If you’re craving a sweet and tangy treat that’s easy to whip up and bursting with warm, cozy flavors, the Air Fryer Pineapple with Cinnamon and Maple Syrup Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful dish transforms fresh pineapple slices into golden, caramelized morsels infused with the rich aroma of cinnamon and a perfect touch of maple syrup sweetness. It’s an absolute game-changer for anyone looking to elevate simple fruit into a gourmet-worthy snack or dessert in no time at all.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients makes this recipe so approachable, yet each element plays an essential role in delivering those layers of flavor and that luscious texture you’ll love. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to create this irresistible dish.
- Small pineapple: Fresh, peeled, cored, and sliced into ½-inch wedges; the star producing juicy, sweet base bites.
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps develop those beautiful caramelized edges.
- Pure maple syrup: Brings natural sweetness and a subtle depth that perfectly complements the pineapple’s tartness.
- Cinnamon: Adds warm spice notes that enhance the flavor complexity without overpowering the fruit.
How to Make Air Fryer Pineapple with Cinnamon and Maple Syrup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple
Start by peeling and coring your small pineapple, then slicing it into ½-inch thick wedges. This thickness is just right to ensure the pineapple cooks evenly while holding its shape and juiciness in the air fryer.
Step 2: Coat with Butter, Maple Syrup, and Cinnamon
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, pure maple syrup, and cinnamon until smooth. Pour this luscious mixture over the pineapple slices in a large mixing bowl, tossing gently so every wedge is coated in that irresistible blend of sweet and spice.
Step 3: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Arrange the pineapple slices in a single layer inside your air fryer basket. Depending on your appliance size, you might need to do this in batches. Set the temperature to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Remember to flip each slice about halfway through to ensure even caramelization. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn golden brown and develop a tantalizingly caramelized surface.
Step 4: Serve Warm
Serve your air-fried pineapple warm, ideally paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra maple syrup if you want to indulge even more. The contrast between the warm fruit and cold ice cream will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Serve Air Fryer Pineapple with Cinnamon and Maple Syrup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, a handful of chopped fresh mint, or even a dusting of powdered cinnamon can add visual appeal and a fresh pop of flavor that lifts this dish even higher.
Side Dishes
This sweet treat pairs beautifully alongside breakfast favorites like pancakes or waffles, or as a refreshing complement to grilled meats at dinner—especially pork or chicken dishes that welcome a touch of fruity sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the pineapple slices over a bed of Greek yogurt with granola for a gorgeous parfait effect, or skewer the caramelized wedges with fresh berries for a playful dessert kabob. The Air Fryer Pineapple with Cinnamon and Maple Syrup Recipe lends itself wonderfully to inventive serving styles!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover air-fried pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days for maximum freshness and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep some for longer, freezing is possible but will affect the texture slightly once thawed. Place the cooled pineapple slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them into a resealable freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in your air fryer or oven at a lower temperature (around 320°F) to revive that caramelization without drying out the pineapple. Avoid the microwave if you want to retain the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh in this recipe?
While fresh pineapple offers the best texture and flavor for the Air Fryer Pineapple with Cinnamon and Maple Syrup Recipe, canned pineapple can work if fresh isn’t available. Just be sure to drain it well and pat dry to reduce excess moisture before air frying.
Is it necessary to use real maple syrup?
Using pure maple syrup provides a natural sweetness and depth that complements the pineapple beautifully. However, you can substitute with honey or agave syrup if needed, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Can I prepare this recipe without an air fryer?
You can achieve similar results using a conventional oven by broiling the pineapple slices on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes per side, but the air fryer offers a quicker, more efficient caramelization.
How sweet will this dish be? Can I adjust the sweetness?
The recipe has a balanced sweetness combining the pineapple’s natural sugars with maple syrup. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little extra syrup before cooking, or reduce it if you want a less sugary option.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
To make the Air Fryer Pineapple with Cinnamon and Maple Syrup Recipe vegan, simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
You absolutely have to try the Air Fryer Pineapple with Cinnamon and Maple Syrup Recipe—it’s such a simple way to turn a fresh fruit into a mouthwatering treat that feels cozy and indulgent. Whether you serve it as a snack, side, or dessert, this easy-to-make caramelized pineapple will brighten up any meal and leave everyone smiling. Trust me, once you’ve tasted those golden, sweet, spiced slices, you’ll be hooked!
Print
Air Fryer Pineapple with Cinnamon and Maple Syrup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously caramelized air fryer pineapple slices coated in a buttery maple syrup and cinnamon glaze. This quick and easy recipe transforms fresh pineapple into a warm, flavorful treat perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Pineapple
- 1 small pineapple (peeled, cored, and sliced into ½-inch thick wedges)
Glaze
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the pineapple: Place the pineapple slices in a large mixing bowl, ensuring they are spread out for even coating.
- Make the glaze: In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, pure maple syrup, and cinnamon. Stir well to create a smooth glaze.
- Coat the pineapple: Pour the glaze over the pineapple slices and toss thoroughly to coat each slice evenly with the buttery maple cinnamon mixture.
- Air fry the pineapple: Arrange the pineapple slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Depending on your air fryer size, cook in batches if necessary. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 12-15 minutes until the pineapple is golden brown and caramelized, turning each slice halfway through the cooking time for even cooking.
- Serve: Remove the pineapple from the air fryer and serve warm, optionally paired with ice cream for a delightful contrast.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm pineapple for best results—overripe pineapple may become too soft when air fried.
- Adjust cinnamon amount to taste or substitute with nutmeg or pumpkin spice for variation.
- The air frying time might vary depending on the air fryer model and pineapple slice thickness; monitor closely to prevent burning.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
