Air Fryer Pineapple Cornbread - Moist Sweet Quick Bread

Sweet cornbread enhanced with juicy crushed pineapple pieces creates a tender, moist quick bread with tropical flair. The air fryer produces a golden crust while keeping the interior perfectly soft and cake-like. This crowd-pleasing side pairs beautifully with barbecue, chili, or fried chicken, and makes an excellent breakfast or snack. The pineapple adds natural sweetness and keeps the cornbread from drying out, while the faster air fryer cooking time means fresh cornbread in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 can crushed pineapple, drained (8 oz)
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F
- 2
Mix together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl
- 3
Add the drained crushed pineapple, milk, vegetable oil, and eggs to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined
- 4
Pour the batter into a greased air fryer-safe pan
- 5
Place the pan in the air fryer basket and cook for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
- 6
Let the cornbread cool before slicing and serving
Tips
Drain the pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the cornbread soggy.
Don't overmix the batter - stir just until ingredients are combined to keep the texture tender.
Grease the pan well or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking in the air fryer.
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Can be made 1 day ahead and stored covered. Reheat briefly in air fryer if desired.
Serve warm or at room temperature with butter, honey, or as a side to savory dishes.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip draining the pineapple to avoid soggy cornbread.
Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense texture.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, use 3/4 cup finely chopped fresh pineapple. Pat dry with paper towels before adding to remove excess moisture.
What size air fryer pan should I use?
Use a 6-7 inch round or square pan that fits your air fryer basket with space for air circulation.
How long will this cornbread keep?
Store covered at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Freeze for up to 3 months.