A quick and easy Air Fryer Pineapple Upside Down Cake that gives you all the caramelized, buttery goodness of the classic dessert—without turning on the oven! Perfect for when you want a simple yet impressive treat, this recipe brings the nostalgic flavors of pineapple and cake together in a fraction of the time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Air Fryer Pineapple Upside Down Cake is an absolute game-changer for anyone craving a warm, caramelized dessert without the hassle of using the oven. The air fryer makes the cake perfectly moist with a golden, slightly crispy top. The pineapple rings and maraschino cherries add a deliciously sweet and tart flavor, while the buttery brown sugar glaze is the icing on the cake. Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes—ideal for busy days or when you need a last-minute treat. Plus, it’s customizable and easy to make!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1/4 cup butter, melted
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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4 pineapple rings (canned or fresh)
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4 maraschino cherries
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1/2 cup yellow cake mix
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1 egg
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1/4 cup pineapple juice (from the can)
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Directions
Prepare the Pan:
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Grease a 6-inch cake pan with nonstick spray.
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Pour the melted butter into the pan and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the butter.
Layer the Pineapple & Cherries:
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Arrange the pineapple rings over the brown sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
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Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring.
Make the Batter:
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cake mix, egg, pineapple juice, and vegetable oil until smooth and well combined.
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Pour the batter evenly over the pineapple and cherry layer in the cake pan.
Air Fry:
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Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
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Air fry the cake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top.
Cool & Flip:
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before carefully flipping it onto a plate. Be cautious, as it will be hot and sticky!
Serve:
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Serve the cake warm as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4 people
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 22 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Variations
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Personal Pineapple Upside Down Cake: Use ramekins to make individual cakes. Bake for a shorter amount of time (about 10-12 minutes).
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Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the brown sugar layer for extra warmth and flavor.
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Tropical Flavor: Swap the pineapple for other tropical fruits like mango or coconut for a fun twist.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this dessert gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 320°F (160°C) to bring back the cake’s soft, fresh texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple works just as well! Just cut it into rings and ensure it’s properly drained before adding it to the pan.
2. Can I use a different size cake pan?
Yes, if you don’t have a 6-inch cake pan, you can use an 8-inch cake pan, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
3. Can I make this cake without maraschino cherries?
If you don’t have maraschino cherries, you can skip them or use fresh cherries or even berries as a substitute.
4. How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If the toothpick comes out wet, give it a few more minutes in the air fryer.
5. Can I make this cake in advance?
You can make the cake in advance, but for the best texture, it’s recommended to enjoy it fresh. You can store leftovers and reheat them in the air fryer.
6. What can I serve this cake with?
This cake is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
7. Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake this cake in a regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Be sure to check for doneness with a toothpick.
8. Can I use a sugar substitute?
Yes, you can use a sugar substitute for the brown sugar and regular sugar, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
9. Can I add nuts to the cake?
You can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of the brown sugar layer for an added crunch.
10. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and storing it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw and reheat in the air fryer or oven when ready to serve.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a quick and easy dessert that brings all the caramelized, buttery goodness of the classic treat—without the need for an oven. With its golden, moist cake and sweet pineapple topping, it’s the perfect way to indulge in a tropical delight. Whether you’re enjoying it on your own or sharing it with family and friends, this easy air fryer recipe will quickly become your new go-to for effortless, impressive desserts!
Print
Air Fryer Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Air Fryer Pineapple Upside Down Cake is the perfect quick and easy dessert, offering all the caramelized, buttery goodness of the classic treat—without turning on the oven! In just 30 minutes, enjoy a moist, fluffy cake with sweet pineapple and cherries. Ideal for last-minute cravings or impressing guests with minimal effort!
Ingredients
1/4 cup butter (melted)
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 pineapple rings (canned or fresh)
4 maraschino cherries
1/2 cup yellow cake mix
1 egg
1/4 cup pineapple juice (from the can)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
Prepare the Pan:
Grease a 6-inch cake pan with nonstick spray. Pour the melted butter into the pan and sprinkle brown sugar evenly over it.
Layer the Pineapple & Cherries:
Arrange the pineapple rings over the sugar mixture, and place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring.
Make the Batter:
In a bowl, whisk together the cake mix, egg, pineapple juice, and vegetable oil until smooth. Pour the batter evenly over the fruit layer in the cake pan.
Air Fry:
Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Air fry the cake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool & Flip:
Let the cake cool for 5-10 minutes, then carefully flip it onto a plate.
Serve:
Enjoy the cake warm as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence!
Notes
ips:
For personal-sized cakes, use ramekins and adjust the cooking time.
Add a dash of cinnamon to the brown sugar for extra flavor.
Reheat leftovers in the microwave for about 10 seconds to make them taste freshly baked.
Air Fryer Tip: If you want a quick, individual serving, consider making smaller cakes in ramekins, which will cook faster than a larger cake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
