Best Fried Pineapple Rings – Tropical Snack Recipe

Fried pineapple rings are my go-to when I want something sweet, warm, and tropical with a bit of crunch. Whether I serve them as a fun appetizer, a fruity dessert, or even a unique side dish, these golden rings bring sunshine to any plate. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, they turn into caramelized bites of tropical bliss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s so simple yet so satisfying. The pineapple gets warm and juicy inside, with a lightly crisp and golden coating on the outside. It’s a unique way to serve fruit, and it always surprises people—in the best way. Plus, I can enjoy them plain, dusted with cinnamon sugar, or even topped with ice cream for an indulgent twist.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pineapple rings (fresh or canned, drained and patted dry)

• All-purpose flour

• Cornstarch

• Baking powder

• Sugar

• Salt

• Milk or coconut milk

• Egg

• Vanilla extract

• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

• Optional: cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar for dusting

Directions

1. I start by heating the oil in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).

2. In a mixing bowl, I whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, sugar, and salt.

3. I add the egg, milk (or coconut milk), and vanilla extract, stirring until I get a smooth batter.

4. I dip each pineapple ring into the batter, making sure it’s well coated.

5. I carefully lower the rings into the hot oil, frying a few at a time to avoid overcrowding.

6. I fry them for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crisp.

7. I remove the fried rings with a slotted spoon and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.

8. While they’re still warm, I sometimes sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar for an extra touch.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings, depending on the size of the pineapple rings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I spice things up by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg directly to the batter. I’ve also dipped the finished rings in a light glaze made with honey and lime juice for a zesty finish. For dessert, I love serving them with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream and a drizzle of caramel. If I’m cooking for a crowd, I use a mini version of the rings and serve them on skewers.

Storage/reheating

Fried pineapple rings are best enjoyed fresh while they’re warm and crispy. If I have leftovers, I store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, I use the oven or an air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to restore some crispiness—though they’re never quite as good as freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, I often use canned rings for convenience. I just make sure to drain and pat them dry really well before frying.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Not really. I’ve found that they’re best eaten fresh. The texture doesn’t hold up well if made too far in advance.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but I can easily substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make it work.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

I’ve tried baking them, but they don’t get the same crisp texture. Air frying is a better alternative if I want to avoid deep frying.

What kind of oil should I use?

I usually go with a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil—anything with a high smoke point works well.

Conclusion

Fried pineapple rings are a tropical twist on classic comfort food—crispy, sweet, and just the right amount of indulgent. I love how quickly they come together and how versatile they are, whether I’m serving them as a snack, side, or dessert. If I want to bring a bit of summer to the table any time of year, this recipe never fails.