cook · dessert · american

How to Grill Pineapple

Name: How to Grill Pineapple
Cuisine: american

Grilled pineapple transforms from sharp and acidic to sweet and smoky. The high heat caramelizes the natural sugars while adding those distinctive char marks that make everything taste better.

Total time: 15 min
Hands-on: 15 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Easy

Before you start

Pick ripe but firm pineapple

You want fruit that gives slightly to pressure but isn't soft. Overly ripe pineapple will fall apart on the grates.

gas or charcoal grill
tongs
pastry brush

Ingredients

1 fresh pineapple, cored and cut into rings or spears
2 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or canola)

The caramelization window

Watch for the color change

The pineapple is ready to flip when you see dark brown grill marks and the edges start to look golden. This happens fast once the sugars hit their caramelization point.

Step by step

Prep the pineapple. Remove the crown and bottom, then cut away the skin in strips following the curve of the fruit. Remove the core and slice into 1/2-inch rings or cut lengthwise into thick spears.
Heat the grill. Preheat to medium-high heat. Clean the grates well and let them get hot enough that a drop of water sizzles immediately.
Oil the pineapple. Brush both sides of each piece with oil. This prevents sticking and helps with even browning.
Grill the first side. Place pineapple on the grates and don't move it for 3-4 minutes. You'll hear it sizzling and see the sugars starting to bubble.
Flip and finish. Turn when you see good grill marks and the edges look caramelized. Grill another 3-4 minutes on the second side.
Rest briefly. Let the pineapple sit for 2 minutes off the heat. The residual heat will finish the cooking without making it mushy.

Tips & troubleshooting

Cut pieces thick enough that they won't fall through the grates but thin enough to cook through
If your pineapple is very sweet, reduce cooking time to prevent burning
Save the core pieces to grill too - they get sweet and tender with the heat

Variations

Cinnamon spiced. Mix 1 tsp cinnamon with the oil before brushing
Brown butter finish. Drizzle with brown butter and a pinch of salt after grilling
Coconut flake coating. Press toasted coconut flakes into the oiled pineapple before grilling

Questions

Can I use canned pineapple?: Fresh works much better. Canned pineapple is too soft and watery to hold up on the grill.
How do I know when it's done?: Look for deep grill marks and edges that look golden and slightly caramelized. The fruit should give slightly when pressed with tongs but not fall apart.
What if I don't have a grill?: Use a grill pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat. You'll get similar caramelization, just without the smoky flavor.