Homemade Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pineapple

Homemade Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Recipe

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 1 medium ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into bite-sized chunks
• 12-18 slices of bacon (depending on the size of your pineapple chunks)
• Wooden toothpicks or skewers
• Brown sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
• BBQ sauce or teriyaki sauce (optional, for dipping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Pineapple Chunks: Cut the peeled and cored pineapple into bite-sized chunks. Make sure they are not too big, as the bacon might not fully cook around larger pieces.
3. Wrap with Bacon: Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around a pineapple chunk. Secure the bacon with a wooden toothpick or skewer. Repeat for the remaining pineapple chunks and bacon slices.
4. Optional Sugar Coating: If you like a touch of sweetness, sprinkle a light layer of brown sugar over the bacon-wrapped pineapple. This will caramelize during cooking and add a delightful flavor.
5. Air Frying: Place the bacon-wrapped pineapple in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You might need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Make sure the pieces are not too close to each other to allow for proper air circulation.
6. Cooking: Air fry the bacon-wrapped pineapple at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and cooked to your liking. Check the bacon’s progress after about 8 minutes to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
7. Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the bacon-wrapped pineapple from the air fryer. Transfer them to a serving plate and let them cool slightly before serving.
8. Dipping Sauce: If desired, serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as BBQ sauce or teriyaki sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes:

• Bacon Selection: You can use regular or thick-cut bacon based on your preference. Thicker bacon might need a slightly longer cooking time.
• Bacon Par-Cooking: If you’re using very thick bacon, you might want to partially cook it in the microwave for a minute or two before wrapping it around the pineapple. This will ensure the bacon cooks evenly along with the pineapple.
• Toothpicks or Skewers: Wooden toothpicks or small skewers work well to secure the bacon, but make sure to remove them before eating.
• Variations: Get creative by adding a sprinkle of chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. You can also experiment with different sauces for dipping.
• Timing Adjustments: Cooking times might vary based on your specific air fryer model and the thickness of the bacon. Keep an eye on the bacon to prevent it from burning.

Enjoy your delicious homemade air fryer bacon-wrapped pineapple as a savory-sweet appetizer or snack!

Additional Tips and Variations:

1. Marinade or Glaze: Before wrapping the bacon, consider marinating the pineapple chunks in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger for about 30 minutes. This adds an extra layer of flavor. You can also brush a glaze like teriyaki sauce or maple syrup on the bacon-wrapped pineapple before air frying.
2. Cheese Filling: For a delightful twist, stuff the pineapple chunks with cubes of your favorite cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or even cream cheese) before wrapping them in bacon. The cheese will melt as the bacon cooks.
3. Herb Infusion: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or cilantro over the bacon-wrapped pineapple before cooking for an aromatic and flavorful touch.
4. Cayenne Pepper Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, mix a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the brown sugar before sprinkling it over the bacon-wrapped pineapple.
5. Party Skewers: Thread the bacon-wrapped pineapple onto skewers for a visually appealing presentation, especially if you’re serving these at a party or gathering.
6. Healthy Variation: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. While the texture might be slightly different, the sweet and savory combination will still be delicious.
7. Balsamic Glaze: After air frying, drizzle a balsamic reduction or glaze over the bacon-wrapped pineapple for a tangy contrast to the sweetness.
8. Accompaniments: Serve the bacon-wrapped pineapple alongside a fresh salad, on top of a burger, or as part of a tropical-themed meal.
9. Crispiness Check: If you find that the bacon isn’t as crispy as you’d like after the initial cooking time, you can put the bacon-wrapped pineapple under the broiler for a minute or two. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
10. Leftover Use: If you have leftover bacon-wrapped pineapple, you can reheat it in the air fryer for a few minutes or enjoy it cold as a snack.
11. Sweet and Savory Mix: Serve these bacon-wrapped pineapple bites as part of a charcuterie board, featuring a mix of cheeses, crackers, nuts, and fresh fruits.
12. Safety Precaution: Make sure to handle the air fryer and the hot bacon-wrapped pineapple carefully to avoid burns. Always follow the safety guidelines of your specific air fryer model.

Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and catering to your personal tastes. Feel free to adjust the recipe and add your own unique twists to create a dish that you truly enjoy.