Tangy Air Fryer Pineapple Bites (Print Version)

Quick, sweet, and tangy Air Fryer Pineapple bites! Caramelized in minutes, these make a delightful snack or side. So easy, even I can't mess it up!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Main Pineapple & Flavor Base

01 - 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch chunks or rounds
02 - 2 tablespoons melted butter (or coconut oil for a dairy-free option)

→ Sweet & Spice Dusting

03 - 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - Pinch of salt (about 1/8 teaspoon)

→ Optional Finishing Touches

06 - 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
07 - Tiny dash of chili powder (for a sweet-spicy kick)

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first, get that pineapple ready. I usually grab a nice, ripe one – you know, the kind that smells heavenly at the store. Peel it, core it, then slice it into half-inch thick rounds, or if you prefer, into bite-sized chunks. I prefer chunks because they're easier to toss and get all crispy. Sometimes I get a little messy with the peeling, and pineapple juice goes everywhere, but that's just part of the fun, right? This initial prep is key for perfect Air Fryer Pineapple.
02 - Next up, grab a small bowl and melt your butter. You can pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or just do it on the stovetop. I'm usually juggling a million things, so the microwave is my friend here. Just make sure it's fully melted, not just soft. This is what helps the sugar and spice coating stick to every delicious piece of pineapple. Honestly, I've tried just tossing it dry, and it just doesn't caramelize the same way for Air Fryer Pineapple.
03 - In another bowl, whisk together your brown sugar, cinnamon, and that crucial pinch of salt. This is your magic dust! I love how the cinnamon smells when it mixes with the sugar; it just screams comfort. Make sure it's well combined so you don't get a big clump of cinnamon on one piece and nothing on another. I once rushed this, and let's just say some bites of Air Fryer Pineapple were *very* cinnamony.
04 - Now, take your prepped pineapple pieces and put them in a large bowl. Drizzle the melted butter over them, then sprinkle your sweet and spice mixture all over. Get in there with your hands – or a spatula, if you're neater than me – and toss everything until every single piece of pineapple is coated. You want that beautiful brown sugar and cinnamon hugging every surface. This step is a bit sticky, but totally worth it for that caramelized Air Fryer Pineapple flavor.
05 - Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) – mine takes about 3 minutes to get nice and hot. Then, arrange your coated pineapple in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd it, please! This is where I always get impatient and try to cram too much in, and then the pineapple steams instead of crisps. You might need to do this in batches, but trust me, it's worth the extra few minutes for perfectly caramelized Air Fryer Pineapple.
06 - Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep an eye on it, because air fryers can be a bit temperamental, and you want that beautiful golden-brown caramelization, not burnt bits! When it's done, the pineapple will be tender, slightly browned, and smell absolutely incredible. That sweet, warm scent of Air Fryer Pineapple filling my kitchen? My favorite part! Serve your Air Fryer Pineapple warm and enjoy!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; it's a rookie mistake I made too many times, leading to steamed rather than caramelized pineapple.
02 - Leftover Air Fryer Pineapple keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days, but honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house!
03 - If you don't have fresh pineapple, frozen chunks can work, just thaw them first and pat them really dry to avoid excess moisture.
04 - A little sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a dollop of vanilla ice cream takes this Air Fryer Pineapple to another level!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Air Fryer
02 - Mixing bowls
03 - Sharp knife
04 - Cutting board

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 150
Total Fat: 5g
Total Carbohydrate: 28g
Protein: 1g

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