Air Fryer Pineapple

Ingredients

• 1/2pineapple
• A littleolive oil spray
• 10 ml (2 tsp)honey

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the pineapple

   Slice the pineapple, remove the skin and cut away the hard core. Spray the inside of the air fryer with olive oil spray.

2. 2

   Arrange the slices

   Set the pineapple pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, without stacking them. Cook in batches if needed.

3. 3

   Add honey and cook

   Drizzle or brush a thin layer of honey over the pineapple. Air fry at 180°C (355°F) for 8–15 minutes, checking regularly; it is ready when the edges are slightly charred.

4. 4

   Cook further batches

   If cooking in batches, watch the later ones closely because the air fryer is already hot and they may cook more quickly.

What is air fryer pineapple?

Pineapple is a tropical fruit often served fresh, grilled or cooked as a sweet accompaniment. This American-style recipe uses an air fryer to recreate the browned edges of grilled pineapple with little hands-on effort.

Honey adds a delicate glaze, while the hot circulating air helps the fruit soften and caramelise at the edges.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 67 calories, 1g protein, 18g carbs, 1g fat.

The pineapple provides most of the carbohydrates, while the small amount of honey adds more carbohydrate and the olive oil spray contributes a little fat. Protein is minimal, so pair a portion with Greek yoghurt or another protein-rich food if you want a more balanced plate.

Get the pineapple ready

Cut away the skin: remove all the tough outer layer before slicing the fruit.

Remove the core: the hard centre can stay fibrous after cooking, so cut it out before arranging the pieces.

Arrange for even cooking

Single layer: leave space around each piece rather than stacking the fruit. Crowding can prevent the edges from browning evenly.

Work in batches: if the basket is small, cook only as much as fits comfortably and keep an eye on later batches, which may cook faster in the preheated air fryer.

Look for browned edges

Cooking time: the recipe gives a range of 8–15 minutes at 180°C, so check the pineapple regularly rather than relying only on the timer.

Doneness cue: slightly charred edges signal that the fruit is ready. The pieces should be tender but still hold their shape.

How to serve it

Serve the pineapple warm as a simple dessert, or pair it with yoghurt or ice cream for a more substantial sweet course.

It can also sit alongside savoury food as a sweet contrast; keep the pieces intact so they are easy to serve.

Recipe notes & tips

• Cut the pieces to a similar thickness so they cook at roughly the same rate.
• Spray the basket lightly to help prevent sticking.
• Brush on a thin coating of honey so it does not pool in the basket.
• Check the fruit before the end of the cooking range, especially in later batches.
• Let the pineapple cool briefly before serving, as the fruit will be very hot.

Variations

• Add cinnamon: dust the pineapple lightly before air frying for a warm spice note.
• Try lime: squeeze a little fresh lime over the cooked fruit for a bright finish.
• Use brown sugar: replace the honey with a light sprinkle for a different caramelised coating.
• Serve with yoghurt: add a spoonful of plain or Greek yoghurt alongside the warm fruit.
• Add chilli: use a small pinch for a sweet-and-spicy variation.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Leaving the core in: it can remain tough, so cut it out before cooking.
• Stacking the pieces: crowded fruit browns less evenly; cook in batches instead.
• Using too much honey: excess can drip and burn; brush on only a thin layer.
• Cooking without checking: air fryers vary, so look for slightly charred edges within the 8–15-minute range.
• Treating later batches the same: the basket is already hot, so check them sooner.

How to store

Refrigerate leftover pineapple in a covered container and use within 3 days. Reheat briefly in the air fryer at 180°C, checking often, or enjoy it cold.

Frequently asked questions