Description
This easy and delicious Air Fryer Pineapple Chunks recipe transforms fresh pineapple into warm, caramelized bites with a hint of cinnamon and sweetness. Perfect as a healthy snack or a tasty dessert, these pineapple chunks are quick to prepare and cook in just 20 minutes using an air fryer, resulting in juicy centers and crisp edges.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 1 medium fresh pineapple (about 3 cups chunks)
Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prep the pineapple: Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple. Stand it upright and slice off the skin in strips, then remove the eyes with a small knife. Cut the pineapple into 1-inch chunks to ensure even cooking.
- Toss with flavor: In a mixing bowl, combine the pineapple chunks with olive or coconut oil, ground cinnamon if using, honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Toss gently until the pineapple is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Preheat air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat it for about 2 minutes to ensure the pineapple will cook evenly and develop a nice caramelized surface.
- Air fry pineapple: Arrange the pineapple chunks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking or stirring the pineapple halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning and crisping. The pineapple pieces should turn golden brown with crisp edges while remaining juicy inside.
- Serve warm: Carefully remove the pineapple chunks from the air fryer and serve warm. Enjoy them on their own as a healthy snack or pair with vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Notes
- For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can roast pineapple chunks in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Pineapple ripeness will affect sweetness; adjust honey or maple syrup accordingly.
- Serve immediately for best texture, as pineapple can become soft if left too long.
