Air Fryer Pineapple

This air fryer pineapple recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors while providing essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, which supports your immune system, and dietary fiber, which aids in digestion. Plus, it's a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried snacks, making it a guilt-free indulgence that the whole family will love. Enjoy your tropical treat!

Air-fried pineapple has a unique and delicious taste that combines the natural sweetness and tropical flavor of pineapple with a delightful caramelization and crispiness from the air frying process.

The outer layer of the pineapple chunks becomes beautifully caramelized, creating a slightly crispy and golden-brown exterior.

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Jump to:

• How to select ripe pineapple
• Ingredients
• How to make air fried pineapple
• Storage
• Recipe Variations
• More Pineapple Recipes
• Air Fryer Pineapple

How to select ripe pineapple

1. Check the Color: Look for a pineapple with a vibrant golden-yellow color. The more yellow it is, the riper it tends to be. However, a completely yellow pineapple doesn't necessarily indicate ripeness, as some greenish or brownish spots are normal.
2. Smell the Base: Give the base of the pineapple a gentle sniff. A ripe pineapple should have a sweet, tropical aroma. If it doesn't smell like pineapple or has a sour or vinegar-like scent, it's likely not ripe.
3. Squeeze Gently: Hold the pineapple in your hand and give it a gentle squeeze. Ripe pineapples should yield slightly to pressure, but they shouldn't be too soft. If it feels too hard, it's underripe, and if it's mushy, it's overripe.
4. Check the Leaves: Examine the leaves at the top of the pineapple. They should be green, fresh-looking, and firmly attached. If the leaves are brown, dry, or easily pull out, the pineapple may be past its prime.
5. Inspect for Evenness: Look for a pineapple that has an even shape without pronounced soft spots, bruises, or darkened areas. Irregularities in the surface may indicate overripe or damaged fruit.
6. Consider the Weight: A ripe pineapple should feel relatively heavy for its size. A lightweight pineapple may be underripe, while an excessively heavy one might be overripe.
7. Avoid Mold and Decay: Check for any signs of mold, decay, or unusual discoloration on the skin of the pineapple. These are clear indicators of spoilage.

Ingredients

Just 3 simple ingredients make this healthy tropical treat.

• Pineapple - fresh pineapple not canned pineapple.
• Cinnamon - this spice goes well with the pineapple
• Low Carb Brown Sweetener - we use brown monkfruit instead of brown sugar for the caramelized flavor. Other low carb sweetener such as allulose or Swerve can be used too.

How to make air fried pineapple

If you enjoy grilled pineapple, you will enjoy this air fryer recipe. We slice the pineapple into stick but you could cut it into pineapple rings.

Storage

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last up to 3 days.

Recipe Variations

Air-fried pineapple is a versatile dish that can be customized in various ways to suit different preferences and occasions. Here are some delicious air-fried pineapple recipe variations:

1. Coconut Air-Fried Pineapple:
   • After air frying the pineapple chunks, sprinkle them with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist. The combination of caramelized pineapple and crispy coconut adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
2. Spicy Air-Fried Pineapple:
   • Add a kick to your pineapple by tossing the chunks in a mixture of chili powder, cayenne pepper, and a touch of salt before air frying. The result is a sweet and spicy treat that's perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
3. Minty Fresh Air-Fried Pineapple:
   • Sprinkle fresh mint leaves or mint powder over the air-fried pineapple for a refreshing and aromatic twist. The cool mint complements the sweetness of the pineapple beautifully.
4. Lime-Infused Air-Fried Pineapple:
   • Before air frying, drizzle the pineapple chunks with fresh lime juice and a pinch of lime zest. The zesty lime flavor pairs wonderfully with the pineapple's natural sweetness.
5. Ginger Glazed Air-Fried Pineapple:
   • Create a ginger glaze by combining grated fresh ginger, honey, and a touch of soy sauce. Toss the pineapple in this glaze before air frying for a sweet and slightly savory flavor profile.
6. Pineapple Salsa:
   • After air frying, chop the pineapple into smaller pieces and combine them with diced red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to create a fresh and tangy pineapple salsa. This makes for a fantastic topping for grilled meats, fish, or tacos.
7. Pineapple and Cheese:
   • After air frying, top the pineapple chunks with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or your favorite cheese. Place them back in the air fryer for a minute or two until the cheese melts and turns golden for a sweet and savory cheesy delight.
8. Pineapple Dessert Bowl:
   • Serve air-fried pineapple in a hollowed-out pineapple half, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a stunning dessert presentation.
9. Pineapple Salad:
   • Create a refreshing salad by combining air-fried pineapple with mixed greens, red onion, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette dressing. The sweet and tangy pineapple adds a burst of flavor to your salad.
10. Pineapple Skewers:
    • Thread air-fried pineapple chunks onto skewers along with other fruits like strawberries, melon, and grapes for a colorful and delicious fruit kabob platter. Drizzle with chocolate or yogurt for added decadence.

More Pineapple Recipes

Enjoy our other healthy pineapple recipes:

Pineapple Whip

Pineapple Jalapeno Salsa

Pineapple BBQ Sauce