Golden, crunchy, and impossibly fun, Fried Pineapple Rings are my go-to for a dessert that feels like a tropical vacation (no passport required!). These crispy rings, infused with rum and rolled in sweet coconut, are pure magic—equal parts juicy and crispy, with a tangy cream cheese dipping sauce that takes them totally over the top. Whether you’re wowing guests at a party or indulging yourself on a relaxed weekend, Fried Pineapple Rings bring a burst of playful flavor and sunshine to every bite.

Fried Pineapple Rings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how a handful of ingredients can transform into something this utterly crave-worthy! Each item plays a key role: from the rums’ depth to coconut’s crunch and the luscious sauce, nothing here is superfluous.

Pineapple Rings: The star of the show—fresh or canned rings work, but go for thick-cut for maximum juicy-tender texture.
Dark Rum: Adds rich, caramel-like notes that soak into the pineapple for a mellow, grown-up sweetness.
Coconut Rum: Punches up the tropical vibes and blends perfectly with the coconut flakes for island-style flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives the rings a dry surface to help coatings stick and fry up with a gorgeous, crisp shell.
Sweetened Coconut Flakes: These create the unbeatable, crunchy exterior and make the rings extra photogenic.
Large Eggs: Bind the coating and lend a rich color to the fried finish—don’t skip this step!
Coconut Milk: Adds creamy depth to the egg wash, marrying all those tropical notes together.
Vegetable Oil: Neutral in flavor and perfect for deep-frying to achieve golden, crispy perfection.
Cream Cheese (softened): Whipped into the dipping sauce for a cool, tangy counterpoint.
Powdered Sugar: Brings a subtle sweetness to the sauce and makes it irresistibly creamy.

How to Make Fried Pineapple Rings

Step 1: Soak Pineapple in Rum

Start with the most delicious “waiting game” ever: place your pineapple rings in a medium bowl and cover them with both dark and coconut rums. Give them at least an hour to soak—this is where all the flavor magic happens, as the pineapple drinks up that boozy, caramel coconut essence. Don’t rush this part; the flavor payoff is huge!

Step 2: Drain and Dry the Pineapple

Once the rings have had their rum spa treatment, drain them carefully. Reserve that leftover rum for the dipping sauce! Pat the pineapple dry gently but thoroughly with paper towels; excess moisture can mess with the coating, so make sure they’re good and dry for a perfect fry.

Step 3: Set Up the Dipping Station

Grab three shallow bowls. Fill one with flour, the next with coconut flakes, and in the third, whisk together your eggs and coconut milk until smooth. This assembly line ensures the pineapple gets evenly coated every step of the way—no patchy spots!

Step 4: Coat Each Pineapple Ring

Working one at a time, dip each pineapple ring first into the flour (tap off extra!), then into the egg-coconut milk mixture, and finally into the coconut flakes. Press the flakes on so they really stick—that crust is everything when it hits the hot oil.

Step 5: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep pot and heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry the pineapple rings in batches (don’t crowd them), about a minute on each side or until gloriously golden and crisp. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.

Step 6: Whip Up the Creamy Rum Dipping Sauce

While the rings cool slightly, blend softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until ultra-smooth, then stir in a couple tablespoons of that reserved rum. Aim for a pourable-but-thick sauce—add a splash more rum if needed. This tangy-sweet dip is the finishing touch that makes Fried Pineapple Rings unforgettable.

How to Serve Fried Pineapple Rings

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted coconut on top looks gorgeous and enhances the tropical crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, a dusting of powdered sugar or a tiny wedge of lime on the plate adds color and brightness. A few fresh mint leaves on the side give your Fried Pineapple Rings a pop of green and fragrant aroma.

Side Dishes

Serve Fried Pineapple Rings alongside a scoop of coconut ice cream for an ultra-decadent treat, or keep it lighter with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. They also play well with simple shortbread cookies or a fruit salad for a breezy brunch menu.

Creative Ways to Present

Slide a stick through each ring for a playful, hand-held party snack. Stack multiple rings on a platter with tiny cocktail umbrellas for a festive centerpiece. Or serve them “deconstructed”—pile the crispy rings into a bowl, drizzle with the rum sauce, and add a scattering of pomegranate seeds or edible flowers for extra flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Fried Pineapple Rings (if you have any!) keep best in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Layer parchment or wax paper between the rings to keep the coating from getting soggy. Store the cream cheese dipping sauce separately in a sealed container.

Freezing

Freeze the fried rings (without sauce) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag once frozen solid. They’ll stay crispest if you reheat from frozen—just use within a month for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To recapture that just-fried crunch, pop the pineapple rings onto a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (205°C) for 8–10 minutes. An air fryer works brilliantly here as well. Microwave only as a last resort; it won’t keep the coating nearly as crispy.

FAQs

Can I make Fried Pineapple Rings without alcohol?

Absolutely! Simply soak the pineapple rings in coconut water or pineapple juice, or skip the soak if you’re short on time. You’ll still get juicy, flavorful rings with a wonderful tropical taste.

What’s the best oil for frying?

Choose a neutral, high smoke-point oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These let the flavors of the pineapple and coconut shine, and give you the crispest, lightest crust.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

You bet! Cut your fresh pineapple into thick rings (about half an inch) and core the centers. Fresh pineapple tastes incredible and holds up perfectly to frying.

Is the dipping sauce optional?

You can certainly enjoy Fried Pineapple Rings without the dipping sauce, but the creamy, tangy-sweet rum sauce takes them from good to unforgettable. For a lighter twist, try serving with Greek yogurt or just a drizzle of honey.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough?

If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a pinch of flour into the oil—it should sizzle instantly and float. Too cool and the rings will absorb oil and get greasy; too hot and they’ll brown before the inside heats up properly.

Final Thoughts

There’s just nothing like a batch of Fried Pineapple Rings—a little bit of fun, a lot of flavor, and pure sunshine for your plate! Whether you’re a long-time fan of fried sweets or trying something totally new, give these a go; I promise you’ll fall for their crunchy, tropical delight from the very first bite.