Crispy Fried Pineapple with Coconut Crust: The Ultimate Sweet Snack

Looking for a tropical treat that’s both sweet and indulgent yet Weight Watchers-friendly? Look no further than this Fried Pineapple with Coconut Crust. This recipe takes fresh pineapple slices, coats them in a light coconut crust, and then fries them to perfection. It’s the ideal dessert or snack for those moments when you crave something indulgent but still want to stay on track with your health goals. Plus, it’s a quick and easy dessert that will make you feel like you’re on a beach vacation.

Ingredients

• 1 medium fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into rings or wedges
• 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 egg white
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional for added sweetness)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or other cooking oil, such as avocado oil)
• Coconut flakes (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Pineapple

1. Begin by peeling and coring the pineapple. Slice it into rings or wedges according to your preference. Set aside.

Make the Coconut Coating

1. In a shallow bowl, combine the shredded coconut, whole wheat flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, and pinch of salt. Stir well to combine all the dry ingredients.
2. In another shallow bowl, whisk together the egg white, honey, and vanilla extract until well blended. This will act as the wet mixture to help the coconut crust stick to the pineapple.

Coat the Pineapple

1. Dip each pineapple slice into the egg white mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
2. Then, dredge each slice in the coconut mixture, pressing lightly so the coconut sticks evenly. Repeat for all slices of pineapple.

Fry the Pineapple

1. Heat the coconut oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated pineapple slices into the skillet. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
3. Once fried, remove the pineapple slices and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.

Serve and Garnish

1. Serve the fried pineapple slices warm.
2. Optional: Garnish with additional shredded coconut or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. You can also add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for an extra flavor boost.

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving)

• Calories: ~150
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• WW Points: ~4 (depends on your plan)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Tropical Flavor: The combination of pineapple and coconut is a classic tropical pairing that transports your taste buds to the beach.
2. Weight Watchers-Friendly: With just a few simple ingredients and lighter substitutions, this dish is perfect for anyone on the Weight Watchers plan who still wants to indulge in a sweet treat.
3. Quick and Easy: This dessert is quick to prepare and cook, making it perfect for a last-minute treat or a special addition to any meal.
4. Naturally Sweet: The natural sweetness of the pineapple means you don’t need to load up on extra sugar. A touch of honey adds just the right amount of sweetness without overwhelming the fruit’s flavor.

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Pineapple: For the best flavor, always use fresh pineapple rather than canned. It will give you a juicier, more flavorful result.
• Try a Non-Stick Skillet: If you have one, a non-stick skillet is ideal for frying as it uses less oil and makes cleanup easier.
• Make it Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the whole wheat flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
• Air Fryer Option: If you want to skip the oil, you can also air fry the coconut-crusted pineapple slices. Simply place them in a preheated air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with Greek Yogurt: Pair this dish with a small scoop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess and a protein boost.
• Top with Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, top with a dollop of whipped cream or light whipped topping.
• Enjoy as a Snack or Dessert: This dish works equally well as an afternoon snack or as a refreshing dessert after dinner.

Fried Pineapple with Coconut Crust is a delicious, guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth. This tropical treat is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect dessert for anyone looking to enjoy a lightened-up indulgence without compromising on taste. Whether you enjoy it as a snack or a dessert, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!