This air fryer roasted pineapple has become a seasonal favorite in my kitchen — bright, caramelized, and impossibly easy. I first tried this method on a sultry summer evening when ripe fruit was piled high at the farmer's market and I wanted something refreshing but with a little warmth. The high, dry heat of the air fryer concentrates the pineapple's natural sugars and creates golden edges that contrast beautifully with the juicy interior. It feels indulgent without being heavy, and it's the sort of treat I feel good feeding to friends and family. I discovered that a simple dusting of brown sugar and warming spices takes the flavor from pleasant to unforgettable: a hint of cinnamon, a whisper of nutmeg, and just enough olive oil to help the fruit caramelize. I often serve it straight from the basket with a small spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt mixed with honey and lime — the cool cream balances the caramelized sweetness in a single bite. This version is flexible — make it in rings for a pretty presentation or chop it into chunks for a handheld snack. The whole process, from prep to serving, takes about 20–30 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute desserts or a quick weekend brunch addition.

Ingredients

• Fresh pineapple: Choose a ripe but firm pineapple (golden skin, sweet-smelling base). I like a medium fruit so it fits easily into my air fryer basket and yields six substantial slices or chunks.
• Brown sugar: One tablespoon of packed brown sugar adds caramel notes and helps create a crisp, sweet exterior; light or dark both work — dark gives deeper molasses flavor.
• Ground cinnamon: One teaspoon brings warmth and rounds out the pineapple's acidity; use a fresh jar for the most aromatic result.
• Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon adds a subtle, nutty counterpoint — freshly grated if you have it for more complexity.
• Extra virgin olive oil: One tablespoon — a neutral oil like avocado works too, but a good EVOO helps with browning and adds a faint fruity note.
• Greek yogurt (for sauce): 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt provides creaminess and protein; full-fat or 2% yields the creamiest mouthfeel.
• Honey: One teaspoon in the yogurt sauce adds sweetness and a floral note; swap for maple syrup if preferred.
• Fresh lime juice: One teaspoon brightens the sauce and cuts through the caramelized sweetness for balance.

Instructions

Prepare the pineapple: Carefully peel the pineapple with a sharp chef's knife, slice off the top and base, and stand it upright to remove the skin in strips. Remove the core with a small round cutter or by slicing it away. Cut into six 1/4-inch thick rings or bite-sized chunks. Pat each piece dry with paper towels to remove excess juice — drier surfaces brown more evenly. Preheat and season: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil. Toss the pineapple pieces until evenly coated. The oil helps the sugar adhere and promotes surface caramelization. Air fry until caramelized: Arrange the pineapple in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding; work in batches if necessary. Cook at 400°F for 10–15 minutes, flipping once halfway through with tongs. Look for deep golden edges and a syrupy sheen — smaller chunks may finish closer to 10 minutes, thicker rings toward 15. If pieces stick, use a thin spatula to release them gently. Make the yogurt sauce: While the fruit cooks, mix 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 teaspoon honey and 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice. Whisk until smooth and taste for balance — add a touch more honey if you like it sweeter. Serve warm: Serve the pineapple warm from the air fryer with a dollop of yogurt sauce on top or on the side. For a more festive presentation, sprinkle with toasted coconut or chopped mint. Leftovers refrigerate well and reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to revive crisp edges.

Storage Tips

Store cooled pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best texture, separate sauce in a small jar and add when serving. To freeze, spread pieces on a baking sheet to flash-freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months; reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes. Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers; look for minimal headspace to reduce oxidation and preserve flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have brown sugar, granulated sugar with a teaspoon of molasses mimics the flavor; coconut sugar also works. Swap olive oil for melted butter for a richer finish or use neutral oil like avocado for a cleaner taste. Nutmeg can be omitted or replaced with a pinch of allspice or cardamom for a different aromatic profile. For a non-dairy sauce, use coconut yogurt and swap honey for maple syrup to keep it vegan-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm as a dessert topped with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey, or pair with vanilla ice cream and toasted macadamia nuts for a tropical sundae. For brunch, pile onto waffles or pancakes and finish with toasted coconut and lime zest. For savory meals, use slices as a tangy side with grilled pork, chicken, or fish — the sweet-acid contrast lifts richer proteins beautifully. Garnish with fresh mint, flaky sea salt, or a pinch of chili flakes for complexity.

Cultural Background

Pineapple has long been a symbol of hospitality in many cultures and features prominently in tropical cuisines across Southeast Asia, the Pacific, and the Americas. Roasting or grilling pineapple is a technique used in Hawaiian and Caribbean cooking to concentrate sweetness and add charred notes. The air fryer is simply a modern, efficient way to achieve the same caramelization indoors without a grill, bridging classic tropical flavors with contemporary home-cooking convenience.

Seasonal Adaptations

In summer, maximize ripe fruit and serve simply with a squeeze of lime. In cooler months, add warming spices: increase cinnamon slightly and add a pinch of ground ginger. For holiday gatherings, sprinkle finished pieces with ground cloves or orange zest and serve alongside roasted poultry. During berry season, top with macerated berries for a colorful, textural contrast that feels celebratory.

Meal Prep Tips

For make-ahead meals, roast a double batch and portion into single-serving containers with the sauce on the side. Use airtight containers and refrigerate up to 4 days for quick desserts or breakfast toppings. Reheat briefly in the air fryer (2–3 minutes at 350°F) to refresh the edges. Pre-sliced pineapple keeps in the fridge for easier weeknight cooking — just toss with seasoning and air fry when you’re ready.

Give this a try the next time you spot a beautiful pineapple — it’s a small ritual of warmth and brightness that turns ordinary fruit into something a little bit magical. Enjoy sharing it, and don’t be surprised if it becomes one of your favorite quick desserts or brunch accents.