Air Fryer Pineapple Upside-Down Cake for Two — That’s right, you can make upside-down pineapple cake in your air fryer! The recipe is super easy to follow for two people. You will love this sweet treat that tastes like a mini oven-baked cake. It has the delicious taste of pineapple but without all the hassle of turning on your oven. This tasty treat will be ready in minutes, so get ready to enjoy it!

Air Fryer Pineapple Upside-Down Cake for Two
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Air Fryer Pineapple Upside-Down Cake for Two is the perfect dessert for a lazy Sunday afternoon. I was looking to make something for my husband and me to share while we binged on a movie on Netflix. This is what I came up with.

If you have ever eaten a Pineapple Upside-down cake, you know its signature marks are the cherries and pineapples. The exact recipe is only a pared-down version for a dessert for two. This is a straightforward recipe for you to follow, best yet made from scratch.

I used the same cooking technique as if I was making this in the oven—the same great flavor, just a lot easier and faster.

Perfect Pineapple Upside Down Cake

One of my family’s favorite desserts is homemade Pineapple Upside Down Cake. This is a homemade cake I prepared in a ramekin, and it came out moist with a sticky-sweet fruit layer. 

If you want a simple homemade dessert, this showstopper is served with the traditional pineapple ring and a maraschino cherry on top. These started prepared in a cast-iron pan over an open flame, but today’s version is ready in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Pineapple Upside-Down Cake for Two

What Is A Pineapple Upside Down Cake?

The cake is prepared almost in reverse with the toping on the bottom of the cake pan or, in our case, the ramekin, and after you bake the cake, you flip it, and the bottom becomes the top layer.

The classic topping of a pineapple upside-down cake is a pineapple ring and a maraschino cherry, topped with melted butter and brown sugar. It’s a perfect and sweet dessert.

The butter and brown sugar caramelize up to a great topping. Today, the cake is moist and delicious; we used ramekins to make pineapple upside-down cakes.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Pineapple Upside-Down Cake for Two

Indulge in a delightful dessert experience with our Air Fryer Pineapple Upside-Down Cake for Two! Bursting with tropical flavors and perfectly portioned for a cozy evening treat, this recipe promises to transport you to paradise with every bite. Get ready to enjoy the sweet aroma of caramelized pineapple, the juicy pop of maraschino cherries, and the moist, tender crumb of this irresistible cake, all made conveniently in your air fryer.

Air Fryer Pineapple Upside-Down Cake for Two

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

  • Unsalted Butter: Rich and creamy unsalted butter is melted and combined with brown sugar to create a luscious caramelized topping that perfectly complements the pineapple and cherries.
  • Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a deep caramel flavor and a subtle hint of molasses to the topping, enhancing the sweetness and richness of the pineapple upside-down cake.
  • Pineapple Slices: Juicy pineapple rings provide the sweet and tangy base for this delightful dessert, adding tropical flavor with each bite.
  • Maraschino Cherries: Plump and vibrant maraschino cherries add a pop of color and extra sweetness to the pineapple upside-down cake, creating a visually appealing and indulgent treat.
  • All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour serves as the base for the cake batter, providing structure and helping to create a tender and moist crumb.
  • Granulated or White Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cake batter, balancing the flavors and adding a touch of sweetness to each bite.
  • Baking Powder: Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake batter rise and creating a light and fluffy texture in the finished dessert.
  • Kosher Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the cake batter, bringing out the sweetness of the pineapple and cherries while balancing the overall taste.
  • Pure Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract infuses the cake batter with warm and aromatic flavor notes, enhancing the overall taste and aroma of the pineapple upside-down cake.
  • Milk: Milk adds moisture to the cake batter, contributing to its soft and tender texture while providing richness and flavor to the finished dessert.

How To Make Air Fryer Pineapple Upside-Down Cake for Two

Here’s a simple recipe for making Air Fryer Pineapple Upside-Down Cake for Two:

Air Fryer Pineapple Upside-Down Cake for Two

Start by spraying your ramekins with non-stick cooking spray. And then pour one tablespoon of melted butter into the greased ramekin, add the brown sugar on top of the butter, add the pineapple slice and top with a cherry in the middle.

Air Fryer Pineapple Upside-Down Cake for Two

In a small bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, milk, and vanilla, and melt the butter in a small bowl. Mix well. Then, pour half the batter into the ramekin. Set into the air fryer and air fry for 10-12 minutes at 320 degrees F or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the middle of the cake.

Air Fryer Pineapple Upside-Down Cake for Two

Pro Tips

Here are some pro tips to ensure your Air Fryer Pineapple Upside-Down Cake for Two turns out perfectly:

  • Properly Prepare the Ramekins: Grease the ramekins well with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent the cakes from sticking. Additionally, evenly distribute the brown sugar mixture in the bottom of each ramekin for a perfectly caramelized topping.
  • Adjust Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cakes towards the end of the cooking time to prevent over-browning. Air fryer temperatures vary, so adjust the cooking time based on your specific model and preferences.
  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, use ingredients like eggs and milk at room temperature. This helps them incorporate more easily into the batter and ensures a smoother texture in the finished cake.
  • Don’t Overmix the Batter: Be careful not to overmix the cake batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough cake instead of a light and fluffy texture.
  • Let the Cakes Cool Slightly: Allow the cakes to cool in the ramekins for a few minutes after removing them from the air fryer. This allows the caramelized topping to set slightly before inverting onto a plate.
  • Serve Warm: Pineapple upside-down cake is best served warm, so enjoy it shortly after baking. If reheating leftovers, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to warm them up before serving.
  • Customize the Recipe: Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your preferences. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra flavor, or experiment with different fruits like peaches or mangoes instead of pineapple.

Follow these tips for a foolproof and delicious Air Fryer Pineapple Upside-Down Cake for Two every time!

Air Fryer Pineapple Upside-Down Cake for Two

Faq’s

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple? Yes, you can use fresh pineapple slices instead of canned pineapple rings. Slice fresh pineapple into rounds and remove the core before placing them in the bottom of the muffin tin.

Can I make these mini cakes in advance? Yes, you can prepare the mini pineapple upside-down cakes in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving to regain their warm, fresh-from-the-oven texture.

What if I don’t have maraschino cherries? If you don’t have maraschino cherries, you can use fresh cherries, canned cherries, or any other small fruit as a substitute. Alternatively, you can omit the cherries altogether if desired.

Can I use a different type of cake batter? Yes, you can use your favorite cake batter recipe as the base for these mini pineapple upside-down cakes. Adjust the baking time as needed based on the type of batter you use.

How do I prevent the cakes from sticking to the muffin tin? Ensure you generously grease the muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or butter before adding the pineapple and batter. This will help prevent the cakes from sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.

Can I freeze the mini pineapple upside-down cakes? You can freeze the cooled mini cakes in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the air fryer or microwave.

What if I don’t have a muffin tin? If you don’t have a muffin tin, use individual ramekins or small oven-safe bowls instead. Divide the pineapple and batter evenly among the ramekins and follow the same baking instructions.

Can I use a different type of fruit for the topping? Yes, you can use different types of fruit for the topping, such as peaches, mangoes, or berries. Experiment with your favorite fruits to create unique flavor combinations.

Can I make these mini cakes gluten-free? You can use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour to make these mini pineapple upside-down cakes gluten-free. Just be sure to use a gluten-free baking powder as well.

What’s the best way to serve these mini cakes? These mini pineapple upside-down cakes are deliciously served warm on their own or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. Enjoy them as a delightful dessert or sweet snack any time of day!

Air Fryer Pineapple Upside-Down Cake for Two

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Air Fryer Pineapple Upside-Down Cake for Two

Air Fryer Pineapple Upside-Down Cake for Two

4.49 from 25 votes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings: 2 Servings

Description

Air Fryer Pineapple Upside-Down Cake for Two — That's right, you can make pineapple upside-down cake in your air fryer! The recipe is super easy to follow and it's for two people. You are going to love this sweet treat that tastes like a mini oven-baked cake. It has the delicious taste of pineapple but without all the hassle of turning on your oven. This tasty treat will be ready in minutes so get ready to enjoy!
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Ingredients 

Topping Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 large pineapple slices
  • 2 Maraschino Cherries

Cake Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup milk

Instructions

  • Start by spraying your ramekins with non-stick cooking spray. And then pour 1 tablespoon of melted butter into the greased ramekin, and then add the brown sugar on top of the butter, add the pineapple slice and top with a cherry in the middle.
  • In a small bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, milk, vanilla, and melted butter. Mix well.
  • Then pour half the batter into the ramekin.
  • Set into the air fryer and air fry for 10-12 minutes at 320 degrees F, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the middle of the cake.
  • Plate, serve, and enjoy!

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Ramekins, either 4 ounce or 6 ounce
  • Cooking Spray

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 411kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 4gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 902mgPotassium: 170mgFiber: 2gSugar: 42gVitamin A: 832IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 129mgIron: 1mg

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Air Fryer Pineapple Upside-Down Cake for Two