There’s something undeniably delightful about the combination of sweet and savory flavors that hits the spot during any gathering. Imagine the joyful sounds in your kitchen as you prepare Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Pineapples—each bite a burst of juicy pineapple enveloped in crispy bacon, elevated by a luscious brown sugar glaze. I stumbled upon this mouthwatering creation during a last-minute get-together with friends, and it quickly turned into the star of the evening.
Not only does this recipe take just 20 minutes from prep to plate, but it also offers endless possibilities for customization. Whether you’re using fresh fruit or experimenting with turkey bacon for a leaner twist, these skewers are sure to impress. Perfect as an appetizer or a show-stopping side dish, they capture the essence of festive gatherings. So, let’s get cooking and discover this deliciously simple gem that will leave everyone craving more!
Why will you love Bacon Wrapped Pineapple?
Simplicity Made Delicious: This recipe is a breeze, taking only 20 minutes from prep to plate—ideal for those busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
Sweet-Savory Bliss: Enjoy the fantastic combination of juicy pineapple and salty bacon, enhanced by a sweet glaze that creates an irresistible flavor profile.
Versatile Variations: Feel free to swap in different fruits or use turkey bacon for a healthier twist, catering to any dietary preferences.
Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Perfect for entertaining, these flavorful skewers are a hit at parties and gatherings, leaving guests raving for more.
Perfectly Crisp Every Time: Thanks to the air fryer, you’ll achieve delightfully crispy bacon without the hassle of frying, making cleanup a breeze!
Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Ingredients
• Discover the tasty must-haves for this delightful air fryer recipe.
For the Skewers
- Bacon – Provides savory flavor and crispness; use thick-cut for best texture.
- Pineapple Rings (canned) – Adds sweetness and juiciness; fresh pineapple can be used, cut into similar sizes.
For the Glaze
- Brown Sugar – Sweetens the glaze and adds caramelization; maple syrup can substitute for a unique twist.
- Salted Butter – Creates a rich glaze that enhances flavors; opt for unsalted butter to control saltiness.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Pineapple
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Prepare the Pineapple: Drain canned pineapple slices and pat them dry with a paper towel. Cut each slice into three pieces to create bite-sized morsels that will be wrapped in bacon.
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Cut the Bacon: Slice the bacon strips into thirds. This size is perfect for wrapping around the pineapple pieces, ensuring a delightful balance of flavors in every bite.
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Wrap & Secure: Tightly wrap each pineapple piece in a bacon strip, then secure the ends with a toothpick. This will keep everything held together and make for easy handling.
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Make the Glaze: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine brown sugar and salted butter. Microwave them together until melted and smooth, about 30-45 seconds, stirring to combine into a luscious glaze.
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Air Fry the First Batch: Place half of the bacon-wrapped pineapple skewers into the air fryer basket. Make sure they aren’t overcrowded to allow for even cooking.
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Glaze Generously: Brush each skewer with the brown sugar glaze. The glaze will caramelize during cooking, adding a sweet and sticky finish to each piece.
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Air Fry to Perfection: Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10-13 minutes, checking halfway for desired crispiness. You want the bacon to be crisp and beautifully golden.
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Serve Warm: Once finished, serve the skewers warm to enjoy the crispy bacon and juicy pineapple. Repeat the process for the remaining skewers.
Optional: For an extra kick, sprinkle with red pepper flakes before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Bacon Wrapped Pineapple
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Choose the Right Bacon: Thick-cut bacon works best for wrapping, ensuring it crisps up nicely while holding the pineapple securely.
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Proper Pineapple Prep: Pat the pineapple dry thoroughly before wrapping to prevent excess moisture, which helps maintain the crispiness of the bacon.
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Glazing Technique: Brush the brown sugar glaze generously on each skewer; this caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, enhancing the sweetness of the Bacon Wrapped Pineapple.
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Air Frying Space: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; this allows for even cooking and that perfect golden-brown finish.
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Spice it Up: Want a flavor twist? Add red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy contrast that balances the sweetness beautifully!
What to Serve with Bacon Wrapped Pineapple?
These delightful bites deserve equally satisfying companions to create the perfect meal experience.
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Creamy Coleslaw: The crisp, tangy crunch of coleslaw balances the sweet and savory skewers beautifully, adding a refreshing contrast.
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Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Succulent shrimp brushed with garlic and lemon provide a delightful seafood complement, enhancing the overall taste profile.
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Coconut Rice: The subtle sweetness of coconut rice harmonizes with the pineapple’s flavor while offering a wonderfully creamy texture.
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Vegetable Platter: A bright assortment of fresh vegetables adds color and crunch, making for a light, healthy counterpoint to the rich bacon.
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Sweet Chili Sauce: Drizzle this spicy-sweet sauce over the skewers for an extra kick, amplifying their flavor and inviting delightful dips.
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Pineapple Mojito: A refreshing cocktail combining mint and pineapple will elevate your meal, providing a charming pairing for these savory bites.
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Dark Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: For dessert, these treats create a luscious end to the meal, echoing the sweet-savory theme while satisfying any sweet tooth.
Storage Tips for Bacon Wrapped Pineapple
- Room Temperature: Best consumed warm, but leftovers can be left out for up to 2 hours during gatherings before refrigerating.
- Fridge: Store leftover bacon wrapped pineapples in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Make sure they’re cooled to prevent condensation.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the bacon wrapped pineapples (uncooked) in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, though they may lose some crispness. Enjoy these delicious morsels warm!
Make Ahead Options
These Bacon Wrapped Pineapples are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the pineapple pieces and wrap them in bacon up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the initial steps of cutting and wrapping, then place the skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. To maintain their quality, ensure that the skewers are tightly packed to prevent air exposure, which can dry them out. When you’re ready to serve, simply brush with the brown sugar glaze and air fry as instructed for 10-13 minutes. This way, you’ll enjoy a delicious appetizer with minimal effort, allowing you to focus on other parts of your gathering!
Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Variations
Feel free to explore these tasty twists and substitutions to make this dish your own!
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Turkey Bacon: Swap traditional bacon for turkey bacon for a leaner, healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
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Fresh Fruit: Use fresh pineapple or other fruits like mango, peach, or even apple slices for a unique flavor twist that surprises the palate.
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Vegan Delight: Wrap firm tofu or tempeh in a similar glaze and air fry for a scrumptious vegetarian option that impresses everyone at the table.
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Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the brown sugar glaze for a delightful spicy contrast that balances the sweetness beautifully.
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Herb-Infused: Mix some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the glaze for an aromatic twist that elevates the overall flavor profile.
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Balsamic Drizzle: After air frying, drizzle some balsamic reduction over the skewers for an unexpected tangy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the dish.
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Cheesy Bliss: Add a small cube of cheddar or pepper jack cheese before wrapping in bacon for an indulgent and gooey surprise in every bite.
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Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, on top after cooking for a delightful added crunch and richness.
Each of these variations invites creative exploration, ensuring that every batch of Bacon Wrapped Pineapples is a delightful adventure!
Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best pineapple for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh pineapple, look for fruit that is firm and heavy with a sweet aroma at the base. The skin should be free from dark spots and blemishes. For canned pineapple, choose slices packed in 100% juice or water to avoid added sugars.
What is the best way to store leftover Bacon Wrapped Pineapple?
Very good question! Store leftover bacon-wrapped pineapples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
Can I freeze unbaked Bacon Wrapped Pineapple?
Absolutely! To freeze, lay the unbaked bacon-wrapped pineapples in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, where they can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, there’s no need to thaw; just cook them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Why is my bacon not crisping up properly?
Ah, this can happen! Ensure you’re not overcrowding the air fryer basket; giving the bacon enough space to cook allows it to crisp up beautifully. Additionally, make sure you’re using thick-cut bacon and monitor the cooking time closely. If necessary, consider flipping the skewers halfway through for even browning.
Are there any dietary considerations for Bacon Wrapped Pineapple?
Absolutely! This recipe is flexible. To make it gluten-free, check that your brown sugar is gluten-free. For a vegetarian version, try wrapping pineapple in baked tempeh or tofu instead of bacon, and brush your glaze on for that sweet, smoky flavor without meat.
What’s the ideal serving temperature for Bacon Wrapped Pineapple?
For the best experience, serve these skewers warm. I recommend allowing them to cool slightly post-air frying, then serve immediately to get that delicious gooey glaze just right!
Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Air Fryer Bliss in Just 20 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Pineapple: Drain canned pineapple slices and pat them dry with a paper towel. Cut each slice into three pieces to create bite-sized morsels that will be wrapped in bacon.
- Cut the Bacon: Slice the bacon strips into thirds. This size is perfect for wrapping around the pineapple pieces, ensuring a delightful balance of flavors in every bite.
- Wrap & Secure: Tightly wrap each pineapple piece in a bacon strip, then secure the ends with a toothpick.
- Make the Glaze: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine brown sugar and salted butter. Microwave until melted and smooth, about 30-45 seconds.
- Air Fry the First Batch: Place half of the bacon-wrapped pineapple skewers into the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
- Glaze Generously: Brush each skewer with the brown sugar glaze.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10-13 minutes, checking halfway for desired crispiness.
- Serve Warm: Once finished, serve the skewers warm.