Air Fried Pineapple with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar
If you’re on the lookout for a quick, healthy, and delicious dessert or snack, air fryer pineapple is the perfect choice. This easy recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the pineapple while adding rich caramelized flavors with just a few ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat after dinner or a light dessert to serve at a gathering, this air-fried pineapple recipe is sure to impress. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and ready in under 20 minutes!
Why Choose Air Fryer Pineapple?
Air frying is one of the best ways to prepare fruits like pineapple because it enhances their natural sweetness without the need for excessive added sugars or oils. In just a few minutes, your pineapple will become golden brown, juicy, and caramelized to perfection. The air fryer circulates heat around the food, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist. This method intensifies the flavor of the fruit, giving you that delicious, satisfying caramelization you would expect from a more complex cooking process—without all the extra steps.
The combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter further enhances the pineapple’s flavor, creating a sweet and slightly spicy treat that will leave you craving more. The dish also comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Let’s dive into the recipe and see how to make this simple yet indulgent dessert!
Health Benefits of Pineapple
Besides its natural sweetness, pineapple offers a variety of health benefits that make it a great snack or dessert option. Pineapple is rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune health and helps maintain healthy skin. It also contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids in digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. Incorporating pineapple into your diet is not only delicious but also offers various health benefits, making this recipe a smart choice for those seeking to enjoy a guilt-free indulgence.
Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Pineapple
For this simple air fryer pineapple recipe, you won’t need many ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
Fresh Pineapple:
A ripe, juicy pineapple is the star of this recipe. It’s essential to choose a pineapple that’s fully ripe for the best flavor and sweetness. Look for one with a sweet smell and bright golden skin. A ripe pineapple will also yield easily when you gently press on the outside, indicating it’s ready to eat.
Brown Sugar:
Brown sugar is used in this recipe for its rich molasses flavor, which complements the natural sweetness of the pineapple. It gives the pineapple a beautiful caramelized finish once air-fried, making each bite sweet and indulgent.
Butter:
Melted butter helps to enhance the caramelization process and gives the pineapple a rich, buttery flavor. It also helps to bind the sugar and cinnamon to the pineapple, ensuring each piece is coated evenly.
Cinnamon:
Cinnamon adds a warm, spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the pineapple and the richness of the butter. This warm spice is a must in any dessert recipe that features caramelized fruits, giving it a comforting, cozy flavor profile.
Optional Toppings:
For an extra indulgence, you can serve your air fryer pineapple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. These additions are optional but can elevate the dessert to a whole new level of decadence.
Tips for Perfect Air Fried Pineapple
- Slice Evenly: To ensure even cooking, slice the pineapple into rings that are roughly 1/4-inch thick. Cutting the slices evenly helps to promote uniform caramelization and prevents some pieces from being too soft while others are overdone.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When placing the pineapple pieces in the air fryer basket, make sure they are arranged in a single layer. Overcrowding the basket can cause uneven cooking, resulting in some pieces being perfectly caramelized while others are undercooked.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes before adding the pineapple. Preheating ensures that the fruit starts cooking immediately, promoting even cooking and a crisp exterior.
- Experiment with Toppings: While vanilla ice cream or whipped cream are excellent choices, feel free to experiment with other toppings such as chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of honey to further enhance the flavors of the dish.
Nutritional Benefits of Air Fried Pineapple
This dessert offers a healthier alternative to traditional fried sweets and heavy cakes. Pineapple is low in calories and packed with nutrients, including vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. By using minimal sugar and butter in this recipe, you’re keeping the calorie count low while still delivering on flavor. If you want to reduce the sugar further, you can experiment with sugar substitutes or reduce the amount of brown sugar used in the recipe.
Air Fryer Pineapple Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious and healthy dessert, this air fryer pineapple recipe is the perfect choice. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a warm, caramelized treat that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe pineapple
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Optional: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple
- Begin by peeling and coring the pineapple. Slice it into rings that are about 1/4-inch thick. Then, cut each ring into quarters and place the pieces in a large bowl.
Step 2: Mix the Flavoring
- In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Stir until well mixed, and then pour the mixture over the pineapple pieces. Toss gently to coat the pineapple evenly with the sugar-butter-cinnamon mixture.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps to ensure that the pineapple starts cooking right away.
Step 4: Air Fry the Pineapple
- Using tongs, carefully arrange the pineapple pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry the pineapple for 12-15 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through the cooking time. The pineapple should be golden brown and slightly caramelized when done.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the air-fried pineapple warm, on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Calories: 217 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 36g
Enjoy this air fryer pineapple as a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to traditional desserts. The combination of sweet pineapple, warm cinnamon, and a hint of butter makes this treat perfect for any occasion!
