📝 About This Recipe
Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with these addictive breaded pineapple rings, a lighter air-fried twist on a classic carnival treat. Each ring features a juicy, warm pineapple core encased in a shatteringly crisp panko shell infused with warm autumn spices. Perfectly balanced between tart and sweet, these golden rings offer a sophisticated dessert experience that feels indulgent without the heavy oil of deep-frying.
🥗 Ingredients
The Fruit
- 1 large Fresh Pineapple (peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings)
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch (for dredging)
The Batter
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 Large egg (beaten)
- 2 tablespoons Whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
The Breading
- 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs (Japanese style for maximum crunch)
- 3 tablespoons Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground ginger (adds a subtle zing)
- 1 pinch Kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter (melted, to mix with breadcrumbs)
Honey-Lime Dip
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 1 teaspoon Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 teaspoon Lime zest (for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Thoroughly pat the pineapple rings dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is the secret to ensuring the breading sticks and stays crispy.
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2
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for at least 5 minutes to ensure an even cooking temperature.
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3
Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the cornstarch.
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4
In the second bowl, whisk together the flour, beaten egg, milk, and vanilla extract until a smooth, thick batter forms.
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5
In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Drizzle the melted butter over the mixture and toss with a fork until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
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6
Lightly coat a pineapple ring in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
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7
Dip the floured ring into the wet batter, ensuring all sides are covered, then let the excess drip off.
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8
Press the ring firmly into the panko mixture, flipping to ensure a thick, even coating on the top, bottom, and edges.
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9
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with a high-smoke point oil spray (like avocado or grapeseed oil).
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10
Place the breaded rings in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. You may need to cook in two batches.
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11
Air fry at 375°F for 6 minutes. Carefully flip the rings using silicone-tipped tongs.
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12
Continue air frying for another 5-7 minutes, or until the exterior is deeply golden brown and the pineapple feels tender when pierced.
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13
While the pineapple cooks, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl to create the dip.
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14
Remove the rings from the air fryer and let them rest on a wire rack for 2 minutes; this allows the crust to set and become even crunchier.
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15
Serve warm, garnished with lime zest and an extra dusting of cinnamon if desired.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use fresh pineapple rather than canned; canned pineapple is too soft and wet, which leads to soggy breading. If the panko isn't browning evenly, give the rings a very light mist of oil halfway through the cooking process. Don't overcrowd the basket; air circulation is vital for that 'deep-fried' crunch without the oil. For a vegan version, replace the egg/milk with a flax-egg or coconut milk and use coconut oil instead of butter. Ensure your pineapple slices are of uniform thickness so they all finish cooking at the same time.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside a scoop of premium coconut or macadamia nut ice cream. Pair with a chilled glass of Moscato or a sparkling hibiscus tea. Drizzle with a salted caramel sauce for a more decadent dessert profile. Serve as a unique side dish for grilled jerk chicken or spicy shrimp skewers. Top with toasted coconut flakes for added texture and tropical flair.