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Easy Cinnamon Fried Pineapple Recipe

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This Cinnamon Fried Pineapple recipe makes an amazing side dish or dessert option. Pair it with your favorite barbecue or Asian dish, or serve it up with some ice cream for a tropical treat that no one will be able to resist. Have pineapple that isn’t sweet? This recipe is the perfect way to enjoy unripe pineapple!

Try this cinnamon fried pineapple with brown sugar as a delicious side dish or dessert idea! This sauteed pineapple recipe can be made right on your stove in under 10 minutes and tastes great served with ice cream as dessert or as a side dish with your favorite Asian cuisine for lunch or dinner. Your pineapple doesn't even need to be ripe for this recipe.

What to do with Unripe Pineapple

Over the weekend I found fresh pineapples on sale for only $.98 each at my regular grocery store. I didn’t hesitate to grab two at that price. Since I was in a hurry I didn’t give them my usual sniff to see if these pineapples were sweet. Big mistake. Did you know that pineapples do not ripen significantly once they are picked? The sugar content in a pineapple is mostly determined while still on the plant. Pineapple can have changes in color and texture if left out, but the sweetness and flavor is limited. When I cut into my pineapple it was pale yellow and not very sweet. It was so disappointing!

Try this cinnamon fried pineapple with brown sugar as a delicious side dish or dessert idea! This sauteed pineapple recipe can be made right on your stove in under 10 minutes and tastes great served with ice cream as dessert or as a side dish with your favorite Asian cuisine for lunch or dinner. Your pineapple doesn't even need to be ripe for this recipe.

So what do you do if you discover unripe pineapple once you start cutting it up? You do have a few options. You can use it in any way that will allow you to add some additional sweetness from sugar, honey, maple syrup or other fruit.  Typically I freeze it and use unripe pineapple for smoothies or a homemade sorbet. Frozen pineapple works great for these recipes.  But my new way to use unripe pineapple is to make fried pineapple! You don’t need sweet pineapple to make this dish.

Fried Pineapple Ingredients

To make this fried pineapple recipe, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:

  • fresh pineapple (ripe pineapple or unripe pineapple)
  • brown sugar
  • cinnamon
  • butter

That’s it! You can also offer various toppings to really elevate this dish. Some great options for dessert include toasted coconut, toasted nuts or maraschino cherries.  If making this as a side dish, it tastes amazing with cooked rice. I prefer a long grain rice such as jasmine rice or basmati rice.

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Recipe!

This cinnamon fried pineapple tastes a lot like the grilled pineapple we all know and love. But because this is sauteed pineapple,  it can easily be made year round in less than 15 minutes on the stove. My sauteed apples recipe inspired this fried pineapple and I’m so glad gave it a try.

Try this cinnamon fried pineapple with brown sugar as a delicious side dish or dessert idea! This sauteed pineapple recipe can be made right on your stove in under 10 minutes and tastes great served with ice cream as dessert or as a side dish with your favorite Asian cuisine for lunch or dinner. Your pineapple doesn't even need to be ripe for this recipe.

How to Make Cinnamon Fried Pineapple

To make this recipe, start by cutting your pineapple into wedges with a sharp knife. Remove the bottom of the pineapple, top of the pineapple and then the tough outer skin. Cut down the center of your pineapple to create quarters. Remove the tough core and cut into wedges. 

Place your pineapple wedges into a large ziploc bag. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon, then give it a gentle shake to evenly coat the pineapple. Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat on your stove top. Melt butter and add pineapple in a single layer and water.  Turn pineapple over occasionally and cook until pineapple is tender, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Cool slightly and serve warm.

Try this cinnamon fried pineapple with brown sugar as a delicious side dish or dessert idea! This sauteed pineapple recipe can be made right on your stove in under 10 minutes and tastes great served with ice cream as dessert or as a side dish with your favorite Asian cuisine for lunch or dinner. Your pineapple doesn't even need to be ripe for this recipe.

How to Serve Sauteed Pineapple

This sauteed pineapple is great served warm or cold. You can offer it as a tasty side dish or as a dessert all on it’s own. Use it to top your favorite ice cream or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. I tried it with a little toasted coconut and a maraschino cherry which gives it a tropical feel. (If you also love this combination try a pineapple coconut margarita! So good!) Nutty cashews would have also been a nice touch.

Try this cinnamon fried pineapple with brown sugar as a delicious side dish or dessert idea! This sauteed pineapple recipe can be made right on your stove in under 10 minutes and tastes great served with ice cream as dessert or as a side dish with your favorite Asian cuisine for lunch or dinner. Your pineapple doesn't even need to be ripe for this recipe.

You can also cut these larger wedges into bite sized pineapple pieces before cooking and offer it as topping for pancakes, waffles or crepes!  Consider making fried pineapple as a side dish with your favorite stir fry,  sweet and sour chicken, or fried rice dishes as an easy weeknight meal. It really does add to that asian flavor. I love it with warm rice.

This fried pineapple tastes great warm, right from the frying pan, but you can also prepare ahead of time if needed. For a special fall treat or side dish, next time try my fried apples recipe!
Try this cinnamon fried pineapple with brown sugar as a delicious side dish or dessert idea! This sauteed pineapple recipe can be made right on your stove in under 10 minutes and tastes great served with ice cream as dessert or as a side dish with your favorite Asian cuisine for lunch or dinner. Your pineapple doesn't even need to be ripe for this recipe.

How long does fried pineapple last?

Fried pineapple, like most cooked fruits, is best enjoyed when freshly prepared. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for a short period. In general, fried pineapple can be refrigerated for up to 2 to 3 days. It will still taste delicious the next day. To ensure the best quality and taste, it’s important to store properly. Here are some guidelines:

  • Cool the fried pineapple to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator. This helps prevent condensation and moisture buildup, which can lead to a loss of texture and flavor.
  • Place the pineapple in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This will minimize exposure to air and moisture.
Try this cinnamon fried pineapple with brown sugar as a delicious side dish or dessert idea! This sauteed pineapple recipe can be made right on your stove in under 10 minutes and tastes great served with ice cream as dessert or as a side dish with your favorite Asian cuisine for lunch or dinner. Your pineapple doesn't even need to be ripe for this recipe.
4.86 from 7 votes
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Cinnamon Fried Pineapple

This fried pineapple is a delicious side dish or topping for ice cream, pancakes, waffles and more! So quick and easy to make, this sauteed pineapple recipe offers a great way to use unripe pineapple!

Course Dessert/Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword dessert topping, fresh pineapple, fried fruit, fried pinapple, ice cream topping, pancake topping, pineapple, sauteed, side dish, unripe pineapple
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 179 kcal
Author Emilie at FindingZest.com

Ingredients

  • 1 fresh pineapple into twelve wedges
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • toasted coconut, ice cream, maraschino cherry (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place pineapple wedges in gallon sized ziploc bag.
  2. Add brown sugar and cinnamon into bag.
  3. Gently shake until well coated.
  4. Melt butter in large frying pan over medium high heat.
  5. Add pineapple mixture and water.
  6. Cook over for 8 to 10 minutes or until pineapple is tender, flipping pineapple over occasionally.
  7. Cool slightly and serve warm as is or with toasted coconut ice cream and a cherry, if desired. Can also serve cold if preferred.
  8. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Recipe Notes

Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more. This calculation does not include any optional toppings or garnish.

Nutrition Facts
Cinnamon Fried Pineapple
Amount per Serving
Calories
179
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
4
g
6
%
Saturated Fat
 
2
g
13
%
Trans Fat
 
0.2
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Cholesterol
 
10
mg
3
%
Sodium
 
37
mg
2
%
Potassium
 
191
mg
5
%
Carbohydrates
 
38
g
13
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
33
g
37
%
Protein
 
1
g
2
%
Vitamin A
 
205
IU
4
%
Vitamin C
 
72
mg
87
%
Calcium
 
39
mg
4
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

How would you enjoy this fried pineapple recipe?

Try this cinnamon fried pineapple with brown sugar as a delicious side dish or dessert idea! This sauteed pineapple recipe can be made right on your stove in under 10 minutes and tastes great served with ice cream as dessert or as a side dish with your favorite Asian cuisine for lunch or dinner. Your pineapple doesn't even need to be ripe for this recipe.

 

 
This cinnamon fried pineapple with brown sugar is an amazing side dish or dessert idea! Serve with ice cream as dessert or as a side dish. This is your answer for what to do with a pineapple that isn't ripe!

6 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Thanks. I usually leave my pineapple around until just before it starts to spoil out of fear of cutting too soon. No more fear of unripe pineapple!

  2. 5 stars
    If this was all I ate for dessert for forever I wouldn’t even be mad. That’s how amazing it is!

  3. 5 stars
    This is such a fun idea for summer! Perfect in a stir fry but honestly I could eat this separately with a fork and be happy!

  4. Thank you Emilie! I’m getting ready to try this! I was about to try my crockpot but your way looks way easier! Would I be able to use the leftovers in a pineapple upside down cake?

    1. Glad you are giving the recipe a try. Fried pineapple really is so delicious!

      Great question! I know you can use fresh pineapple in an upside down cake and there are recipes for that. But what you are proposing is cooking the pineapple twice. I have no experience with how well fresh pineapple does being cooked for an extended period of time. If you do try it, let me know how it goes! I’m very curious.

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