Air Fryer Pineapple Upside Down Cake is one of those desserts I make over and over because that moment you flip it over and reveal the gorgeous caramelized top is just so satisfying every single time. The cake is tender and moist with a hint of coconut and nutmeg, and the pineapple on top comes out glossy, sticky, and absolutely stunning. A total showstopper of a dessert.
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I make this for Easter, Mother’s Day, potlucks, and family gatherings because it always gets a reaction when you bring it to the table. The air fryer finishes it faster than the oven, and it can be made ahead while still looking stunning at room temperature. It keeps well for up to 2 days on the counter, up to 4 days in the fridge, or frozen in individual slices for up to 2 months when wrapped tightly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Air Fryer Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
Start by getting your caramel base together, then mix up the batter while the pan is ready to go. Here’s how to make it from start to finish.
Make the Caramel Base
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring until the mixture turns creamy and starts to bubble. Stir in the lemon juice, then take the pan off the heat.
Prepare the Cake Pan
Line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper, then arrange your pineapple slices in a single layer across the bottom. I always use a non-stick round cake pan for this.
Pour the brown sugar syrup evenly over the top.
Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla until well combined. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and nutmeg. A fine mesh powder sifter makes quick work of this and helps keep the batter lump-free.
Add the dry ingredients to the buttermilk mixture and whisk until just combined, then gently fold in the shredded coconut.
DO MORE WITH YOUR
AIR FRYER
This eBook is a collection of 86 recipes I make again and again in my own kitchen. If you love good food and easy instructions, this book was made for you.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Cheesy Egg Bites
∙ Broccoli Cheddar Soup
∙ Asparagus Casserole
∙ Crack Chicken Casserole
∙ Coffee Cake
...and much more!
Add the Cake Batter to the Pan
Pour the batter slowly over the pineapple slices, being careful not to shift the fruit. Slow and steady here really does matter. I like to use this ladle with spouts to pour so I have better control over where the batter lands.
Air Fry the Cake
Place the pan in the air fryer basket and bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 160°C (320°F), or until a tester or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. A cake tester is the most reliable way to confirm that the cake is fully set in the center without leaving a big hole in the top.
Every air fryer runs a little differently, so start checking at the 15-minute mark.
Cool and Invert
Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a cooling rack for 30 minutes. Once it has rested, please place a serving plate over the pan and carefully invert it to reveal the pineapple layer. Decorate with fresh raspberries.
Serve
Serve warm or at room temperature. I reach for my cake cutter and server, which takes all the hassle out of lifting clean slices without disturbing that beautiful caramelized top.
If you’re bringing it to a gathering, let it cool completely first so the caramel top has time to set. Cover it with aluminum foil, smooth-side up, then transfer it to a hard-sided cake carrier with a locking lid to keep it scratch-free and secure during transport.
Air Fryer Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Add Preferred SourceIngredients
For the cake:
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ¾ cup buttermilk
For the base:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ⅔ cup packed dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 5-6 slices tinned pineapple rings
For decoration:
- Raspberries
Instructions
- In a skillet, melt the butter and brown sugar, stirring until the mixture is creamy and bubbling. Stir in the lemon juice, then remove the pan from the heat.¼ cup unsalted butter, ⅔ cup packed dark brown sugar, 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- Line an 8 inch round cake pan with parchment paper and arrange the pineapple slices. Top with the brown sugar syrup.5-6 slices tinned pineapple rings
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and nutmeg.⅓ cup vegetable oil, 3 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, ¾ cup buttermilk, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Add the dry ingredients to the buttermilk mixture and whisk until just combined. Gently fold in the coconut.½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
- Pour the batter slowly over the pineapple to avoid shifting the fruit. Bake the cake in the air fryer at 160ºC (320°F) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Then, place a serving plate over the cake and carefully invert the pan to reveal the pineapple on top. Decorate with raspberries.Raspberries
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use parchment paper carefully: Cut the parchment to fit snugly in the base of the pan so the pineapple slices lay flat and the caramel doesn’t seep underneath and stick.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice: It balances the brown sugar’s sweetness and brightens the topping’s overall flavor.
- Fold in the coconut gently: Once you add the coconut to the batter, switch to a spatula and fold rather than whisk so you don’t overdevelop the gluten and toughen the crumb.
- Pour the batter slowly: Take your time pouring the batter over the pineapple slices. Rushing it can push the fruit out of place and ruin the pattern on top.
- Start checking at 15 minutes: Air fryers vary, so don’t wait until 20 minutes to check. Insert a toothpick or cake tester at the 15-minute mark and pull the cake as soon as it comes out clean.
- Cool fully before flipping for gifting: If you’re giving the cake as a gift or transporting it, let it cool completely in the pan before inverting so the caramel sets firmly and the topping stays intact.
Nutrition
DO MORE WITH YOUR
AIR FRYER
This eBook is a collection of 86 recipes I make again and again in my own kitchen. If you love good food and easy instructions, this book was made for you.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Cheesy Egg Bites
∙ Broccoli Cheddar Soup
∙ Asparagus Casserole
∙ Crack Chicken Casserole
∙ Coffee Cake
...and much more!
How to Store Leftovers
Let the cake cool completely before storing. Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds to restore some of that warm, caramelized softness.
For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a couple of hours before serving.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Pineapple Upside Down Cake
A slice of warm cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of lightly sweetened whipped cream. The cold creaminess against the warm caramelized pineapple is a really lovely contrast, making the dessert feel a little more special without any extra effort.
If you want to keep things lighter, a cup of hot coffee or chai tea alongside a slice works really well too. The warm spice notes in the cake, especially from the nutmeg, complement a well-brewed cup perfectly.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
Check out these other easy air fryer recipes I think you’ll love.
