Description
A quick and easy dessert that transforms fresh pineapple into tender, sticky, and perfectly charred rings using an air fryer. This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality treat in under 15 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large fresh pineapple (or 1 can of 8–10 rings in juice)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Cut the top and bottom off the pineapple. Slice off the skin, remove the eyes, and slice the fruit into 1/2-inch thick rings. If rings are large, cut them in half. Pat the rings completely dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, sea salt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Arrange pineapple rings in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping. Brush the top of each ring generously with the butter-sugar mixture, ensuring edges are coated.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes. Check at 6 minutes; sugar should be bubbling and turning golden brown.
- Carefully flip the rings using tongs. Brush the other side with the remaining glaze.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until both sides are caramelized and the pineapple is fork-tender.
- Remove from air fryer and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
Patting the pineapple dry is crucial for caramelization; excess moisture will steam the fruit. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary. If using canned pineapple, drain and pat dry thoroughly. For a vegan option, substitute butter with coconut oil. If sugar burns, lower the temperature or reduce cooking time next time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 rings per serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 1
Keywords: air fryer dessert, caramelized pineapple, pineapple rings, easy dessert, summer dessert, gluten-free dessert, healthy dessert