Air Fryer Recipe
Crispy Caramelised Pineapple Bites
Caramelised pineapple is a treat when done right, with crisp edges and a juicy centre. The air fryer is perfect for this dish, as it quickly evaporates moisture and concentrates the sugars into a delightful glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 medium ripe pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into 2.5 cm chunks, about 550–650 g prepared weight (or 2 x 435 g tins pineapple chunks in juice, drained very thoroughly)
- 35 g light brown soft sugar
- 15 g caster sugar
- 20 g unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for a dairy-free version)
- 1 tbsp cornflour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lime juice, plus extra wedges to serve
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- Pinch of chilli flakes or cayenne pepper, optional
- 1 tbsp desiccated coconut, optional, added near the end for a toasted finish
Method
- Heat the air fryer to 190°C for 3 minutes.
- Dry the pineapple well using kitchen paper or a clean tea towel.
- Mix the brown sugar, caster sugar, cornflour, cinnamon, salt, and optional chilli in a bowl.
- Add the melted butter, vanilla, and lime juice to the dry mixture and stir to make a damp sandy coating.
- Toss the pineapple chunks in the mixture until every piece has a thin coating.
- Arrange the pineapple in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry at 190°C for 6 minutes, then shake the drawer gently and turn any stubborn pieces with tongs.
- Cook for a further 5–7 minutes, shaking again halfway through.
- If using desiccated coconut, sprinkle it over the pineapple for the final 2 minutes.
- Lift the pineapple out onto a cool plate for 2 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with lime wedges and yoghurt or ice cream.
Nutrition
Calories: 250
