Crispy fried pineapple rings soaked in rum and coated with coconut, paired with a creamy rum dip—tropical dessert perfection in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tropical piña colada flavor in every bite
- Crunchy coconut coating and juicy pineapple center
- Rum-soaked fruit for a boozy twist
- Paired with a silky cream cheese dip
- Perfect for parties, brunches, or summer dessert spreads
- A fun and creative take on a fruit-forward appetizer or dessert
Ingredients
- 8 pineapple rings
- 1 cup dark rum
- 1 cup coconut rum
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 (10-oz.) bag sweetened shredded coconut
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup coconut milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Rum Cream Cheese Dip:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons reserved rum (from soaked pineapple)
Directions
- Soak the Pineapple:
Place pineapple rings in a medium bowl. Pour in dark and coconut rum to cover. Let soak for at least 1 hour, then drain and reserve the rum for the dip. Pat pineapple rings dry with paper towels. - Set Up Breading Station:
In three shallow bowls, place:
- Flour in one
- Beaten eggs and coconut milk in another
- Shredded coconut in the third
- Bread the Pineapple Rings:
Dredge each ring in flour, then dip in the egg-coconut milk mixture, and finally press into shredded coconut until well coated. - Heat the Oil:
In a deep pot, heat 1 inch of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). - Fry the Pineapple Rings:
Fry in batches for about 1 minute per side, or until golden brown. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. - Make the Dip:
In a bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add 2 tablespoons of the reserved rum, mixing until creamy. Add more rum to adjust consistency, if desired. - Serve:
Arrange warm, crispy pineapple rings on a platter and serve with the rum-infused cream cheese dip on the side. Best enjoyed immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes 1 hour soaking time)
- Calories: 783 kcal per serving
Variations
- Non-alcoholic version: Soak pineapple in coconut water or pineapple juice instead of rum
- Add spice: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne into the flour for a spicy-sweet twist
- Tropical twist: Use mango or papaya slices instead of pineapple
- Make it mini: Use pineapple chunks and serve as fried skewers or bites
Storage/Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes until crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple rings?
Yes! Just be sure to drain them well and pat them dry before soaking in rum.
Can I skip the rum?
Absolutely. Use pineapple juice or coconut water for a non-alcoholic version.
Can I use unsweetened coconut?
Yes, but sweetened coconut gives a better caramelized finish. Unsweetened will work if you prefer a less sweet option.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It’s best enjoyed fresh. Fried pineapple doesn’t freeze well due to moisture content.
Can I use cream cheese alternatives?
You can substitute with mascarpone, whipped ricotta, or a dairy-free cream cheese if needed.
What kind of chili pairs well for a spicy twist?
Try adding a bit of chili powder or cayenne to the cream cheese dip or the flour for a sweet-and-spicy combo.
Can I use an air fryer instead of deep frying?
Yes, air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. The texture may differ slightly but still delicious.
What other dips can I serve with this?
Try a honey-lime yogurt dip, vanilla glaze, or caramel sauce.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the pineapple in advance and refrigerate for a few hours. Fry just before serving.
How do I keep them crispy longer?
Serve immediately after frying, and keep them on a wire rack instead of a plate to prevent steaming.
Conclusion
These Crispy Fried Piña Colada Rings are everything you could want in a tropical treat—crispy, sweet, boozy, and creamy all in one bite. Whether you’re looking to wow your guests or just treat yourself to something indulgent, this recipe delivers on both flavor and fun.
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Crispy Fried Piña Colada Rings
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes soak time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy fried pineapple rings soaked in rum and coated with coconut, paired with a creamy rum dip—tropical dessert perfection in every bite.
Ingredients
8 pineapple rings
1 cup dark rum
1 cup coconut rum
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 (10-oz.) bag sweetened shredded coconut
2 large eggs
½ cup coconut milk
Vegetable oil, for frying
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Soak pineapple rings in dark and coconut rum for 1 hour. Drain, pat dry, and reserve rum.
Prepare three bowls: flour, shredded coconut, and egg-coconut milk mixture.
Coat each ring in flour, dip in egg mix, then coat with coconut.
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pot. Fry rings 1 minute per side until golden.
Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar. Add 2 tbsp reserved rum and blend until smooth.
Serve warm rings with rum cream cheese dip.
Notes
Adjust rum in dip to taste or consistency preference.
Press shredded coconut firmly onto rings to help it stick before frying.
These are best served fresh and warm for optimal crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Deep-Fried
- Cuisine: Tropical Fusion