Air Fryer Bacon Pineapple Poppers

Irresistible Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pineapple: The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Appetizer

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with the perfect fusion of sweet and savory: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pineapple. This delightful appetizer delivers irresistibly crispy bacon harmoniously paired with a juicy, sweet pineapple surprise at its core. If you’re a bacon enthusiast looking for an exciting new way to enjoy your favorite ingredient, or simply seeking a quick and impressive party snack, this recipe is about to become your go-to!

Crispy bacon wrapped pineapple bites on a long white plate in front of the air fryer, showcasing their golden perfection.

What makes this recipe truly outstanding is its simplicity and speed. Requiring just two core ingredients and less than 15 minutes in your air fryer, these mouthwatering pineapple bites will be ready to serve in a flash. Forget long prep times and complicated steps – this recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Bacon Wrapped Pineapple in the Air Fryer: A Game Changer

You’ll fall in love with this recipe not only for its incredible flavor profile but also for its versatility and family-friendly appeal. The irresistible combination of salty, smoky bacon and sweet, tangy pineapple creates a fun and exciting dish that works for any occasion. Imagine serving these savory-sweet bites for a quick and satisfying breakfast on a busy school day, a delightful brunch with friends, or as the star appetizer at your next gathering.

These crispy bacon-wrapped pineapple morsels are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re perfect for taking to a dinner party or serving as elegant appetizers right in your own home. Guests at any celebration – be it a birthday, retirement party, or holiday feast – will rave about these delicious treats. The air fryer ensures perfectly crisp bacon every time, making these pineapple bacon bites truly unforgettable. They offer a fantastic balance of textures and tastes, making them a standout addition to any menu.

Why the Air Fryer is Perfect for This Recipe

Using an air fryer for bacon-wrapped pineapple isn’t just a convenience; it’s a culinary hack that guarantees superior results. Here’s why the air fryer is your best friend for this dish:

  • Unbeatable Crispness: The circulating hot air in an air fryer renders bacon perfectly crispy on all sides, achieving that coveted crunch without excessive grease.
  • Speed and Efficiency: Cook time is drastically reduced compared to a conventional oven, meaning you can whip up a batch of these appetizers in under 15 minutes.
  • Less Mess: The air fryer basket contains most of the bacon grease, making cleanup significantly easier. No more splattering oil all over your stovetop!
  • Healthier Option: While still indulgent, air frying allows for excess fat to drip away, resulting in a slightly lighter bite than pan-frying.
  • Consistent Results: The precise temperature control and even heat distribution of an air fryer ensure that each pineapple bite cooks uniformly.

Simple Ingredients for Big Flavor:

Bacon slices and pineapple chunks ready for preparation on a white marble table.
  • Pineapple Chunks: While canned pineapple chunks are incredibly convenient and work perfectly for this recipe, you can also use fresh pineapple. If using fresh, make sure to cut it into similarly sized chunks for even cooking. The key is to ensure they are well-drained and patted dry to promote maximum bacon crispiness.
  • Bacon: The star of the show! Regular sliced bacon works best. For an extra layer of flavor, consider using a flavored bacon like Farmland’s Hickory or Applewood smoked varieties. Their smoky notes beautifully complement the sweet pineapple. Avoid thick-cut bacon if possible, as it takes longer to crisp up and might not cook evenly with the pineapple in the short air frying time.

Optional Additional Flavors and Glazes:

Want to elevate your bacon-wrapped pineapple even further? Here are some delicious additions:

  • Black Pepper: A fresh grind of black pepper adds a subtle savory kick.
  • Pinch of Cayenne Pepper: For those who love a hint of heat, a tiny pinch of cayenne before air frying introduces a wonderful spicy contrast to the sweetness.
  • Squeeze of Lemon Juice: A dash of fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavors and add a zesty tang.
  • Brown Sugar Glaze: This is a highly recommended addition! A simple glaze made from melted butter and brown sugar brushed over the bacon before air frying caramelizes beautifully, adding a sweet, sticky, and slightly crunchy coating that takes these bites to the next level. You’ll find instructions for this in the full recipe card below.

Easy Directions for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pineapple:

Making these delightful bacon-wrapped pineapple bites is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect appetizer every time:

  1. Drain Pineapple: Open the canned pineapple chunks and thoroughly drain the juice in a colander. For this recipe, select about 24 chunks. Cover and store any remaining pineapple for other uses.

  2. Pat Dry: Gently pat the pineapple chunks dry with paper towels to remove any excess liquid. This crucial step helps the bacon crisp up beautifully.

  3. Prepare Bacon: Lay bacon slices flat on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut each strip of bacon into thirds. This ensures each piece is the perfect size for wrapping.

    Bacon slices expertly cut into thirds and arranged on parchment paper, ready for wrapping.

  4. Wrap and Secure: Take one pineapple chunk and carefully wrap it with one-third slice of bacon. Secure the ends together firmly with a toothpick.

    One chunk of pineapple perfectly wrapped in a third slice of bacon, then secured with a toothpick.

  5. Arrange: Place each completed bacon-wrapped pineapple bite on a baking sheet or cutting board until all chunks are wrapped and ready for cooking.

  6. Load Air Fryer: Carefully transfer the bites to your air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they do not stack or overlap. This allows for optimal air circulation and crispy bacon. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.

    Bacon wrapped pineapple bites arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket before being air fried.

  7. Air Fry: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-12 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time (around 4-6 minutes), open the basket and toss or flip the bites to ensure even crisping of the bacon. Continue cooking until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispness.

I typically prepare this recipe in my Cosori 5.8 qt. air fryer. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on your specific air fryer model, its size, and wattage. You might need to adjust the cooking time by 1-2 minutes to achieve perfect results.

Pro Tips for the Best Bacon Wrapped Pineapple:

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This is critical for crispy bacon. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain a single layer. Overlapping pieces will steam rather than crisp.
  • Preheat Your Air Fryer: While not always strictly necessary, preheating for 2-3 minutes can help achieve a more consistent and quicker crisping.
  • Use Toothpicks: Toothpicks are essential to keep the bacon wrapped around the pineapple during cooking. Consider using decorative toothpicks for party presentation.
  • Monitor Closely: Bacon can go from perfectly crispy to burnt quickly. Keep an eye on your pineapple bites, especially during the last few minutes of cooking, and adjust time as needed.
  • Optional Glaze Application: If using the brown sugar glaze, brush it on generously just before putting the bites into the air fryer. The sugars will caramelize and create an incredible sticky-sweet crust.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):

What can I serve with this dish?

These sweet and savory bacon-wrapped pineapple bites are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes and sauces. They make delicious starters before main entrees such as our succulent air fryer Cajun shrimp, a tangy sesame chicken, or cheesy stuffed peppers. For a complete appetizer spread, consider serving them alongside a flavorful grilled artichoke, a spectacular blooming onion, or warm, garlicky garlic knots. Don’t forget dipping sauces like barbecue sauce, honey mustard, teriyaki, or a ginger lemon sauce to add another layer of flavor!

Are there other types of meat I can use?

Absolutely! While classic bacon is fantastic, you can certainly experiment with other meats to create unique flavor profiles. Consider using a thick-cut slab bacon (which your local butcher can cut to order for you, though it might require a slightly longer cooking time), turkey bacon for a leaner option, delicate strips of pancetta, or thinly sliced prosciutto for a more gourmet touch. Each type of meat will offer a slightly different texture and flavor, inviting you to customize this recipe to your liking. Additionally, trying different flavored bacon varieties can introduce exciting new dimensions to the dish.

How to store leftovers and reheat them?

To ensure your bacon-wrapped pineapple stays as delicious as possible, allow them to cool completely to maintain their crispiness before storing. Place any leftovers in an airtight container or a resealable storage bag in your refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, the air fryer is your best friend! Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and the bacon is crispy again. This method will help revive their delightful texture much better than a microwave.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, absolutely! Fresh pineapple can be used and offers an even brighter, more vibrant flavor. The most important step when using fresh pineapple is to ensure it is cut into uniform, bite-sized chunks and thoroughly patted dry before wrapping with bacon. Excess moisture will prevent the bacon from crisping properly. The cooking time should remain similar, but keep an eye on them as fresh pineapple can vary in water content.

What if my bacon isn’t getting crispy?

Several factors can affect bacon crispiness. First, ensure your pineapple chunks are very dry. Second, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; each piece needs space for air to circulate. If you’re using thick-cut bacon, it will naturally take longer to crisp up. You can extend the cooking time by a few minutes or even increase the temperature slightly (to 400-425°F for the last minute or two), keeping a close watch to prevent burning. Flipping them halfway through is also crucial for even cooking.

Crispy bacon wrapped pineapple chunks served on a small elegant white plate, ready to be enjoyed.

MORE DELICIOUS AIR FRYER APPETIZERS:

Looking for more quick and easy air fryer appetizer ideas? Explore these fantastic recipes:

  • Air Fryer Edamame
  • Air Fryer Chickpeas
  • Air Fryer Brie
  • Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
  • Air Fryer Pork Belly

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Crispy bacon wrapped pineapple bites on a square black plate, perfectly cooked.
5 from 3 votes
Servings: 4

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pineapple

By Becky
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pineapple gives you crispy bacon with a sweet surprise in the center. This is the perfect appetizer for bacon lovers!
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 8 minutes
Pin Rate Print

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients 

  • 1 can pineapple chunks
  • 8 slices bacon

Optional Brown Sugar Glaze:

  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
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Instructions 

  • Open the canned pineapple chunks and drain juice in colander. Remove 24 chunks for this dish. Cover and store remaining pineapple for later use.
  • Gently pat the chunks dry with paper towels to remove excess liquid.
  • Lay bacon flat on the cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut bacon in thirds.
  • Wrap each pineapple piece with a piece of bacon, secure the ends together with a toothpick.
  • Place each completed piece on a baking sheet or cutting board, until all pineapple chunks are wrapped.
  • Transfer bites to the air fryer basket, in a single layer without stacking or overlapping. 
  • Air fry at 400 degrees F for 8-12 minutes, until bacon strips reach your desired crispness. Toss bites halfway through air frying.

Optional Brown Sugar Glaze

  • In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter and brown sugar. Brush over bacon wrapped pieces to coat, before air frying.

Notes

Optional Favorite Dipping Sauces: Barbecue sauce, honey mustard sauce, teriyaki sauce, ginger lemon sauce, ranch dressing or a brown sugar sauce.
Substitutions: Fresh pineapple is an alternative to use to make this dish.
Kitchen Tips: Use kitchen shears or kitchen scissors to cut bacon slices. Place a piece of parchment paper in basket of air fryer to ensure bacon does not stick. 

Nutrition

Calories: 233 kcal , Carbohydrates: 28 g , Protein: 6 g , Fat: 11 g , Saturated Fat: 6 g , Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g , Monounsaturated Fat: 4 g , Trans Fat: 0.3 g , Cholesterol: 31 mg , Sodium: 317 mg , Potassium: 265 mg , Fiber: 2 g , Sugar: 26 g , Vitamin A: 252 IU , Vitamin C: 13 mg , Calcium: 31 mg , Iron: 1 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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