Crispy Pineapple Fritter Rings with Vanilla Rum Glaze
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Have you ever tried Pineapple Fritter Rings after a summer BBQ? Oh my gosh, these battered, deep fried pineapple rings hit a sweet spot.
The tempura style batter made with sparkling water gives a feather light crunch that keeps the fruit juicy.
Brief Overview
This treat has tropical vibes and shows up at fairs and donut shops. It’s simple but rooted in island and street food traditions.
Difficulty is medium because deep frying needs care. Prep is about 25 minutes , cook time 12 15 minutes , total ~ 40 minutes .
Makes 8 fritters, enough for 4 8 people.
If you’re using canned fruit, one 20 oz can yields about eight rings. If fresh, slice a medium pineapple into 8 even rings.
Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of vanilla rum glaze.
Main Benefits
Top health win: pineapple adds a vitamin C boost. Honestly, that juicy tang feels lighter than many desserts. This is a perfect pineapple dessert for backyard parties, late night snacks, or as a cheeky fair style treat.
What makes this recipe special is the sparkling water batter. The sparkling water batter creates little air pockets. That gives a lace like shell, unlike a heavy apple fritter cousin.
You get the best of a donut shop crisp with tropical fruit.
I’ll be honest. I once let the oil drop below 325° F and got a greasy mess. Learn from me: keep oil at 350° F / 175° C .
Pat rings very dry. Keep batter cold. These small tricks make the crust airy and prevent sogginess.
Variations are fun. Try coconut crunch pineapple fritters by pressing shredded coconut into the batter. Or swap sparkling water for beer for a beer battered spin.
A quick vanilla rum glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar finishes them perfectly.
Deep fried pineapple rings are best eaten fresh. They won’t wait around. Next up: ingredients and exact measurements so you can get frying without the drama.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
For the fruit:
- Fresh: 1 medium pineapple (about 2 2.5 lb / 900 1,100 g) , cored and sliced into 8 rings .
- Canned option: 1 (20 oz / 567 g) can pineapple rings , drained and patted dry.
Batter:
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour.
- 2 tbsp (16 g) cornstarch.
- 1 tbsp (12 g) granulated sugar.
- 1 tsp (4 g) baking powder.
- 1/4 tsp (1.5 g) fine sea salt.
- 1 large egg (about 50 g) .
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) ice-cold club soda or sparkling water.
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract (optional).
- Zest of 1 small lime (optional).
Frying & finish:
- Neutral oil, high smoke point, 3 4 cups (720 960 ml) .
- Dusting: 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar.
- Glaze: 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar + 2 3 tbsp (30 45 ml) pineapple juice + 1 tsp (5 ml) dark rum or vanilla + pinch salt.
Quality tips: Use ripe, fragrant pineapple. If buying canned fruit, choose rings in juice, not syrup. For a feather light crunch, use cold sparkling water. I once swapped beer and never looked back.
Seasoning Notes
Essential combos: a pinch of cinnamon plus lime zest. That echoes classic Apple Fritter spice.
Aromatics: vanilla and a tiny pinch of salt bring out sweetness.
For a twist, add 1/2 tsp cinnamon and a pinch nutmeg for spiced Pineapple Fritters.
Flavor boosters: dark rum in the glaze lifts the taste.
Coconut adds texture try Coconut crunch pineapple fritters by pressing shredded coconut onto the battered rings.
Quick subs: beer for sparkling water.
Aquafaba or flax "egg" for vegan. gluten-free 1:1 flour works okay.
Equipment Needed
Essentials only: heavy bottomed pot or Dutch oven, candy/deep fry thermometer, slotted spoon, wire rack, mixing bowls, whisk, tongs.
Household swaps: use a deep skillet if no Dutch oven.
An instant read thermometer substitutes for candy thermometer. Use a slotted spatula if no spider. Paper towels for blotting, but use a wire rack to keep fritters crisp.
Oh my gosh, these Deep fried pineapple rings sing when hot. I still remember a Donut Shop owner telling me, "Tempura style batter makes them sing.
" Try them with Vanilla rum glaze. They are a proper Pineapple Dessert.
Cooking Method
I love how simple snacks can feel fancy. Fun fact: pineapples were a status symbol in 18th-century Europe. That’s why I get a little dramatic when I serve these.
My Pineapple Fritter Rings remind me of the warm treats at a greasy Donut Shop, but fresher and tropical.
Prep Steps
Get your mise en place. Slice pineapple into eight even rings. If using canned fruit, drain and pat completely dry.
Measure flour, cornstarch, sugar, and baking powder. Beat the egg and chill sparkling water.
Short on time? Do this: drain canned rings the night before. Keep batter ingredients chilled until ready. Work in batches to save oil reheating time.
Safety first. Hot oil is dangerous. Never leave hot oil unattended . Keep a lid nearby. Use a candy thermometer and tongs.
step-by-step Process
- Dry pineapple rings well. Lightly dust with flour.
- Mix dry ingredients. Whisk egg and vanilla. Stir in 3/4 cup ice-cold club soda for a tempura style batter. Batter should cling, not drip.
- Heat oil to 350° F / 175° C . Use a thermometer.
- Dip rings into batter. Fry 2– 3 minutes per side . Flip once. Visual cue: even golden color and lacy edges.
- Drain on a wire rack. Keep warm in oven at 200° F / 95° C if needed.
- Finish with a quick vanilla rum glaze or dust with powdered sugar. For glaze, whisk powdered sugar with 2 3 tablespoons pineapple juice and 1 teaspoon dark rum.
Visual cues matter. Look for a uniform golden brown. The batter should be crisp and set. The pineapple inside stays juicy.
Pro Tips
Keep the batter cold and oil hot. That contrast gives airy crunch. Try sparkling water batter for lightness. Add shredded coconut for coconut crunch pineapple fritters.
Avoid these mistakes: overcrowding the pot and wet rings. Both make greasy fritters. make-ahead option: slice pineapple and chill in a sealed bag. Batter can rest 10 minutes in the fridge.
Honestly, these hit like a Pineapple Dessert crossed with an Apple Fritter. They’re great as deep fried pineapple rings or a quick party showstopper. Try them once they vanish fast.
Recipe Notes quick rundown
Life is short. Eat dessert first. My nana said that.
These Pineapple Fritter Rings are blissfully simple.
They taste like a donut shop dream.
Serving Suggestions
Plating can be playful and simple.
Stack two fritters on a small plate.
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle glaze.
Try the vanilla rum glaze for grown-up vibes.
Serve with vanilla ice cream or lime crema.
A scoop melts into the warm core.
Pair with iced tea or a crisp lager.
For kids, a fizzy sparkling water works.
Storage Tips
Eat them fresh for the best crunch.
To refrigerate, cool completely first.
Store in an airtight container up to two days.
Reheat on a wire rack in the oven.
Heat at 400° F / 200° C for four to six minutes.
Freezing is possible, but texture changes.
Flash freeze on a tray, then bag for a month.
Reheat from frozen in the oven.
Variations
gluten-free option works well.
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Vegan swap uses aquafaba or flax "egg".
Tempura style batter with sparkling water is airy.
Try coconut crunch pineapple fritters for texture.
Or mimic an apple fritter with cinnamon.
Use canned fruit for speed and convenience.
Nutrition Basics
Each fritter equals about 260 calories.
Fat is roughly 12 grams per piece.
Sugar varies with glaze or dusting.
Pineapple adds vitamin C and manganese.
It aids digestion with bromelain enzymes.
Moderation keeps this dish a treat.
Final thoughts
Oh my gosh, frying is fun.
I once burned a thumb. Lessons learned.
Keep oil steady at 350° F / 175° C .
Enjoy the sweet tang and crisp shell.
Make these Pineapple Fritter Rings for friends.
They bring smiles.
Seriously, they do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Pineapple Fritter Rings and how are they made?
Pineapple Fritter Rings are pineapple slices coated in a light, tempura style batter and deep fried until lacy and golden, giving a crisp exterior and hot, juicy fruit inside. The batter for this recipe uses ice-cold sparkling water (or beer) for extra airiness, and the rings are finished with a vanilla rum glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar for that classic sweet finish.
How do I keep the batter extra crispy and avoid soggy fritters?
Key tricks are to pat the pineapple very dry, keep the batter cold, and fry at a steady 350°F (175°C) so the crust sets quickly and absorbs less oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan work in small batches and drain fritters on a wire rack (not paper towels) so steam can escape and the crust stays crunchy, a bit like good tempura or a crispy chip shop batter.
Can I use canned pineapple or make substitutions like gluten-free or vegan Pineapple Fritter Rings?
Yes canned rings work well if you drain and pat them thoroughly to remove excess juice; fresh rings should be about 1/2 inch thick for even frying. For gluten-free use a 1:1 GF flour blend (with xanthan gum), and for vegan swap the egg for aquafaba or a flax “egg” and use sparkling water or beer; the texture will be slightly different but still tasty.
Is deep-frying Pineapple Fritter Rings safe, and what precautions should I take?
Deep frying is safe when you control the temperature and respect basic rules: monitor oil with a candy or deep fry thermometer, keep a lid nearby, never leave hot oil unattended, and avoid adding wet or dripping pieces that cause violent splatter.
Use long tongs or a spider skimmer, keep children and pets away, and have a fire extinguisher rated for grease fires (or a box of baking soda) on hand never use water.
How do I store and reheat leftover fritters so they stay crisp?
Pineapple Fritter Rings are best eaten immediately, but you can store cooled fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours; keep any glaze or powdered sugar separate where possible.
To re-crisp, warm them in a hot oven (400°F / 200°C for 4 6 minutes) or air-fryer (375°F / 190°C for 3 5 minutes); avoid the microwave because it makes the crust soggy.
What about nutrition how many calories are in a fritter and are there lighter ways to make them?
Expect roughly ~260 kcal per fritter with about 12 g fat and 36 g carbs (varies with oil absorption and whether you use glaze). Lighter options include air-frying or shallow frying, using less sugar in the batter or glaze, or serving smaller rings; remember that sparkling water batter already helps reduce oil uptake by creating a lighter crust, but traditional deep frying will always be richer.
Crispy Pineapple Fritter Rings With Vanilla Rum
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 260 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Carbs | 36 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Sodium | 210 mg |
