If you’re craving a sweet and tangy treat that’s as simple as it is delightful, this Air Fryer Pineapple with Honey and Cinnamon Recipe is exactly what you need. With juicy pineapple slices caramelized to perfection in the air fryer, drizzled with luscious honey and a hint of warm cinnamon, this dish bursts with flavors and a gorgeous golden color that’s impossible to resist. Whether as a quick snack, a healthy dessert, or a vibrant side, this recipe delivers that tropical sunshine vibe all year round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet each plays a vital role in creating the vibrant flavor and beautiful texture of your air-fried pineapple. The combination of sweetness, warmth, and a touch of acidity perfectly complements the natural juiciness of the fruit.
- Fresh pineapple: Choose a ripe, juicy pineapple for the best sweetness and caramelization in the air fryer.
- Honey or maple syrup: This adds a sticky, sweet glaze that enhances the pineapple’s natural sugars when cooked.
- Ground cinnamon (optional): A pinch of cinnamon introduces a subtle warm spice that lifts the flavor to the next level.
- Lemon juice (optional): A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the sweetness.
- Pinch of salt (optional): Salt acts as a flavor enhancer, helping all the ingredients shine without overpowering.
How to Make Air Fryer Pineapple with Honey and Cinnamon Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer
First, set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot, ready to caramelize the pineapple slices in just the right amount of time. Preheating ensures a perfectly crisp outside while keeping the inside juicy.
Step 2: Prepare the pineapple
Peel, core, and slice your fresh pineapple into rings or wedges—whatever shape you prefer. Keep the slices about half an inch thick to get a tender interior with a golden crust.
Step 3: Mix the honey glaze
In a small bowl, combine honey or maple syrup with optional ground cinnamon and a splash of lemon juice. This mix not only adds flavor but also helps the pineapple develop those irresistible caramelized edges.
Step 4: Coat the pineapple slices
Use a brush or your hands to lightly coat each pineapple slice with the honey-cinnamon mixture, making sure every bite will be infused with sweetness and warmth.
Step 5: Arrange in the air fryer basket
Place the coated slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them so air can circulate freely for even cooking and caramelization.
Step 6: Air fry until golden and caramelized
Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through. When done, they should be beautifully golden with some nice caramelized spots that bring out the pineapple’s natural sugars and the honey glaze’s richness.
Step 7: Serve warm
Remove your air-fried pineapple from the basket and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. The warmth enhances the aroma and richness from the honey and cinnamon.
How to Serve Air Fryer Pineapple with Honey and Cinnamon Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar immediately elevates the look and taste. A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can brighten up the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pineapple pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or pork, adding a sweet and tangy balance to savory, smoky flavors. It’s also fantastic alongside a fresh green salad or over vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking pineapple rings with layers of Greek yogurt and granola for a tropical parfait, or skewer the pieces for a fun appetizer at your next barbecue. You can even use the caramelized slices as a topping on pancakes or waffles for a sunny twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Air Fryer Pineapple with Honey and Cinnamon Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pineapple keeps its flavor well, though it’s best enjoyed fresh and warm.
Freezing
While you can freeze air-fried pineapple, be aware that the texture may become softer after thawing. For best results, freeze the slices on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag and consume within a month.
Reheating
To reheat and revive that caramelized goodness, pop the pineapple back in the air fryer for 3 to 4 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This warms the fruit through and restores some of its crispy edges and sticky glaze.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Fresh pineapple is definitely preferred for its natural juiciness and texture. Canned pineapple tends to be softer and may not caramelize as well, resulting in a less appealing texture.
Is it necessary to add cinnamon and lemon juice?
They are optional but highly recommended. Cinnamon adds a lovely warmth, and lemon juice balances the sweetness. If you’re unsure, start with small amounts and adjust to your taste.
What if I don’t have honey or maple syrup?
You can try using brown sugar or agave syrup as alternatives. Each will bring its own unique sweetness and help with caramelization, though honey and maple syrup are most traditional for this recipe.
How thick should the pineapple slices be?
A thickness of about half an inch works best to ensure that the pineapple cooks evenly while holding its juicy texture. Thicker slices may take longer to cook through.
Can I add other spices to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with nutmeg, ginger, or even a touch of chili powder for a spicy kick. The Air Fryer Pineapple with Honey and Cinnamon Recipe is a great canvas for your own flavor twists.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Pineapple with Honey and Cinnamon Recipe is a total game changer for enjoying pineapple in a way that’s quick, flavorful, and charmingly caramelized. It’s the kind of recipe that brightens any meal or snack time with minimal effort and maximum joy. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s one of my favorite ways to enjoy this tropical fruit all year long.
Print
Air Fryer Pineapple with Honey and Cinnamon Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the tropical sweetness of air-fried pineapple, perfectly caramelized with a touch of honey, cinnamon, and lemon. This quick and easy recipe uses an air fryer to create a warm, golden-brown dessert or snack that’s bursting with flavor and can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Ingredients
Fresh Pineapple
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced
Coating Mixture
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure an even cooking temperature for perfectly caramelized pineapple slices.
- Prepare Pineapple: Peel the pineapple, core it carefully, and slice it into rings or wedges, depending on your preference.
- Make Honey Mixture: In a small bowl, combine honey or maple syrup with ground cinnamon and lemon juice if using; this mixture adds sweetness and a slight tang which enhances the pineapple’s flavor.
- Coat Pineapple Slices: Lightly brush or toss the pineapple slices with the honey-cinnamon-lemon mixture, ensuring an even coating for caramelization.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the coated pineapple slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket so they cook evenly without overlapping.
- Air Fry the Pineapple: Cook the slices for about 10-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C), flipping them halfway through to achieve an even golden-brown caramelization on both sides.
- Serve Warm: Once caramelized and tender, remove the pineapple slices from the air fryer and serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use a ripe pineapple for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- The cinnamon and lemon juice are optional but provide a lovely balance of spice and acidity.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Serve as a warm dessert on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before eating.
