Air Fryer Brazilian Pineapple (Steakhouse-Style)

This air fryer Brazilian pineapple tastes just like the warm, cinnamon-crusted pineapple they carve at your table at a Brazilian steakhouse. Fresh pineapple rings get coated in brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of cloves, then caramelize in the air fryer in about 10 minutes.

A squeeze of fresh lime at the end brightens everything up. Serve it as dessert, a snack, or right next to your steak the way the churrascarias do.

What Is Brazilian Pineapple?

Brazilian pineapple, or abacaxi assado, is the grilled pineapple served at Brazilian steakhouses (churrascarias). Servers roll a whole peeled pineapple in cinnamon sugar, roast it on a skewer over the fire, then slice it tableside.

It comes around between rounds of meat for a reason. The sweet, caramelized crust and tangy fruit cut through rich, salty cuts like picanha and cleanse your palate for the next bite.

My air fryer version skips the rotisserie but keeps everything you love: a glossy cinnamon sugar crust, juicy center, and golden edges.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy cleanup: No grill to scrub, just a quick wipe of the basket.
• Steakhouse flavor at home: You get the churrascaria dessert without the churrascaria bill.
• Fast: About 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes in the air fryer.
• Only five ingredients: Pineapple, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and lime.
• Versatile: Serve it warm for dessert, as a snack, or alongside grilled meats.

Ingredients Needed

• Pineapple: One large fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings or spears. Ripe fruit caramelizes best.
• Brown sugar: Light brown sugar melts into a glossy, caramelized crust.
• Cinnamon: The signature flavor of steakhouse pineapple.
• Cloves: Just a pinch adds warmth and a subtle spiced note.
• Lime juice: Fresh lime brightens the sweetness at the end.

How to Make Air Fryer Brazilian Pineapple

Step 1: Peel, core, and slice the pineapple into rings or spears. Pat the pieces dry with a paper towel so the coating sticks.

Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves.

Step 3: Sprinkle or rub the spice mixture over the pineapple until every piece is evenly coated.

Step 4: Arrange the pineapple in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until caramelized and golden.

Step 5: Transfer to a plate, squeeze fresh lime juice over the warm pineapple, and serve right away.

Tips for the Best Brazilian Pineapple

• Pick a ripe pineapple: It should smell sweet at the base and give slightly when pressed. Ripe fruit caramelizes faster and tastes sweeter.
• Dry it well: Excess juice dissolves the sugar and keeps the crust from forming.
• Cut even pieces: Rings about ½ inch thick cook evenly. Thicker slices need an extra minute or two.
• Line the basket if you like: A perforated parchment liner catches dripping sugar and makes cleanup easier.
• Don’t skip the lime: The acid balances the sugar and makes the pineapple taste brighter.

Variations

• Honey glaze: For a stickier finish, try my honey glazed air fryer pineapple.
• Grown-up version: Soak the rings in rum first, like my air fryer rum soaked pineapple.
• Sweet and savory: Wrap chunks in bacon for air fryer bacon wrapped pineapple, a great party appetizer.
• Cooking outdoors: Make it on the griddle with my Blackstone pineapple method.
• À la mode: Top warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel.

What to Serve With Brazilian Pineapple

At a churrascaria, grilled pineapple shows up between rounds of meat. Build your own steakhouse night with these:

• Picanha: My copycat Fogo de Chão picanha is the classic pairing.
• Flank steak: The tangy herbs in my air fryer flank steak with chimichurri play nicely with the sweet fruit.
• Cheese bread: Start the meal with air fryer Brazilian cheese bread or Brazi Bites.
• Plantains: Round out the plate with air fryer roasted plantains.

New to steak in the air fryer? My air fryer steak guide covers every cut, time, and temperature.

Storing and Make-Ahead

• Storing: Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Make ahead: Slice the pineapple and mix the spice blend up to a day ahead, keeping them separate in the fridge. Coat and air fry just before serving.

Brazilian Pineapple FAQs

Why do Brazilian steakhouses serve grilled pineapple? The sweet, tangy fruit cuts through rich grilled meats and refreshes your palate between rounds. Pineapple also contains bromelain, an enzyme that breaks down protein.

Can I use canned pineapple? Fresh works best, but well-drained canned rings will work in a pinch. Pat them very dry and check them a minute or two early, since they’re softer.

Can I cook a whole pineapple spear like the restaurant? If your air fryer is large enough, cut the pineapple into long spears instead of rings. Add 2 to 4 minutes to the cook time and flip halfway.

Can I skip the cloves? Yes. The pineapple will still taste great with just brown sugar and cinnamon. A pinch of nutmeg is another nice swap.

How do I keep the sugar from burning? Stick with 400°F, don’t go past 10 minutes for standard rings, and flip halfway so both sides caramelize evenly.

More Air Fryer Fruit and Steakhouse Recipes

• Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Brown Sugar Pineapple Rings
• Our Greatest Air Fryer Pineapple Recipes Ever
• Air Fryer Baked Apples
• Air Fryer Broiled Brown Sugar Grapefruit
• Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Steak Bites
• Best Air Fryer Fruit Recipes

Share your photos in our Air Fryer Recipes Facebook group, or tag @forktospoon on Instagram. I’d love to see your pineapple!