Caramelized air fryer pineapple slices are juicy in the middle with lightly browned, sweet edges. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes, then cook the slices for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. A little brown sugar and cinnamon bring out the fruit’s sweetness without covering it in a heavy glaze. Serve the slices warm as a simple dessert or alongside breakfast.
Ingredients
1 medium fresh pineapple, peeled and cored (about 8 slices, 1/2 inch thick)
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How To Make It
Rinse the whole pineapple under running water before peeling and cutting it. Remove the peel and core, then cut the fruit into roughly 1/2-inch-thick slices. Pat both sides dry with paper towels; less surface moisture helps the edges brown rather than steam.
Preheat the empty air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes. Brush both sides of each slice lightly with melted butter. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle a thin, even coating over the slices. Avoid piling on extra sugar, which can drip through the basket and burn.
Arrange the pineapple directly on the basket grid in a single layer, leaving a little room around each slice for airflow. You do not need a pan or liner. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 10–12 minutes, carefully flipping the slices after about 5–6 minutes. Check near the end and remove them when the edges are golden brown and the fruit is tender. Cook in batches if your basket cannot hold all the slices without overlap.
Let the pineapple cool briefly before serving; the fruit and sugar coating will be hot. The slices are lovely on their own or spooned over vanilla ice cream or yogurt.
Tips
Choose ripe but firm pineapple so the slices hold together when flipped. If yours is especially juicy, give it an extra pat dry before adding the butter and sugar. Air fryers vary, so begin checking at 10 minutes and add time only if the edges need more color. If the sugar darkens too quickly, take the slices out rather than waiting for the full cook time.
Keep the basket uncovered for good circulation. If you use an air-fryer-safe perforated liner for easier cleanup, add it only with the pineapple after preheating and keep its edges weighed down by the food; never preheat with loose parchment in an empty basket. Refrigerate leftover cooked pineapple within 2 hours.
Enjoy these warm, golden slices whenever you want an easy fruit-forward treat.
