Air-Fried Pineapple Fritters: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Pineapple fritters are a delicious treat that can be made in an air fryer. They are a great dessert option, and with a few simple ingredients, you can make this tasty treat all year round! This recipe is a fun twist on the classic apple fritter, with a tropical pineapple flavour. You can use either fresh or canned pineapple, depending on what is in season, and the air fryer method makes it a healthier option too. So, if you're looking for a new dessert to try, why not give pineapple fritters a go?

Preparing the pineapple

Firstly, select a fresh, ripe pineapple. Look for one with bright green leaves and ensure the outside is mostly yellow. Give it a gentle squeeze; a good pineapple will have a slight give to it, but shouldn't be too hard or too soft. It should also smell sweet, so avoid any with a sour or bitter odour.

Once you have selected your pineapple, it's time to peel, core, and slice it. Place the pineapple on its side on a cutting board and cut off the top with a sharp knife. Then, slice about half an inch from the bottom. Stand the pineapple upright and carefully cut away the outer skin, slicing down from top to bottom, being careful not to remove too much of the flesh. Once peeled, make sure to remove any remaining bits of skin.

Now, you can begin slicing the pineapple into rings or sticks, depending on your preference. For rings, simply slice the pineapple into pieces about 1/4-inch thick. You can use a pineapple corer to remove the core, or leave it in, as it is edible and full of fibre. However, if you prefer, you can also cut around the core to remove it.

After slicing, it is important to pat the pineapple dry with paper towels. This step is crucial, especially if you are using canned pineapple, as it ensures that the batter will stick to the fruit properly.

At this stage, you can also choose to sprinkle or dip your pineapple rings in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, or even spice cake mix, for an extra flavour boost. This step is optional but can add a delicious, crispy coating to your fritters.

Finally, if you are preparing your pineapple in advance, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. This way, you can have fresh pineapple ready to go whenever you want to make your fritters!

Making the batter

To make the batter for pineapple fritters in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Flour
• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Vanilla

First, peel, core, and slice the pineapples into rings. Pat them dry and set them aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Next, add in the wet ingredients: egg, buttermilk, and vanilla. Stir until the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

The consistency of the batter is crucial. It should be thick enough to coat the pineapple rings evenly. If the batter becomes too thin, the fritters may not hold their shape during frying. Therefore, it is best to use the batter within an hour of preparing it. After an hour, the batter will start to thin out due to the baking powder, and it won't produce a nice fluffy coating.

Additionally, ensure that your pineapple rings are completely dry before dipping them into the batter. Any excess moisture can affect the batter's ability to stick to the fruit.

Coating the pineapple

To coat the pineapple, you will need to prepare three bowls. In the first bowl, place some plain flour. In the second bowl, crack an egg and lightly whisk it. In the third bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs and sugar. You can use either raw caster sugar or granulated sugar, depending on your preference. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the sugar mixture for extra flavour.

Once you have prepared the three bowls, you can start coating the pineapple rings. First, dip the pineapple rings in the flour, making sure to coat all sides evenly. Next, dip the floured pineapple rings in the whisked egg, again ensuring that all sides are coated. Finally, dip the pineapple rings in the breadcrumb and sugar mixture. Make sure the pineapple rings are well-coated before placing them in the air fryer.

If you are using a batter, the process is slightly different. Prepare your batter by mixing together flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, salt, egg, buttermilk, and vanilla. Dip each pineapple ring into the batter, shaking off any excess. Carefully lower the coated pineapple rings into hot oil and fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden.

Cooking the fritters

First, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (or 200°C). Next, prepare your pineapple rings. You will need one pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into rings or 2 x 20oz cans of pineapple rings. If using fresh pineapple, pat the rings dry.

Now, it's time to set up your dredging station. Grab three bowls. In the first bowl, place some plain flour. In the second, whisk an egg. In the third, mix together panko breadcrumbs and sugar (you can use either caster, granulated, or light brown sugar). You can also add a little cinnamon and nutmeg to the sugar if you like.

Take each pineapple ring and dip it first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each ring is evenly coated at each stage. Generously drizzle the rings with extra virgin olive oil.

Place two or three rings (depending on the size of your air fryer) into the air fryer and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through. They are ready when they are golden brown. If you are cooking more than two or three rings, you will need to do this in batches.

Serving

Your pineapple fritters are best served warm. They go well with whipped cream, ice cream, cream, or yoghurt.

Serving suggestions

Pineapple fritters are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, side, appetiser, or dessert. They are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a variety of toppings or accompaniments to elevate your dish. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Whipped Cream: For a classic, sweet, and fluffy topping, serve your pineapple fritters with a dollop of whipped cream. This combination is perfect for those with a sweet tooth and can be further enhanced with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
• Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert, pair your pineapple fritters with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream will balance out the warm, crispy fritters, creating a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures.
• Yoghurt: If you're serving pineapple fritters for breakfast, yoghurt is an excellent choice. It adds a tangy creaminess to the dish while keeping it relatively healthy.
• Cinnamon-Sugar: For a simple yet tasty option, sprinkle cinnamon-sugar over your pineapple fritters. This classic combination adds a delightful warmth and sweetness to the dish.
• Fruit: Pineapple fritters pair well with other fruits, especially when served as a dessert. Try adding a side of fresh berries or sliced tropical fruits like mango or papaya for a vibrant and refreshing dish.
• Savoury Dishes: While pineapple fritters are typically served as a sweet treat, they can also complement savoury dishes. Try serving them as a side with grilled pork chops or chicken for a unique flavour profile.

Frequently asked questions