Description
Fried Pineapple with Coconut Crust is a tropical dessert featuring sweet pineapple rings coated in a crispy coconut exterior. This 45-minute recipe balances tangy and sweet flavors for an impressive yet simple treat that tastes like paradise.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ripe pineapple
- 1½ cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
- Optional: 2 tablespoons rum or pineapple juice for soaking
Instructions
- Select a ripe pineapple, remove crown and base. Slice away skin, cut into ½-inch thick rings, and remove cores.
- Place pineapple rings on paper towels, press to remove excess moisture, and drain for 10 minutes.
- Set up three-bowl breading station: first bowl with flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, and salt; second bowl with eggs and vanilla; third bowl with shredded coconut and remaining sugar.
- Dredge each pineapple ring in flour mixture, dip in egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with coconut mixture.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a large skillet or Dutch oven.
- Fry 2-3 coated rings at a time for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon onto a cooling rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm.
Notes
- For underripe pineapple, soak slices in sugar water (2 tablespoons sugar in 1 cup warm water) for 10 minutes.
- Lightly toast 1/3 of coconut before mixing for complex flavor.
- Use one hand for dry ingredients and one for wet to prevent sticky fingers.
- Maintain consistent 350°F oil temperature for perfect crust.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
- For air fryer: spray coated rings with coconut oil and air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- For oven-baked: bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, turning once.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pineapple ring
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: fried pineapple, coconut crust, tropical dessert, pineapple dessert, fried fruit, coconut pineapple, quick dessert, crispy pineapple