Step-by-step instructions
Soak Pineapple: Place pineapple rings in a medium bowl. Cover them with pineapple juice and soak for at least 1 hour. Once soaked, drain and pat dry with paper towels.
Prepare Coating: In one shallow bowl, add flour. In a second bowl, place the sweetened coconut. In a third bowl, whisk together the eggs and coconut milk.
Coat Pineapple: Take each pineapple ring and first dip it in the flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it in the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off before pressing it into the coconut to coat evenly.
Fry Pineapple: Heat a deep, heavy-bottomed pot with enough vegetable oil to come about 1 inch up the sides to 350°F (175°C). Fry the pineapple rings in batches until golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Make Dipping Sauce: In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and coconut milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.
Serve: Serve the warm fried pineapple rings accompanied by the creamy coconut dipping sauce on the side.
Best ways to enjoy it
For a delightful presentation, stack the fried pineapple rings on a platter, drizzled with a bit of extra coconut milk or sprinkled with toasted coconut flakes. Pair it with a crisp salad as a refreshing side dish, or enjoy it alongside vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience that will leave your guests raving.
How to store
To keep your extras fresh, store any leftover fried pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, it’s best to bake them in the oven for a few minutes to maintain their crispiness. If you want to freeze them, wait until they’re fully cooled, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last in the freezer for about a month, but keep in mind that the texture might change once thawed.
Helpful cooking tips
- Use Fresh Pineapple: For the best flavor, opt for fresh pineapple. Canned pineapple may not hold up as well during frying.
- Oil Temperature Check: Make sure your oil is at the correct temperature (350°F) before adding the pineapple rings. This ensures the crust becomes golden and crispy without absorbing too much oil.
- Double Coating: If you want an extra crunchy texture, consider doing a double coating with flour and coconut.
Creative twists
Want to mix it up? You can sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the flour mixture for a warm spice twist. Try drizzling the fried pineapple with honey or a squeeze of lime for an added zing. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even incorporate different nuts or seeds into the coconut for a bit of crunch.
FAQ
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
Overall, the recipe takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, including the soaking time for the pineapple.
Can I use other fruits instead of pineapple?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with bananas or even peaches—just be sure to adjust cooking times as necessary.
How do I maintain the crispiness of the fried pineapple when reheating?
To reheat fried pineapple, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This helps retain its crispy texture compared to microwaving.
Is there a dairy-free option for the dipping sauce?
Yes! You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of powdered sugar for a delicious dairy-free dipping sauce.
