Elevate your snack game with these irresistible bacon wrapped pineapple bites. They are cooked to perfection using an air fryer.
Want to save this post?
Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!
One of the most mouthwatering and irresistible combinations in the culinary world is undoubtedly bacon and pineapple. Air frying the delectable duo creates a crisp outer layer while keeping the fruit inside tender and juicy.
Each bite is like a mini party in your mouth with an explosion of sweet and savory flavors. So if you're looking for an appetizer or snack to satisfy your cravings, try these bacon-wrapped pineapple bites.
Reasons to Love
- Unique flavor combination. The smoky and savory taste of the bacon perfectly complements the sweet and tangy flavors of the pineapple.
- Contrasting textures. You get a satisfying contrast between the crispy, salty bacon and the juicy, tender pineapple.
- Impressive appetizer. This delectable dish tastes fantastic and makes for an eye-catching snack.
Ingredients
With just a few simple ingredients like juicy pineapple chunks and crispy bacon, you can create a mouthwatering treat in no time.
Here are the items you'll need to make our bacon wrapped pineapple bites recipe:
- bacon slices
- fresh pineapple or canned pineapple rings
- BBQ seasoning
- ground black pepper
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
Gathered the ingredients and preheat the air fryer to 370°F. Then pat dry the pineapple rings and follow these easy steps.
Cut each pineapple ring into four even pieces.
Cut the bacon strips in half crosswise, then in half lengthwise.
Wrap each piece of bacon around a chunk of pineapple and secure it with toothpicks.
Transfer each pineapple wrapped in bacon onto the air fryer basket or tray. Season both sides with ground black pepper and BBQ seasoning.
Place into the air fryer. Turn each piece halfway through cooking time. Cook until the outside is golden light brown and the bacon is crispy.
Hint: There are two ways to turn the pineapple and bacon pieces. One, remove the tray or basket and turn each pineapple. Second, turn food while the tray is inserted in the cooking chamber. For the second option, use longer kitchen tongs and be careful not to touch any part of the hot cooking chamber.
Variations
If you want to add extra flavor and variety to your bacon pineapple bites, there are a few modifications worth exploring. Here are a couple of popular ways to change the recipe:
- Make it sweeter: Add a sprinkle of brown sugar or drizzle some honey before cooking. This creates a caramelized glaze that enhances the sweetness of the pineapple and adds another layer of deliciousness.
- Try varying the bacon: Experiment with different types of bacon, such as maple-flavored or jalapeño-infused bacon, for an added kick of flavor.
You can also try a brushing of maple syrup over the bacon as we use in our bacon wrapped onion rings recipe.
Tips
Top tip: Pat dry the pineapple slices to remove any excess moisture. This will help prevent the bacon from becoming soggy during cooking.
- Faster preparation. Use canned pineapple so you don't have to cut up a fresh pineapple.
- Use thick-cut bacon. It will hold its shape and crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
- Secure with toothpicks. Prevent the bacon from unraveling during cooking by securing it with toothpicks.
- Ensure the bacon is cooked. Continue to cook until the bacon bites are crispy and the pineapple is golden brown on the outside.
- Use aluminum foil. For easier cleanup, you can line the grease tray of the air fryer with foil.
Serving suggestions
Serve this easy appetizer alongside a dipping sauce such as sweet chili or barbecue sauce. You can garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for added freshness. If desired, pair them with complementary appetizers like shrimp skewers or mini sliders.
These bites can also be enjoyed with grilled chicken or steak as a side dish. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the savory flavors of meat perfectly, creating a delicious combination.
Storage
Place the bites in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap before storing them in the refrigerator. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.
If you plan to store the bacon-wrapped pineapple bites for an extended period, you can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them in the oven or microwave until warm.
Related Recipes
Want some more tasty appetizer recipes? These recipes are perfectly sized for just one or two people.
- Air fryer cabbage wedges are wrapped in bacon for maximum flavor.
- Carne asada quesadillas are loaded with melty cheese.
- Panko fried shrimp is sure to satisfy any seafood lover.
- Lil smokies with bacon are perfect finger food.
- Zucchini bruschetta is low-carb and gluten-free.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to see more recipes.
Recipe
Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 3 slices bacon
- 3 slices pineapple rings drained
- ½ teaspoon BBQ seasoning
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pre-heat Air Fryer at 370F (188C). Set at 10 minutes.
- Pat dry pineapple rings. Cut each pineapple ring into four bite-sized pieces evenly. Making 12 pineapple pieces total.
- Cut bacon in half, crosswise. Then cut each bacon in half, lengthwise. Making 12 thin bacon strips. (This way, both sides of the pineapples will be shown.)
- Wrap each pineapple with bacon. Wrapping at the center so each side of the pineapple shows. Secure with toothpicks.
- Gently transfer each bacon-wrapped pineapple bites onto the Air Fryer tray. Season both sides with ground black pepper and BBQ seasoning.
- Slowly insert Air Fryer tray into the middle cooking chamber, near the rotisserie catch.
- Turn food half-way through. No need to wait for the “turn food” reminder provided by the Air Fryer. See tips or notes when turning food.
- Wait for the timer to end and the Air Fryer to stop before opening the oven door or once bacon-wrapped pineapple bites are fully cooked and golden in color, press “cancel” from the Air Fryer settings.
Julianne
Bacon certainly does make everything better and pineapple is no exception! This was absolutely delicious and the seasoning was just right.
Shelby
The perfect flavor combination! The salty bacon with the juicy pineapple had me going back for, well all of them haha
Gina
Love the sweet and salty combo going on with these bites! The pineapple is perfectly cooked and caramelized and the bacon gets so crispy in the air fryer.
Janice
I really love this snack! The bacon and pineapples are a match made in heaven! My kids loved it too! This snack is a must-try!
Ali
These were the best appetizers for our backyard get together - sweet and savory... they paired perfectly with the cocktails we served. All the island vibes - thank you!!!