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I still remember the first time I made fried pineapple rings. It wasn’t planned. I had a fresh pineapple sitting on the counter, the kind that smells like summer before you even cut into it. I was craving something sweet but simple, no fuss, no hours in the kitchen. So, I grabbed that pineapple, sliced it up, and threw together a quick batter. A few minutes in the pan, and suddenly, I had this golden, crispy, juicy treat that felt like a warm hug on a rough day.
If you’re like me, you don’t always want to bake a whole cake or whip up something complicated just to satisfy your sweet tooth. You want something fast, fun, and honestly, a little nostalgic. That’s what these fried pineapple rings are, a little piece of sunshine, with just the right amount of crunch and caramelized sweetness to make you smile.
You can enjoy them fresh from the skillet, maybe dusted with cinnamon sugar, or even topped with a scoop of ice cream if you’re feeling extra. They’re the kind of treat that makes you slow down, just for a minute, and enjoy something really good.
So if you’re looking for a sweet escape, even if it’s just for a few bites, I think you’re going to love this one.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
They’re quick and easy.
I’m talking 15 minutes from cutting board to first bite. No need to turn on the oven or use a long list of ingredients.
You only need a few things.
Just basic pantry items and a fresh pineapple. If you’re like me, you probably already have most of what you need.
That golden, crispy coating is pure magic.
The contrast between the warm batter and the juicy pineapple inside? So good. It’s the kind of crunch you didn’t know you were missing.
They’re fun to make.
There’s something satisfying about dipping those pineapple rings in batter and watching them sizzle in the pan. It feels like a mini escape from the usual routine.
Ingredients
Fresh Pineapple Rings
I usually slice a whole pineapple myself, it’s juicier, sweeter, and just tastes better. But if you’re short on time, the canned version works too (just make sure to drain them well).
Butter
A little bit of butter in the pan gives these rings a golden, slightly crispy edge. It also adds that rich, warm flavor that ties everything together.
Brown Sugar (I go for light)
I love how the brown sugar melts and caramelizes, it gives the pineapple that extra sweetness without being too heavy. It also adds a bit of depth that white sugar just doesn’t deliver.
Ground Cinnamon
Just a pinch brings out the natural flavor of the fruit and adds a cozy, warm twist that makes each bite taste like comfort.
Recommended Tool
Air Fryer
My go-to for that quick, golden finish. It crisps up the outside of the pineapple rings without drying them out, and no heavy frying involved.
Cookie Cutter (1-inch works great)
If you’re slicing fresh pineapple like I do, this helps pop the core right out. You could also use a small glass or even a knife if you’re comfortable with it.
Oil Spray or Mister
A light spritz helps the rings get that golden look without going overboard. I use avocado or canola oil, whichever I have on hand.
Small Mixing Bowl
Perfect for tossing the brown sugar and cinnamon together before coating the rings. Nothing fancy, just a good old bowl that fits in your palm.
Instructions
1. Get the Air Fryer Ready
Before anything else, go ahead and set your air fryer to 400°F so it’s nice and hot when you need it. A preheated fryer helps the rings crisp up beautifully.
2. Mix Up the Sweet Coating
Grab a little bowl and mix the cinnamon with the brown sugar until they’re blended nicely I always mix just enough to coat every slice well, it smells amazing even before cooking.
3. Dip & Coat the Pineapple
Take each pineapple ring and dip it into the melted butter, make sure it gets a good, even layer. Then, press it gently into the cinnamon sugar mix so it sticks to both sides.
4. Air Fry the Rings
Give your air fryer basket a quick mist of oil so the pineapple rings won’t stick while cooking. Lay the coated rings in a single layer, try not to stack them so they all cook evenly. I usually fit about 3–4 at a time.
5. Cook to Golden Perfection
Air fry for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through if you like a more even caramelized finish. Once they’re done, carefully remove them, they’ll be hot and beautifully golden.
FAQs
How does batter become crispy?
If you want that beautiful crunch when you bite in, keeping things cold is a game-changer. I’ve found that using chilled water, and even cooling the flour beforehand, helps prevent the batter from turning dense or chewy. Why? Because it slows down gluten formation, which means your batter stays light, airy, and fries up with a golden, crispy texture. It might seem small, but this little step really changes the outcome.
Can you freeze fresh pineapple rings?
Yes, you can! I usually slice the pineapple into rings (or whatever shape I need), then lay them out in a single layer on a tray lined with parchment paper. Pop the tray into the freezer for a few hours, this keeps the pieces from sticking together later. Once they’re frozen solid, just transfer them to a freezer bag or container. It’s a great way to always have sweet, juicy pineapple on hand!
Is fried pineapple good?
Absolutely, I think fried pineapple is one of those treats that surprises you with how good it really is. It’s warm, sweet, and slightly caramelized on the outside, with that juicy bite in the middle. You can enjoy it fresh out of the air fryer, or even cold the next day (yep, I’ve done both). It’s amazing on top of vanilla ice cream or served alongside grilled chicken or steak. Whether you like sweet or savory, fried pineapple fits right in.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
I wouldn’t recommend preparing the batter too far in advance. In my experience, it works best if you use it within an hour. After that, it tends to lose its thickness and just doesn’t stick to the pineapple the same way. That’s mostly because of the baking powder, it does its job pretty quickly by releasing air into the batter, and once that’s gone, your coating won’t puff up the way it should. Trust me, using it fresh makes a big difference in the final crispiness.