These Fried Piña Colada Rings bring tropical flavors to your dessert table with rum-soaked pineapple, a crispy coconut coating, and a creamy dipping sauce. Golden and crunchy on the outside, sweet and juicy on the inside, these treats taste just like your favorite piña colada cocktail—but in fried form!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tropical Flavor Explosion – A mix of pineapple, coconut, and rum for the perfect island-inspired treat.
- Crispy and Golden – A crunchy, golden-brown coating gives a satisfying texture.
- Easy Party Dessert – Great for gatherings, summer parties, or an indulgent snack.
- Creamy Dipping Sauce – A sweet, tangy cream cheese dip pairs perfectly with the fried rings.
- Boozy or Non-Alcoholic Options – Easily modify for a family-friendly version!
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pineapple Rings:
- 8 pineapple rings
- 1 cup coconut rum
- 1 cup dark rum
For the Batter:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 2 large eggs
For the Coating:
- 1 (10-oz.) bag sweetened shredded coconut
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Directions
Step 1: Soak the Pineapple Rings
- Place the pineapple rings in a bowl. Pour in the coconut rum and dark rum, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Cover and let them soak for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for stronger flavor).
Step 2: Prepare the Batter and Coating
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, coconut milk, and eggs until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, place the sweetened shredded coconut for coating.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Step 4: Coat and Fry the Pineapple Rings
- Remove the pineapple rings from the rum, patting them dry slightly with a paper towel.
- Dip each ring into the batter, ensuring full coverage.
- Dredge in the shredded coconut, pressing gently to adhere.
- Carefully place into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce
- In a bowl, mix together cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the warm, crispy Fried Piña Colada Rings with the sweet cream cheese dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Soaking Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
- Non-Alcoholic Version – Replace rum with pineapple juice for a family-friendly treat.
- Extra Crunchy Coating – Mix panko breadcrumbs with the shredded coconut for a crispier texture.
- Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate for extra indulgence.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating – After frying, sprinkle with a mix of cinnamon and sugar for a churro-inspired flavor.
- Ice Cream Pairing – Serve alongside vanilla or coconut ice cream for an ultimate tropical dessert.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Best enjoyed fresh, but can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture may become soggy when thawed.
- Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to retain crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can soak the pineapple overnight and prepare the batter in advance, but frying should be done just before serving.
2. What oil is best for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil, canola oil, or coconut oil.
3. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned rings?
Absolutely! Just slice fresh pineapple into rings and remove the core.
4. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute.
5. Can I air-fry these instead of deep-frying?
Yes! Spray the coated rings with oil and air-fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. What can I substitute for coconut milk?
You can use regular milk or almond milk, but coconut milk enhances the tropical flavor.
7. Do I have to use both types of rum?
No, you can use just one or substitute with pineapple juice for an alcohol-free version.
8. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
9. Can I add more coconut flavor?
Yes! Add ½ teaspoon coconut extract to the batter for extra coconut taste.
10. What’s the best way to serve these?
Serve warm with dipping sauce, fresh fruit, or a scoop of ice cream for a tropical dessert experience.
Conclusion
These Fried Piña Colada Rings are a tropical twist on a classic dessert, featuring rum-soaked pineapple, a crispy coconut coating, and a sweet cream cheese dip. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or just craving a taste of the tropics, this recipe is sure to impress. Try them today and bring a little island flavor to your kitchen!
Print
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Fried Piña Colada Rings are a crispy, tropical dessert that tastes just like your favorite beachside cocktail! Pineapple rings are soaked in coconut and dark rum, coated in a sweet coconut batter, and fried to golden perfection. Topped with powdered sugar and a creamy coconut drizzle, this indulgent treat is perfect for summer parties, dessert lovers, or anyone craving a tropical escape!
Ingredients
For the Pineapple Soak:
- 8 pineapple rings
- 1 cup coconut rum
- 1 cup dark rum
For the Batter:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 (10-oz) bag sweetened coconut, shredded
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Topping:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Soak the Pineapple Rings
- Place pineapple rings in a bowl. Pour coconut rum and dark rum over them.
- Let soak for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for a stronger flavor).
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, coconut milk, and eggs until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, place the shredded coconut for coating.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Step 4: Coat & Fry the Pineapple Rings
- Remove pineapple rings from the rum soak and pat dry.
- Dip each ring into the batter, then coat in shredded coconut.
- Carefully place in hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 5: Make the Topping & Serve
- In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Drizzle over the fried pineapple rings.
- Dust with extra powdered sugar and serve warm!
Notes
Step 1: Soak the Pineapple Rings
- Place pineapple rings in a bowl. Pour coconut rum and dark rum over them.
- Let soak for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for a stronger flavor).
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, coconut milk, and eggs until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, place the shredded coconut for coating.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Step 4: Coat & Fry the Pineapple Rings
- Remove pineapple rings from the rum soak and pat dry.
- Dip each ring into the batter, then coat in shredded coconut.
- Carefully place in hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 5: Make the Topping & Serve
- In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Drizzle over the fried pineapple rings.
- Dust with extra powdered sugar and serve warm!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Soaking Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: Tropical, Caribbean
