Oh my gosh, you have to try this Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple with Caramel – it’s become my go-to dessert when I’m craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I discovered this trick last summer when I was desperate for a tropical treat but didn’t want to fire up the grill in 90-degree heat. The air fryer gives those pineapple rings the perfect caramelized edges while keeping them juicy inside, and that warm caramel drizzle? Absolute magic. What I love most is how it feels indulgent but is actually pretty guilt-free – just fresh fruit with a little caramel kiss. My kids go crazy for it, and honestly, so do I!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple with Caramel
Trust me, this recipe is about to become your new dessert best friend. Here’s why:
- Crazy fast: From fridge to plate in under 20 minutes – perfect for sudden sweet cravings
- Almost too easy: Just slice, air fry, drizzle – no fancy techniques needed
- Healthy-ish: All that natural pineapple sweetness means you can go light on the caramel
- Magic texture: The air fryer gives those gorgeous grill marks without drying it out
- Versatile: Fancy enough for dinner parties, simple enough for Tuesday nights
I’m not kidding when I say my air fryer has permanent pineapple juice stains because I make this so often! If you love quick air fryer desserts, you might also enjoy these air fryer donut holes.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple with Caramel
Here’s all you need for this ridiculously easy dessert – I bet you have most of it already!
- 1 fresh pineapple – peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/2-inch rings (trust me, fresh makes ALL the difference)
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce – the good, thick kind that drizzles nicely (I sometimes cheat with store-bought)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – optional but oh-so-good for that extra warmth
That’s it! Well, unless you want to get fancy – sometimes I’ll sprinkle on coconut flakes or add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel. But honestly? The simple version is perfection.
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t stress – you probably already have everything required for this super simple dessert:
- Air fryer – any model works, though cooking times might vary slightly
- Sharp knife – for slicing that pineapple like a pro
- Cutting board – preferably one with a juice groove (pineapples can be messy!)
That’s seriously all you need – no fancy gadgets required. Though I won’t judge if you want to use tongs for flipping those pineapple rings!
How to Make Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple with Caramel
Okay, let’s get to the fun part! Making this caramel-glazed pineapple is so simple you’ll laugh. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have restaurant-quality dessert in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple
First things first – grab that fresh pineapple and slice it into 1/2-inch rings. Don’t go too thin or they’ll dry out! I like to leave the core in for stability, but you can remove it if you prefer. Arrange the rings in a single layer in your air fryer basket – they shouldn’t overlap or they won’t cook evenly. Don’t worry if they’re touching a bit, just don’t stack them!
Step 2: Air Fry the Pineapple
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) – this helps get those perfect grill marks. Cook for about 8-10 minutes total, flipping the rings halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when they’ve got those gorgeous golden-brown edges and the juices start bubbling. The smell at this point is absolutely heavenly! For more tips on air fryer temperatures, check out general guidelines on food safety when using air fryers.
Step 3: Add Caramel and Finish
Now for the magic touch! Drizzle your caramel sauce evenly over the pineapple rings – about 1/2 tablespoon per ring works nicely. Pop them back in the air fryer for just 1-2 more minutes until the caramel gets all melty and delicious. Watch closely here – caramel can go from perfect to burnt in seconds!
And that’s it! You’ve just made the easiest, most impressive dessert ever. Serve immediately while it’s warm and gooey – trust me, you won’t be able to resist digging in right away. If you enjoy simple, sweet air fryer recipes, you should also look at making air fryer churro bites.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple
After making this dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds), here are my foolproof tips:
- Pick a ripe pineapple – it should smell sweet at the base and give slightly when pressed
- Watch your air fryer – cooking times vary between models, so check early
- Flip carefully – use tongs so the rings don’t break apart
- Go light on caramel – a little drizzle goes a long way when it melts
- Serve immediately – it’s best piping hot when the caramel’s still gooey
Oh, and don’t be surprised if you start craving this every night – I certainly do!
Variations for Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple
Once you’ve mastered the basic version, try these fun twists – I’ve tested them all!
- Cinnamon dust: Sprinkle before air frying for warm spice notes
- Tropical crunch: Add toasted coconut flakes after cooking
- Spicy kick: Mix a pinch of cayenne into your caramel sauce
- Citrus zing: Grate lime zest over the finished dessert
My personal favorite? A drizzle of dark chocolate instead of caramel – tastes like a pineapple truffle! For another great sweet treat, try these soft air fryer chocolate chip cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the possibilities! My absolute favorite way to serve this is warm over vanilla ice cream – the cold creaminess against the hot caramelized pineapple is pure bliss. For breakfast (don’t judge!), try it with Greek yogurt and granola. Feeling fancy? Add a scoop of coconut sorbet and toasted almonds. Honestly though? It’s heavenly straight off the plate – I may or may not have eaten it standing over the kitchen counter more than once!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Okay, let’s be real – leftovers are rare with this dessert! But if you somehow resist eating it all (impressive), here’s how to handle it: Store cooled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for just 2-3 minutes – microwaving makes it soggy. The caramel might harden a bit, but that quick air fryer blast brings back all that gooey goodness. Pro tip: If the pineapple seems dry, add a tiny splash of pineapple juice before reheating!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each delicious serving (based on 4 servings):
- 90 calories – lighter than most desserts!
- 15g sugar – mostly from the natural pineapple goodness
- 22g carbs – with 2g fiber to balance it out
- 0.5g fat – practically guilt-free
Remember, these numbers can change based on your pineapple’s ripeness and how generous you are with that caramel drizzle (no judgment here!). But compared to most desserts? This one’s practically a health food – or at least that’s what I tell myself when I go for seconds! For a savory option made in the same appliance, check out these air fryer chicken tenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Oh honey, I get it – fresh pineapple takes work! While canned pineapple rings will work in a pinch, they won’t give you those gorgeous caramelized edges or juicy texture. If you must use canned, pat the rings very dry first and reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes.
Q2. How do I adjust cook time for my air fryer model?
Air fryers can be temperamental little beasts! Start checking at 6 minutes – you want golden edges with bubbling juices. Smaller air fryers might need batches (don’t overcrowd!), while larger ones may cook faster. My motto? “Peek early, peek often!”
Q3. Can I make this without caramel?
Absolutely! The pineapple alone is divine – try sprinkling cinnamon before air frying. Or get creative with honey, maple syrup, or even dark chocolate drizzle. My neighbor swears by a pinch of chili powder for sweet-heat magic!
Now go make this recipe and tag me with your results – I wanna see your caramel-drizzled masterpieces!
Print
Irresistible Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple with Caramel in 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 17 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious dessert made with fresh pineapple and caramel, cooked in an air fryer for a quick and healthy treat.
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled and sliced into rings
- 2 tbsp caramel sauce
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange pineapple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the pineapple and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use ripe pineapple for the best flavor.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American