Air Fryer Pineapple

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Indulge in the sweet and caramelized goodness of Air Fryer Pineapple – a tropical treat that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Fresh pineapple chunks coated in a cinnamon brown sugar glaze are air-fried to perfection, resulting in a delightful dessert or snack that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth anytime. Follow our simple recipe to create a mouthwatering treat that will transport you to paradise with every bite.

Ingredients:

  • 1 fresh pineapple
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking.
  2. Prepare the Pineapple: Begin by slicing off the top and bottom of the pineapple. Remove the rind by slicing around the pineapple, then cut it into long planks, leaving the core intact. Cut the planks into chunks and place them in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar, stirring until combined. Add the cinnamon and whisk until smooth, creating a delicious cinnamon brown sugar glaze.
  4. Coat the Pineapple: Pour the cinnamon sugar mixture over the pineapple chunks in the mixing bowl. Toss the pineapple chunks until they are evenly coated with the glaze, ensuring each piece is infused with sweet cinnamon goodness.
  5. Arrange in Air Fryer: Arrange the coated pineapple chunks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking.
  6. Air Fry to Perfection: Air fry the pineapple chunks for a total of 12 minutes, flipping them at the 5 and 10-minute marks to ensure they caramelize evenly on all sides.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Once the pineapple is toasted and caramelized to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately for the ultimate tropical delight.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes | Servings: 6

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Pair with Ice Cream: Serve Air Fryer Pineapple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination that balances the warm caramelized pineapple with cool creamy goodness.
  2. Top with Whipped Cream: Garnish each serving with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra indulgent treat.
  3. Drizzle with Honey: Enhance the sweetness by drizzling honey over the caramelized pineapple just before serving for an added touch of flavor.
  4. Sprinkle with Toasted Coconut: Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes over the pineapple for a tropical twist that adds texture and flavor.
  5. Serve with Yogurt: Pair the warm pineapple with Greek yogurt for a delicious breakfast or light dessert option that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
  6. Make a Fruit Salad: Combine the air-fried pineapple with other fresh fruits like mango, kiwi, and berries to create a vibrant and refreshing fruit salad.
  7. Add to Kabobs: Thread the caramelized pineapple onto skewers with chunks of ham or grilled chicken for a sweet and savory appetizer or main dish.
  8. Use as a Topping: Chop the air-fried pineapple and use it as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal for a delightful breakfast treat.
  9. Incorporate into Cocktails: Add the caramelized pineapple to cocktails like piña coladas or mojitos for a tropical twist that’s sure to impress.
  10. Create a Salsa: Dice the cooled pineapple and combine it with diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice to create a flavorful pineapple salsa that pairs well with grilled fish or tacos.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover Air Fryer Pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  2. Reheat Gently: To reheat, place the pineapple in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through, being careful not to overcook.
  3. Freezing: While the texture may change slightly upon thawing, you can freeze leftover pineapple in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
  4. Use in Recipes: Use leftover caramelized pineapple as a topping for desserts, pancakes, or yogurt parfaits, or incorporate it into baked goods like muffins or cakes for added flavor.
  5. Make a Smoothie: Blend leftover pineapple with yogurt, banana, and spinach for a refreshing and nutritious smoothie.
  6. Create Fruit Leather: Puree leftover pineapple and spread it thinly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at low heat until dried to make homemade fruit leather.
  7. Infuse Water or Tea: Add slices of leftover pineapple to water or tea for a refreshing and naturally flavored beverage.
  8. Use in Stir-Fries: Chop leftover pineapple and incorporate it into stir-fries for a sweet and tangy twist on classic recipes.
  9. Make BBQ Sauce: Puree leftover pineapple and combine it with ketchup, vinegar, and spices to make a homemade BBQ sauce for grilling.
  10. Create Salad Dressing: Blend leftover pineapple with olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and honey to create a flavorful and tropical salad dressing.

Variations:

  1. Coconut Glaze: Replace the cinnamon brown sugar glaze with a coconut milk and brown sugar glaze for a tropical flavor twist.
  2. Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cinnamon sugar glaze for a spicy-sweet flavor profile.
  3. Rum Infusion: Brush the pineapple with rum before air-frying for a boozy twist that adds depth of flavor.
  4. Maple Syrup Drizzle: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup for a rich and decadent glaze that pairs beautifully with the caramelized pineapple.
  5. Herbaceous Twist: Add finely chopped fresh mint or basil to the cinnamon sugar glaze for a refreshing herbal note.
  6. Citrus Zest: Enhance the flavor with a sprinkle of lemon or lime zest over the caramelized pineapple for a bright and zesty finish.
  7. Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or almonds over the pineapple during the last few minutes of air-frying for added crunch and flavor.
  8. Vanilla Bean Glaze: Infuse the glaze with the seeds of a vanilla bean for a fragrant and aromatic touch that complements the sweetness of the pineapple.
  9. Balsamic Reduction: Drizzle the caramelized pineapple with a balsamic reduction before serving for a tangy-sweet flavor contrast.
  10. Savory Option: Skip the sugar and cinnamon and season the pineapple with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of chili flakes before air-frying for a savory twist that pairs well with grilled meats or tacos.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh for this recipe?
    • While fresh pineapple yields the best results, you can use canned pineapple chunks packed in juice. Drain the pineapple well before coating with the glaze.
  2. What type of air fryer works best for this recipe?
    • Any type of air fryer will work for this recipe, whether it’s basket-style or oven-style. Just ensure the pineapple chunks are arranged in a single layer for even cooking.
  3. Can I use margarine or oil instead of butter in the glaze?
    • Yes, you can substitute margarine or a neutral oil like vegetable oil or coconut oil for butter in the glaze.
  4. Is it necessary to flip the pineapple chunks during air frying?
    • Flipping the pineapple chunks ensures even caramelization on all sides, but if you prefer, you can skip this step. Just monitor the cooking time to prevent burning.
  5. Can I adjust the sweetness of the glaze to my preference?
    • Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar in the glaze to suit your taste preferences. Add more for a sweeter flavor or reduce for a less sweet option.
  6. Can I use frozen pineapple for this recipe?
    • While fresh pineapple is recommended, you can use frozen pineapple chunks. Thaw the pineapple completely and pat dry before coating with the glaze.
  7. Can I omit the cinnamon from the glaze?
    • Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, feel free to omit it from the glaze or replace it with a different spice like nutmeg or ginger.
  8. What can I do with leftover cinnamon sugar glaze?
    • The leftover glaze can be used as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or French toast, or drizzled over oatmeal or yogurt for a sweet breakfast treat.
  9. Can I make this recipe vegan?
    • Yes, you can use vegan butter or margarine and substitute maple syrup for the honey to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
  10. Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer before cooking?
    • Preheating the air fryer helps ensure even cooking and caramelization of the pineapple chunks, but if your air fryer doesn’t require preheating, you can skip this step and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Elevate your snacking game with our Air Fryer Pineapple recipe – a quick and easy way to enjoy the tropical flavors of fresh pineapple in a deliciously caramelized treat. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delightful dessert or snack in no time. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite toppings like vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, this Air Fryer Pineapple is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So fire up your air fryer and get ready to savor the irresistible flavors of this tropical delight!