If you’re looking for a bright, tropical treat that you can whip up in no time, the Air Fryer Pineapple with Honey and Cinnamon Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish transforms fresh pineapple slices into a caramelized delight, thanks to the magic of your air fryer paired with the natural sweetness of honey and the warm spice of cinnamon. It’s incredibly simple, yet every bite bursts with juicy, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor—a perfect snack, side, or even a light dessert that feels both refreshing and indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Air Fryer Pineapple with Honey and Cinnamon Recipe lies in its simplicity; just a handful of ingredients create a dish that’s full of flavor and color. Each component plays a crucial role, from the juicy pineapple that provides natural sweetness and vibrant color to the honey and cinnamon that add depth and warmth.
- Fresh Pineapple: Peeled, cored, and sliced—the star of the recipe offering juicy sweetness and a hint of tropical tang.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and helps caramelize the pineapple for that beautiful golden finish.
- Ground Cinnamon (optional): A warm, spicy note that complements the pineapple’s bright flavors perfectly.
- Lemon Juice (optional): Adds a subtle zing that balances the sweetness and keeps flavors fresh.
- Pinch of Salt (optional): Enhances all the flavors and rounds out the dish.
How to Make Air Fryer Pineapple with Honey and Cinnamon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Air Fryer
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your pineapple will cook evenly and develop the perfect caramelized exterior without drying out.
Step 2: Slice the Pineapple
Peel, core, and slice your fresh pineapple into rings or wedges, depending on your preference. Thicker slices hold their juiciness better while thinner ones crisp up nicely.
Step 3: Mix the Honey and Cinnamon Coating
In a small bowl, combine the honey or maple syrup with ground cinnamon and lemon juice, if using. This mixture will both sweeten and spice your pineapple slices, giving them a wonderful flavor boost.
Step 4: Coat the Pineapple
Lightly brush or toss the pineapple slices in your honey and cinnamon mix, making sure each piece is evenly coated to soak up that luscious glaze.
Step 5: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket
Place the coated pineapple slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping to allow each piece to caramelize beautifully and cook evenly.
Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection
Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through. Watch as they turn golden brown and develop rich caramelization, intensifying their natural sweetness.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Once done, carefully remove the pineapple slices and serve them warm to experience the full depth of flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How to Serve Air Fryer Pineapple with Honey and Cinnamon Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped mint leaves or a dusting of powdered cinnamon can elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, adding freshness and a little extra zing to your caramelized pineapple slices.
Side Dishes
This caramelized pineapple pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or pork for a tropical twist, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn it into a quick and easy dessert with contrasting hot and cold sensations.
Creative Ways to Present
Try threading the pineapple slices onto skewers as a fun appetizer or dessert option, or layer them over yogurt and granola for a bright, sweet breakfast treat that’s packed with flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover air-fried pineapple in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The pineapple will soften slightly but still retain that lovely caramelized flavor.
Freezing
While you can freeze leftover pineapple slices, they may become mushy once thawed. For best texture, freeze them flat on a tray before storing in a freezer-safe bag and use within 1 month in smoothies or cooked recipes.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the pineapple slices back into the air fryer for a couple of minutes at 350°F (175°C) to revive their caramelized crispness, or warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Fresh pineapple offers the best texture and flavor for this recipe, but if canned is what you have, be sure to drain it well and pat dry before coating and air frying to avoid sogginess.
Is it necessary to add cinnamon?
The cinnamon adds a warm, cozy note that really complements the pineapple and honey. However, if you’re not a fan, the recipe still tastes fantastic with just honey or maple syrup.
How do I prevent the pineapple from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with a bit of oil before placing the pineapple slices in. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it plant-based without sacrificing sweetness or flavor.
What is the best way to enjoy this dish?
This Air Fryer Pineapple with Honey and Cinnamon Recipe shines best served warm, right out of the air fryer, either on its own as a snack or incorporated into other meals for a tropical burst.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the sweet, caramelized edges and juicy warmth of the Air Fryer Pineapple with Honey and Cinnamon Recipe. It’s an easy dish that feels special enough to share but simple enough to enjoy any day of the week. Give it a try—you might find yourself craving this delightful tropical treat again and again!
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: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Air Fryer Pineapple recipe offers a quick and delicious way to enjoy caramelized pineapple slices with a hint of honey, cinnamon, and lemon. Perfect as a healthy dessert or a sweet side dish, the air fryer intensifies the natural sweetness while adding a delightful golden-brown caramelization in just minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 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 it reaches the optimal temperature for caramelizing the pineapple evenly.
- Prepare Pineapple: Peel, core, and slice the fresh pineapple into rings or wedges as preferred for serving.
- Mix Coating: In a small bowl, combine the honey or maple syrup with the optional ground cinnamon and lemon juice to create a flavorful glaze.
- Coat Pineapple: Lightly brush or toss the pineapple slices with the honey mixture to evenly coat them, which will help caramelize and add extra flavor during cooking.
- Arrange Slices: Place the coated pineapple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Air Fry: Cook the pineapple slices in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides become golden brown and caramelized.
- Serve: Carefully remove the pineapple from the air fryer and serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Adding cinnamon and lemon juice is optional but enhances the flavor profile.
- Watch closely during the last few minutes to prevent over-caramelization or burning.
- This recipe can be served as a dessert, snack, or side dish with grilled meats or salads.
- Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your pineapple slices.
