Posted by Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple Skewers – A Sweet and Savory Air Fryer Delight
When you’re looking for a simple yet indulgent treat, few things hit the spot like bacon-wrapped pineapple skewers. This fusion of sweet and savory flavors is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, thanks to the versatility of the air fryer. In this recipe, pineapple rings are paired with thick-cut bacon, creating an irresistible combination that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The brown sugar glaze adds a layer of sweetness, enhancing the flavors of both the bacon and pineapple.
These skewers are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a party finger food. Whether you’re entertaining guests or craving something sweet and savory, these bacon-wrapped pineapple bites are guaranteed to be a hit. The best part? They’re quick and easy to prepare, taking just 20 minutes from start to finish. Let’s explore the key elements of this dish, how they come together, and the magic of the air fryer that helps make it all happen so efficiently.
Why Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple Skewers Are a Must-Try
Bacon and pineapple are an unlikely but magical pairing. The saltiness of bacon contrasts perfectly with the natural sweetness of pineapple, making for a well-balanced bite. By wrapping the bacon around the pineapple, you get the best of both worlds—the crispy, savory texture of the bacon, combined with the juicy, tangy bite of pineapple. This combination is so satisfying that it might just become your new go-to snack or appetizer for any gathering.
Moreover, this dish is extremely versatile and can be customized to fit different preferences. You can make it more or less sweet by adjusting the glaze, or even try variations with different fruits or seasonings. The air fryer makes this recipe particularly efficient, cooking the bacon to crispy perfection while allowing the pineapple to remain tender and juicy.
Key Ingredients: What You’ll Need
Here’s a rundown of the ingredients you’ll need to make these delightful bacon-wrapped pineapple skewers:
- Bacon (8 slices, thick-cut): The star of the dish, bacon adds the salty, savory element. Using thick-cut bacon ensures that the slices hold up well when wrapped around the pineapple and that they crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
- Pineapple (20 ounces, canned rings): Pineapple is the perfect sweet counterpart to the bacon. Canned pineapple rings are convenient and make the recipe even easier, but fresh pineapple can also be used if you prefer.
- Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Brown sugar adds sweetness and helps create a sticky, caramelized glaze that coats the bacon and pineapple, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
- Salted Butter (1/4 cup): Butter adds richness to the glaze and helps it achieve the perfect consistency. The salted butter balances the sweetness of the brown sugar, making the glaze even more flavorful.
How the Air Fryer Elevates This Dish
Using an air fryer to cook these bacon-wrapped pineapple skewers is a game-changer. The air fryer’s circulating hot air cooks the bacon to perfection, making it crispy and evenly browned without the need for frying in oil. The result is a healthier version of bacon-wrapped snacks that still retains the crispy texture we all love.
Additionally, the air fryer helps the brown sugar glaze melt and caramelize beautifully, adhering to the bacon and pineapple for a glossy, sweet coating. This method is not only faster but also more consistent, producing a perfect batch every time.
Step-by-Step Process for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple Skewers
Let’s break down the process of making bacon-wrapped pineapple skewers. This easy-to-follow guide will help you achieve perfectly crispy, caramelized skewers with minimal effort.
- Prepare the Pineapple and Bacon:
- Start by draining the canned pineapple rings and cutting each ring into three equal pieces. This will give you bite-sized chunks that are easy to wrap with the bacon.
- Next, take 8 slices of thick-cut bacon and cut each slice into three equal strips. You should now have 24 pieces of bacon, enough to wrap each piece of pineapple.
- Wrap the Bacon Around the Pineapple:
- Lay out each bacon strip flat on a surface, and place a piece of pineapple in the center. Then, fold both ends of the bacon over the top of the pineapple, securing it with a toothpick. Repeat this for all of the pineapple pieces.
- Make the Brown Sugar Glaze:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the brown sugar and salted butter. Heat in the microwave for about 40 seconds, then stir the mixture. Continue heating in 5-second increments until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved, forming a smooth glaze.
- Air Fry the Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple Skewers:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange half of the bacon-wrapped pineapple skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking.
- Generously brush each skewer with the brown sugar glaze. You can use a pastry brush to ensure the glaze is evenly applied.
- Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, check the skewers. If you want them crispier, cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer and your preference for crispiness.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the skewers are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Carefully remove the toothpicks before serving. You can serve these skewers as an appetizer, snack, or even a side dish with your favorite main course.
The combination of crispy bacon, sweet pineapple, and a caramelized brown sugar glaze makes these skewers a standout dish. They are full of flavor and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party or enjoying them as a quick snack, these bacon-wrapped pineapple skewers will quickly become a favorite.
Simple Recipe for Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple Skewers in the Air Fryer
Total Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 24 skewers
Calories: 125 kcal per skewer
Ingredients:
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon (8 ounces)
- 20 ounces canned pineapple rings (drained)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup salted butter
Instructions:
- Prep the Pineapple: Drain the canned pineapple slices and cut each into three equal pieces.
- Cut the Bacon: Cut each bacon slice into three strips, resulting in 24 pieces of bacon.
- Wrap the Bacon Around the Pineapple: Lay a bacon strip flat, place a pineapple piece in the center, fold the bacon around it, and secure with a toothpick. Repeat for all pieces.
- Make the Brown Sugar Glaze: Combine brown sugar and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 40 seconds, stir, and continue heating in 5-second increments until melted and smooth.
- Air Fry the Skewers: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place half of the skewers in the basket, brush with the glaze, and cook for 10 minutes. For extra crispiness, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Allow the skewers to cool slightly, then remove toothpicks. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition (Per Skewer):
- Calories: 125
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Sugar: 6g
Enjoy this easy and indulgent treat as a quick appetizer or snack, and relish the sweet and savory combination!
