a grill to heat up.
- It works for everything. Snack, dessert, topping for ice cream… or just eating straight from the
air fryer basket. (No judgment.) - You can tweak it however you like. Add spice, extra sweetness, or even a splash of rum for a grown-up version.
Ingredient Notes:
This recipe is ridiculously simple, but every ingredient adds something special.
- Fresh Pineapple – The star of the show. Pick one that smells sweet at the bottom—if it smells like nothing, it’s not ripe yet!
- Maple Syrup – Gives the pineapple that deep, caramel-like sweetness. (Honey works too, but maple just hits differently.)
- Cinnamon – Adds a warm, slightly spiced flavor that makes this feel like a cozy dessert.
- Vegan Butter (Optional, but highly recommended) – Helps everything caramelize even better and adds a little richness.
And if you’re into the sweet-spicy combo…
- Chili Lime Dip (Optional, but WOW) – A mix of cashew cream, lime juice, and chili powder. It’s creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy—basically, the perfect contrast to the sweet pineapple.
How To Make Air Fryer Pineapple?
This is one of those recipes where you spend more time eating than actually making it.
Step 1: Prep the Pineapple
- Peel, core, and slice ½ a pineapple into rounds or chunks—your call.
- You should end up with about 2 heaping cups of pineapple pieces.
Step 2: Make the Syrup Mixture
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- In a small bowl, mix together 1 tbsp of melted vegan butter (if using), 2 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 tsp cinnamon.
- Stir it up until smooth—this is where the magic starts!
Step 3: Coat the Pineapple
- Toss the pineapple slices in the syrup mixture, making sure each piece gets a nice, even coating.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
- Arrange the pineapple slices in a single layer in your
air fryer basket. No overlapping! - Air fry at 380°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden, slightly crisp at the edges, and smell incredible.
Step 5: Make the Chili Lime Dip (If You’re Feeling Fancy)
- In a small bowl, mix together 3 tbsp cashew cream (or vegan mayo), 1 tbsp lime juice, and ½ tsp chili powder.
- Stir until smooth. That’s it.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
- Eat the pineapple warm or cold.
- Dunk it in the chili lime dip for that sweet-spicy-tangy flavor explosion.
- Or, if you’re feeling extra, throw it on top of some ice cream. You won’t regret it.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: The
air fryer is your best bet—pop them back in at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to bring back that crispy goodness.
Variations and Substitutions:
Feeling creative? Here are a few ways to mix things up.
- Swap the sweetener: Use honey or agave instead of maple syrup.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the cinnamon mixture.
- Go extra caramelized: Sprinkle some coconut sugar on top before air frying.
- Boozy version: Soak the pineapple in a splash of rum before air frying for an adults-only treat.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Pineapple?
It’s amazing on its own, but if you want to take it up a notch…
- With Ice Cream: Vanilla, coconut, or caramel ice cream is a game-changer.
- On Yogurt: A spoonful of Greek yogurt + granola + this pineapple? Perfection.
- In a Cocktail: Toss some into a piña colada or mojito.
- With Grilled Protein: Pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a good steak.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use canned pineapple?
You can, but fresh will always taste better. If using canned, drain it really well first.
Can I make this without an
Yep! Just roast the pineapple in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
How do I pick a ripe pineapple?
Give it a sniff! If it smells sweet at the base, it’s ready. If it smells fermented, you’ve waited too long.
If you’ve never air-fried pineapple before, this is your sign. It’s quick, easy, and ridiculously delicious. Let me know if you try it—I promise it’ll become your new favorite snack!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Air Fryer Pineapple
Ingredients
- 2 heaping cups sliced pineapple from approx. ½ small pineapple
- 1 tbsp. vegan butter or margarine melted (optional)
- 2 tbsp. maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Optional Chili Lime Dip:
- 3 tbsp. cashew cream or vegan mayo
- 1 tbsp. lime juice approx. half a lime
- ½ tsp chili powder
Instructions
- Start by peeling, coring and slicing a pineapple in half to obtain 2 cups of pineapple slices.
- To create the syrup mixture combine 1 tablespoon of melted vegan butter, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, in a bowl.
- Thoroughly coat the pineapple slices with the syrup mixture by tossing them well.
- Arrange the slices in the basket of an air fryer. Cook at a temperature of 380°F for 12 to 15 minutes remembering to flip them through halfway.
- If desired you can prepare an optional chili lime dip by mixing 3 tablespoons of cashew cream, 1 tablespoon of lime juice and half a teaspoon of chili powder in a separate bowl.
- You can enjoy these pineapple slices either warm or cold. If you like serve them alongside the dip, for added flavor.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
