Give Canned Pineapple The Air Fryer Treatment And You Won't Go Back

If you want to cook up some pineapple, there are plenty of standard ways to do it. Grill it, caramelize it on the stove, broil it in the oven — or even cook the fruit on a panini press. But in the age of the air fryer, why choose any of those methods over the practically magical cooking device sitting on your counter? It can do everything from roasting coffee beans to cooking ribs to, yes, even frying fruits like oranges and pineapple.

All you need is an air fryer, canned pineapple rings, and your choice of oil. Vegetable oil works well if you don't want added flavor, but coconut oil can give pineapple a little tropical boost. First, drain the juice (which you can save to make other recipes later) and, using a paper towel, pat the rings until completely dry. Then, brush the oil on both sides of the pineapple rings. If you'd like, you can skip the oil and fry them plain, or use melted butter for extra flavor. Cook the rings in the air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 12 minutes, flipping them after around six minutes.

The result should be crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, pineapple rings. An air fryer is the easiest way to get that desired crisp, and you don't have to babysit it like you do a grill (or wait for good weather). A stove can't provide that all-surrounding heat that is key to air fryers' signature ability to crisp foods.

A simple batch of air-fried pineapple is delicious on its own, as a side to grilled meats and rice bowls, or as an ingredient in salsa. But if you do want to eat it as is, there are plenty of ways to customize the snack. Though their thinness is great for achieving a good crispiness, rings aren't the only option — consider pineapple chunks to create fried fruit nuggets. Dole carries both canned rings and chunks, as do other brands, but try to choose one in water, not syrup. You can also use fresh pineapple. It just might require more work, unless you buy pre-cut.

Then there's a matter of the toppings. It's common to sprinkle cinnamon onto cooked pineapple, which may sound strange but it adds a little spice and enhances the warming sensation of freshly-cooked pineapple. To add a real kick, try red pepper flakes, a little chili powder, Tajín, or even some hot sauce.

For a sweeter take, cover the pineapple in cinnamon sugar or maple syrup before cooking to caramelize. Or serve crisped pineapple with whipped cream for a quick treat, or use it to make a sundae by layering the pineapple with vanilla or coconut ice cream, caramel sauce, and toasted coconut flakes.