Name: Air Fryer Steelhead With Sweet & Salty Pineapple Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 12 pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained well); 6 slices of bacon (cut in half); Toothpicks (for securing)

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Air fryer steelhead dinners don’t have to be complicated. This one pairs beautifully with these bacon-wrapped pineapples—sweet, savory, and golden in under 20 minutes. The crisp bite of bacon and juicy pop of pineapple work surprisingly well next to steelhead. And if you’re already into Instant Pot Air Fryer recipes or tempted by bacon wrapped chicken recipes, this snack deserves your attention. It’s got that balance of salty, sweet, and just enough char. Whether you’re looking up Steelhead Trout Recipe Air Fryer ideas, exploring Air Fryer Swordfish recipes, or wondering if Air Fryer Tempeh is your next move, this snack’s a crowd-pleaser with zero fuss. Pampered Chef Air Fryer recipes or not—this one’s worth the (tiny) effort.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pineapples Recipe
3) Ingredients for Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pineapples
4) How to Make Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pineapples
5) Tips for Making Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pineapples
6) Making Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pineapples Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Bacon Wrapped Pineapples
8) Try these appetizers next!
9) Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pineapples Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Use thin-cut bacon for faster crisping and even cooking.
Drain pineapple chunks well so the bacon sticks and crisps better.
Secure each piece with a toothpick for easier flipping in the air fryer.
Perfect party snack that pairs with air fryer steelhead dishes.

2) Easy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pineapples Recipe

I have a soft spot for snacks that feel like a treat but don’t take a ton of effort. That’s where these air fryer bacon wrapped pineapples come in. Juicy pineapple gets hugged by smoky bacon, and the air fryer turns it into crispy, golden bites you’ll want to hoard.

When I made these for a cookout, I blinked and the tray was empty. They’re that addictive. The combo of sweet pineapple and salty bacon just works. And if you’ve been hunting for an air fryer steelhead side dish that isn’t boring, this one checks every box.

I’ve made versions of this with different twists—like a sprinkle of brown sugar or a dash of chili powder. But even plain, they’re full of flavor. If you’re already exploring air fryer tempeh or air fryer swordfish recipes, adding this to your lineup is a no-brainer.

3) Ingredients for Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pineapples

12 pineapple chunks: Go for fresh if you can, but canned works great too—just make sure they’re drained well. Wet pineapple makes the bacon slide and slows down crisping.

6 bacon slices: I cut each slice in half to make 12 shorter strips. Use thin-cut bacon so it crisps up in the short air fryer window. Thick-cut takes longer and doesn’t wrap as tight.

Toothpicks: These little guys keep your bacon in place and make it easier to flip everything mid-cook without unraveling. Just don’t forget to remove them before serving to kids.

4) How to Make Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pineapples

Step 1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. I like to give it a solid 3 to 5 minutes before anything goes in. A hot basket gives you that instant sizzle and helps the bacon crisp faster.

Step 2. Wrap each pineapple chunk with half a slice of bacon. Keep the seam underneath and stab a toothpick straight through to secure it. It’s oddly satisfying.

Step 3. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. No stacking. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping and nobody wants soggy bacon.

Step 4. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. That mid-cook flip is the key to even browning. Depending on your air fryer, you might want to check at the 8-minute mark.

Step 5. Let them rest for two minutes. They’ll be piping hot and trust me—biting into one right away is a fast track to a burnt tongue.

5) Tips for Making Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pineapples

Let’s talk bacon shrinkage. That’s a thing. If your bacon starts too tight around the pineapple, it’ll pull back during cooking and leave half the fruit exposed. I like to wrap mine snug but not stretched.

If you’re doubling the recipe, work in batches. It’s tempting to fill the whole basket, but a crowded fryer just doesn’t crisp well. I learned that one the hard way when I served up pale bacon rolls to my in-laws. Never again.

Want a flavor boost? Sprinkle brown sugar over the top before cooking for caramel vibes or go with chili flakes if you’re in the mood for heat. Either works great next to air fryer steelhead and adds a little something extra.

6) Making Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pineapples Ahead of Time

If you’re planning ahead for a party or holiday tray, you can prep everything in advance. Just wrap the pineapple with bacon and secure it with the toothpicks, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

I’ve kept them overnight without any issues. Just let them sit out for 15 minutes before air frying to take off the chill. Straight-from-the-fridge bacon takes longer to crisp and cooks unevenly.

If you want to bake these in the oven instead, go for it. They’ll need more time—about 20 to 25 minutes at 400°F. Still delicious, just not quite as fast or crispy as the air fryer version.

7) Storing Leftover Bacon Wrapped Pineapples

Leftovers? I mean, sure. If you manage to have any. Store them in an airtight container and they’ll keep for about three days in the fridge. I reheat mine in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 minutes and they come out almost like new.

You could use the microwave if you’re desperate, but you’ll lose that crisp edge and might get soggy bacon. Nobody needs that in their life. Stick to the air fryer if you can.

I’ve also tossed the leftovers in a salad once. Sounds weird, but the smoky-sweet combo worked with mixed greens, a sharp vinaigrette, and some leftover air fryer steelhead on the side.

8) Try these appetizers next!

9) Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pineapples Recipe