Dessert

Pineapple Fritter Rings

By Amy Flanigan

Updated May 21, 2026

Read 5 Reviews

Prep 10 minutes mins

Cook 15 minutes mins

Servings 20 Fritter Rings

By Amy Flanigan

Updated May 21, 2026

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These Pineapple Fritter Rings are a delicious combination of the sweetness of a donut shop apple fritter and the crispy texture of an onion ring. I like to use fresh pineapple when in season and canned fruit when it’s not, so that I can make this easy dessert all year round. The pineapple turns warm and juicy inside the crisp golden coating, creating the perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and fruity in every bite. These fritters come together in minutes and make the ideal treat for summer gatherings, weekend desserts, or anytime you’re craving something fun and indulgent.

Easy Pineapple Fritter Rings Recipe

After many requests from my husband, I finally adapted my popular apple fritter rings into pineapple fritter rings. The tartness of the pineapple enveloped in the sweet, crispy batter is absolutely delicious.

These pineapple rings are fun to make and even more fun to eat. I love dipping these in my creamy caramel sauce for the ultimate after-dinner treat. With just 10 minutes of prep and about 15 minutes of frying, this is one dessert that gets devoured as soon hits the table.

Helpful Tips and Variations

• Pancake batter substitute. Some readers have told me they have had success using pancake batter instead of my homemade batter recipe. It does simplify things, but it’s not my preference, since my homemade recipe has so much more flavor and is so easy to whip up.
• Make sure the pineapple is completely drained and patted dry. This is required for the batter to stick. This is especially important if you are using canned pineapple rings. If you do use canned, you’ll need two 20 oz. cans.
• Keep the oil at an even 350°F. If it’s too hot, the fritters will burn, and if it’s too low, they won’t crisp up properly.
• Don’t overcrowd your pan. If you fry too many rings at once, the heat from the oil will create steam, and you won’t get that golden color and crispy exterior.
• These are best served warm. If you want to serve them all at once, place the cooked rings on paper-towel-lined baking sheets and keep them warm in a 225°F oven. Once they’re all done frying, sprinkle each pineapple ring with the cinnamon-sugar.

5 from 5

Pineapple Fritter Rings

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 15 minutes mins

Total: 25 minutes mins

Servings: 20 Fritter Rings

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These Pineapple Fritter Rings are a delicious combination of a donut shop apple fritter and an onion ring, but made with pineapple.

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

Ingredients 

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Pineapple Fritter Rings

• ▢ 2 small fresh pineapples
• ▢ 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ▢ 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• ▢ ½ tsp cinnamon
• ▢ ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ▢ ¼ tsp baking powder
• ▢ ¼ tsp salt
• ▢ 1 large egg, beaten
• ▢ 1¼ cups low-fat buttermilk
• ▢ splash of vanilla
• ▢ vegetable oil, for frying

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

• ▢ ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ▢ 2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions 

• Peel, core, and slice the pineapples into ¼ inch thick rings, pat dry. Set aside.
• Line a baking sheet with paper towels; set aside.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Add in the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla; stir until just combined.
• Add about 2 inches of oil to a large heavy-bottomed pot set over medium heat, until it reaches 350℉. 
• Dip each pineapple ring into the batter, shaking off any excess. Carefully lower the ring into the oil. Fry pineapple rings 3 or 4 at a time, but don’t allow them to touch, for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden.
• Using tongs, transfer them to the paper towels.
• While still warm, dredge in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. 
• Repeat the process with the remaining pineapple slices.
• Serve and enjoy!

Video

Notes

To make in the air fryer. I have never made these this way, so I’m not sure what the results would be. But my understanding is that the batter won’t work. You could, however, coat the pineapple rings in the cinnamon-sugar or spice cake mix, place them on parchment paper that’s been sprayed with nonstick spray, and place them in the bottom of the air fryer. Air-fry at 350°F for 5 minutes, flip and cook until golden, about 5 minutes more. If you try this, and it works, come back and let me know.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ring | Calories: 96kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 50mg | Potassium: 136mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 73IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are very important to you, I would recommend calculating them yourself.

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How to Make Pineapple Fritter Rings Step by Step

Prep the pineapple and baking sheet: Peel, core, and slice 2 small fresh pineapples into ¼ inch thick rings, pat dry. Set aside. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and set it aside as well.

Make the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt, 1 large egg, beaten, 1¼ cups low-fat buttermilk, and a splash of vanilla together until just combined.

Heat the oil and cook the pineapple. Pour about 2 inches of oil into a large heavy-bottom pot set over medium heat and heat until it reaches 350℉. Gently dip each pineapple ring into the batter, shaking off any excess. Lower the rings into the oil and fry for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn golden brown. I usually fry 3-4 at a time, which helps them crisp up nicely. Preventing them from touching is key.

Blot and dredge: Use tongs to transfer the rings to the paper towels to remove the excess oil. Dredge the rings in the cinnamon-sugar mixture and repeat with the remaining slices.

Serve: Serve the fritters on their own or dip them in your favorite dessert sauce. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

I love serving these fritters drizzled with a fresh fruit sauce like raspberry sauce or a dreamy dollop of whipped cream for a dessert that feels extra special. When I’m feeling really indulgent, I’ll add a few sprinkles of caramel sauce. They’re perfect for summer parties, weekend cookouts, casual family desserts, or even as a fun brunch treat when you want something sweet and unexpected.

How to Store

• Make ahead. You’ll want to use the batter within 1 hour of preparing it. After that, it thins out and won’t produce a nice, fluffy coating. Baking powder starts reacting as soon as it’s mixed in, so the fritter batter is best cooked as soon as possible. Adding more baking powder won’t help but will instead impart a chemical taste to the fritters.
• Fridge. Though these fritters are best eaten fresh, you can store them for 2-3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Reheat. Reheat in the oven to crisp up.

Other Pineapple Recipes To Try

• This Pineapple Upside Down Cake is an old-fashioned favorite made easier using a shortcake dessert shell that’s then baked in foil packets.
• Made with coconut milk, vanilla frozen yogurt, and frozen pineapple, this Pineapple Smoothie is delicious and refreshing. 
• I make this sweet and refreshing Pineapple Dip with just 5 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep.