This simple preparation of roasted pineapple in the air fryer became a household favorite the first summer I tried it. I was drawn to the idea of caramelizing fruit without turning on the oven, and the result was a snack that tasted like a lightly grilled dessert: sweet, slightly smoky, with edges that crisped just enough to add texture. I discovered this method using a single ripe pineapple and a handful of pantry spices while testing quick desserts for hot evenings when nobody wanted to heat the house. The contrast between the juicy interior and the caramelized exterior felt celebratory — a small thing that made everyone at the table smile.

What makes this preparation special is how little fuss it requires and how flexible it is. With just a tablespoon of olive oil, a dusting of brown sugar, and warm spices, the pineapple transforms inside an air fryer in under 15 minutes. I often serve it with a simple Greek yogurt-lime dip that cuts the sweetness and adds a cool, creamy finish. Whether you need a last-minute dessert, a healthy snack for kids after school, or a bright side for grilled meats, this approach is a reliable winner.

Ingredients

• Fresh pineapple: 1 whole, peeled and cored, cut into six 1/4-inch thick rings or bite-sized chunks. Choose a ripe fruit with a fragrant sweet aroma at the stem end; Gold or Smooth Cayenne varieties work well.
• Brown sugar: 1 tablespoon packed. Adds caramel color and a deeper molasses note that enhances the pineapple’s natural sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon. Use a single-origin Ceylon or Saigon cinnamon if you have it — it gives a warm aromatic lift without bitterness.
• Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon. A little goes a long way; freshly grated nutmeg is ideal for brightness.
• Extra virgin olive oil: 1 tablespoon. A neutral-flavored oil works too, but a fruity extra virgin adds subtle complexity and helps the sugar caramelize.
• Greek yogurt dipping sauce (optional): 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice — whisked together for a tangy balance to the roasted fruit.

Instructions

Prepare the fruit: Using a sharp chef’s knife, trim the top and bottom of the pineapple, stand it upright, and slice the skin away in vertical strokes. Remove the core with a round cutter or by slicing the rings into wedges and angling the knife to avoid the fibrous center. Cut into six 1/4-inch thick rings or three-quarter-inch chunks, depending on your preference. Pat pieces dry with paper towels to encourage even caramelization. Season and toss: In a medium bowl, combine 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Add the pineapple pieces and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated. Let the pineapple sit for 3–5 minutes so the sugar adheres and the spices bloom. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F. Preheating for 3–5 minutes ensures the basket is hot so the pineapple starts to caramelize on contact. I use a Cuisinart air fryer oven, but small basket-style models work the same way. Arrange in a single layer: Place the seasoned pieces in the basket in a single layer without overcrowding; work in batches if needed. Overlap reduces airflow and prevents browning. For rings, place flat; for chunks, space them evenly so hot air can circulate. Roast and flip: Cook at 400°F for 10–15 minutes, flipping each piece halfway through (about 5–7 minutes in). Watch for golden-brown edges and a few dark caramel spots — that’s your cue that sugars have caramelized. Smaller chunks may be done closer to 10 minutes; thicker rings require up to 15 minutes. Make the dipping sauce: While the fruit cooks, whisk together 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust for sweetness or acidity. Chill briefly if you prefer the contrast of cool sauce with warm pineapple. Serve warm: Transfer roasted pineapple to a platter and serve immediately with a dollop of the yogurt-lime sauce. Garnish with a lime wedge or a sprinkle of toasted coconut if desired. Leftovers keep well and can be reheated gently in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes.

Storage Tips

Store cooled pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. If you plan to freeze, lay pieces on a baking sheet to flash-freeze for about an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag and label with the date — they keep for about 3 months. To reheat, use the air fryer at 350°F for 2–4 minutes to refresh caramelization without overcooking. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve texture; it tends to make the fruit mushy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have brown sugar, substitute with coconut sugar or a light sprinkle of maple syrup tossed with the fruit (use about 1 tablespoon). For a dairy-free sauce, replace Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or a dollop of chilled coconut cream and increase lime juice by a half teaspoon. If you prefer a smoky note, swap nutmeg for a pinch of smoked paprika; it transforms the flavor and pairs well with grilled proteins.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with the yogurt-lime sauce for dessert, or pair roasted pineapple with grilled chicken or fish for a tropical contrast. It’s excellent over vanilla ice cream with toasted coconut, folded into a spinach salad with feta and red onion, or served on skewers as a party appetizer. Garnish with fresh mint or a squeeze of lime for brightness.

Cultural Background

Pineapple has long been a symbol of hospitality and warmth in many cultures, especially in the Caribbean and tropical regions where it grows natively. Roasting or grilling pineapple is common in Latin American and Pacific cuisines, where heat concentrates sweetness and adds smoky depth. Using an air fryer is a modern adaptation that recreates that grilled texture without a grill.

Seasonal Adaptations

In summer, highlight the fruit’s ripeness with minimal sugar to let natural flavors shine. In cooler months, consider tossing in warm spices like clove or allspice and serving with warm mascarpone or whipped cream. For autumnal flair, add a dash of ground ginger and serve alongside spiced yogurt to echo seasonal desserts.

Meal Prep Tips

For efficient meal prep, slice and season multiple pineapples and store them raw in airtight containers for up to a day; roast just before serving. Roasted pineapple freezes well — portion into single-serving packets for easy desserts. Keep the dip separate until serving to maintain its texture and freshness.

Ultimately, this air fryer method is about making small pleasures easy: a few minutes of prep, a short roast, and you’ve elevated fresh fruit into a crowd-pleasing treat. Give it a try, tweak the spices to your taste, and enjoy the way simple caramelization can turn ordinary fruit into something memorable.