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Juicy Grilled Pineapple Recipe — Naturally Sweet, No Added Sugar

This Grilled Pineapple recipe is simple, juicy, and completely delicious. With just three ingredients and no added sugar, it tastes like a dessert. Place the slices on your BBQ and get ready to add an amazing side to your meal.

Close up of slices of grilled pineapple on a gray plate.

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If you haven’t grilled fruit before, pineapple is the perfect place to start. It caramelizes beautifully on the grill, becomes tender, and the natural sugars are intensified by heat.

Our family loves pineapple in many forms — from pineapple coleslaw to grilled pineapple chicken — but this simple grilled pineapple requires minimal effort and yields excellent results.

The recipe is easy and the pineapple develops a natural sweetness that’s enhanced by cinnamon and the grill’s heat. To prevent sticking, the slices are lightly coated in oil before grilling.

While canned, pre-sliced pineapple can be used in a pinch, fresh pineapple gives a firmer slice that’s easier to handle on the grill and produces a better texture and flavor.

HOW TO GRILL PINEAPPLE

STEP 1: PREP THE PINEAPPLE

A sharp knife cutting the top off a pineapple on a white cutting board.
A large sharp knife cutting the bottom off a pineapple on a white cutting board.

Use a large, sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board. Trim off the top and bottom of the pineapple so it can stand upright on a cut end.

A large sharp knife cutting the skin off the sides of a pineapple on a white cutting board.
Slices of pineapple on a white cutting board.

Stand the pineapple on one of its flat ends and slice the skin off in sections, following the curve of the fruit. Remove all of the rough outer skin and discard it. Lay the pineapple on its side and cut into thick slices about 1/2 to 1 inch wide.

Pouring coconut oil out of a small clear bowl over pineapple slices in a large clear bowl.
Slices of pineapple in a large clear bowl with cinnamon sprinkled on top.

Place the pineapple slices in a large bowl. Pour the melted coconut oil over them and sprinkle with ground cinnamon. Use your hands or a spoon to rub the oil and cinnamon into each slice so they are evenly coated.

A hand rubbing in oil and cinnamon onto pineapple slices in a large clear bowl.

STEP 2: GRILL THE PINEAPPLE

A pair of tongs placing slices of pineapple on a grill.

Preheat a gas grill to about 400°F (204°C). When the grill is hot, place the pineapple slices on the grates using tongs. Close the lid and cook for 5 minutes. Flip each slice and cook another 5 to 10 minutes, depending on slice thickness.

After flipping, check doneness after 5 minutes. Thinner slices will finish sooner; thicker slices may need an extra 3–5 minutes. Test with a fork by pressing into the flesh near the edge (not into the core). The fork should slide in easily when the pineapple is tender.

Remove the slices with tongs and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Grilled pineapple slices stacked on a gray plate with one slice leaning to the side.

How long do you grill pineapple?

Grilling time depends on slice thickness. Thinner slices cook faster but can be flimsy; thicker slices hold together better. Slices between 1/2 and 1 inch thick typically take 10–15 minutes total on a 400°F grill.

What goes with grilled pineapple?

Grilled pineapple pairs well with savory and spicy dishes. Try it:

  • with grilled teriyaki chicken,
  • on a chicken burger,
  • as part of a sweet potato slider, or
  • alongside grilled onions and bell peppers for a mixed vegetable plate.

Grilling tips

  • Cut slices slightly thicker rather than too thin. Thicker slices are easier to handle on the grill.
  • Keep the core intact. The core adds stability and makes the slices less likely to fall apart.
  • Use tongs and an oven mitt. Pineapple can be slippery, and the grill is hot — protect your hands when flipping.
  • Learn your grill’s hot spots. Some areas will cook faster than others; position slices accordingly to achieve even cooking.

Recipe

Top down shot of eight grilled pineapple slices on a gray plate with pineapple leaves in the upper right corner.

Juicy Grilled Pineapple (No Added Sugar!)

This grilled pineapple is juicy, lightly spiced with cinnamon, and ready in about 25 minutes. It makes a delicious side or a simple dessert.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 72 kcal

Equipment

  • A large sharp knife
  • A cutting board
  • A large bowl
  • A measuring spoon
  • A pair of tongs

Ingredients

  • 1 whole pineapple
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Trim the top and bottom from the pineapple. Stand it on a cut end and slice away the skin in sections, following the fruit’s curve until all skin is removed. Discard the skin.
  2. Lay the pineapple on its side and cut into 1/2 to 1 inch thick slices. Place the slices in a large bowl.
  3. Pour the melted coconut oil over the slices and sprinkle the cinnamon on top. Rub the oil and cinnamon into each slice so they are evenly coated.
  4. Heat the grill to 400°F. Place the slices on the hot grates and close the lid. Grill 5 minutes, flip, then grill another 5–10 minutes until tender. Test with a fork near the edge; it should insert easily.
  5. Remove the pineapple with tongs and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 72 kcal | Carbohydrates: 15 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 2 g | Sugar: 11 g | Vitamin C: 54 mg

If you try this Grilled Pineapple, please rate the recipe and share how it turned out in the comments.