These Air Fryer Pineapple Rings will soon be your new favourite dessert! They’re quick, easy, made with just 4 ingredients in under 20 minutes—and absolutely delicious. Dairy-free, vegan, caramel-y, and fantastic served with Ninja Creami frozen yogurt or vanilla ice cream.
What I love most? My easy air fryer dessert like this air fryer pineapples, air fryer apple slices and air fryer chocolate mug cake are practically ready before I’ve even finished tidying up!
I used to grill fresh pineapple slices on the stove using a grill pan—and they always turned out great. But one day, I ran out of fresh pineapple while prepping for a party, so I grabbed a tin of canned rings and popped them in the oven instead. Honestly, I was surprised at how easy and fuss-free it was—and they tasted amazing too! Since then, I’ve been totally converted. Canned pineapple has become my go-to for easy desserts like Pineapple Eton Mess too.
Now, whenever I’m making a smaller batch just for us or for last-minute guests, I throw a few slices in the air fryer. It’s such a simple treat, and every time I serve it, people rave about how sweet, juicy, and delicious it is. The natural sweetness of pineapple really shines through—and that golden caramelised edge just takes it over the top.
Why this recipe works?
- You will need only four ingredients and less than 20 minutes.
- Whether you have fresh or canned pineapple, this recipe is super convenient and fuss-free.
- It’s dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan — perfect for many dietary needs.
- The air fryer quickly caramelizes the pineapple’s natural sweetness with minimal effort and fat(oil/butter) compared to pan-frying or grilling, giving you a delicious, healthy dessert or side.
- You can enjoy it plain or add a sprinkle of cinnamon or brown sugar for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- Pineapples – I use Del Monte canned pineapple slices in juice for convenience—easily found in supermarkets. Fresh pineapple works too; just core it with a pineapple corer.
- Brown Sugar / Maple Syrup – Both add a delicious flavors to the air-fried caramelized pineapples.
- Cinnamon – A light sprinkle adds warm spice.
- Melted Butter – I use unsalted vegan butter. Regular unsalted butter works just fine too.
How to make Air fryer Pineapples step by step?
Step 1 - Drain the canned pineapple slices (but don’t toss the pineapple juice—sip and enjoy!). Place the slices on a plate or shallow dish and pat dry if needed.
Step 2 - Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon in a small bowl.
Step 3 - Coat both sides of the pineapple rings with the butter-sugar mixture. Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
Step 4 - Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and caramelised on the edges.
Serve warm with your favourite topping or side dish!
Serving Suggestions
I love serving air fryer pineapple rings with Ninja Creami frozen yogurt, whipping cream or vanilla ice cream.
Dice the grilled pineapples and add them to the strawberry salsa. It too good!
Storing Air fryer Pineapples
Fridge - Store the air fryer pineapple in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Enjoy them as a cold snack/dessert.
Reheating - If you like it warm, reheat the pineapple briefly in the microwave. Alternatively, you can also reheat it in the air fryer for 2 minutes.
Freezer - I will not recommend freezing air fryer pineapple. They will be soggy and will loose texture.
Sandhya's Top Tips
- Use canned pineapple rings – They’re pre-sliced, super convenient, and perfect for quick prep.
- Line the air fryer basket – A piece of parchment or baking paper helps keep things tidy and prevents sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd or overlap – Place the rings in a single layer with space between them for even cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer – Just like an oven, a hot air fryer gives better results. Preheating helps the pineapples caramelize beautifully.
- Cooking time may vary – Every air fryer is a bit different. Smaller ones might take a bit longer, so keep an eye on the timing.
- Adjust for multiple batches – If you're air frying more than one batch, the next round will cook faster since the air fryer is already hot.
- Sweetener options – Brush the rings with brown sugar, maple syrup, or a honey glaze before air frying pineapple.
Air fryer Pineapple recipe Variations
- Chilli and lime Pineapples - Combine oil, lime juice, salt, and chilli powder in a bowl and brush with the pineapple slices. Air fry! Try these spicy Pineapples for a change!
- Indian grilled pineapples just like the ones from Barbecue Nation restaurant- Use a combination of coconut oil or butter, chaat masala, a hint of chilli powder, cinnamon powder, brown sugar, and salt.
- Chocolate dipped grilled pineapple pieces - Dip the grilled pineapple in melted chocolate. Allow it to set before serving.
Recipe Faq's
Yes! You can cook pineapples in the air fryer. Brush the pineapple with butter or maple syrup or honey and air fry. They tend to start dehydrating without them.
Yes, preheating your air fryer helps the pineapple cook evenly right from the start. Think of it like using an oven—starting with a hot appliance ensures better results. Aim to preheat to 375°F (190°C) for best caramelization.
You can use either! I find canned pineapple rings are a great time-saver. Just be sure to drain and pat them dry thoroughly—excess moisture can lead to steaming rather than the delicious caramelization you want. Fresh pineapple typically offers a bolder flavor and firmer texture.
I recommend flipping at half time to achieve more even caramelization on both sides—especially if your rings are thicker.
Allow the pineapple to cool down completely. Then transfer the air-fried pineapple rings into an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
You can use Maple syrup, honey, agave syrup, white sugar, or even monk fruit sweetener.
More easy Pineapple recipes
Ingredients
- 6 Pineapple Rings Canned or from Fresh Pineapples
- ¼ cup Unsalted Butter melted
- ¼ cup Brown Sugar or Maple Syrup
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 375F / 190 C.
- Drain the canned pineapple slices (but don’t toss the juice—sip and enjoy!). Place the slices on a plate or shallow dish and pat dry if needed.6 Pineapple Rings
- Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon in a small bowl.¼ cup Unsalted Butter, ¼ cup Brown Sugar, ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
- Brush both sides of the pineapple rings with the butter-sugar mixture.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and caramelised on the edges.
- Enjoy with a scoop of 3 ingredient homemade frozen yogurt or vaniila ice cream.
Notes
Sandhya's Top Tips
- Use canned pineapple rings – They’re pre-sliced, super convenient, and perfect for quick prep.
- Line the air fryer basket – A piece of parchment or baking paper helps keep things tidy and prevents sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd or overlap – Place the rings in a single layer with space between them for even cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer – Just like an oven, a hot air fryer gives better results. Preheating helps the pineapples caramelize beautifully.
- Cooking time may vary – Every air fryer is a bit different. Smaller ones might take a bit longer, so keep an eye on the timing.
- Adjust for multiple batches – If you're air frying more than one batch, the next round will cook faster since the air fryer is already hot.
- Sweetener options – Brush the rings with brown sugar, maple syrup, or a honey glaze before air frying pineapple.
Kechi says
I have been enjoying my air fryer lately, and this is now definitely on my list to next! I love pineapple so I look forward to trying this recipe!
Kushigalu says
Never tried pineapples on the air fryer. So delicious. Thanks for sharing
Charla says
I LOVE the presentation and being Caribbean, pineapples and mangoes are a MUST! Never air fried them, only grilled them so I will be trying this method too.
Sangeetha says
These air fryer pineapple slices look tempting! The pineapple is caramelized and juicy, I'm gonna serve it with a scoop of my fave icecream. Thank you for this recipe Sandhya!!
stephanie says
I'm not sure if it's me or not, but I feel like desserts made with natural fruits are so much tastier than anything else. I can't wait to try this one.
Meenasha says
Easy and tasty..loved it..