A fritter is a food that has been coated in batter and then deep fried. There are savory ones that are made with vegetables and sweet ones that are made with fruit. Pineapple fritters are fried treats that feature pieces of pineapple coated in batter and often topped with powdered sugar. The batter typically is pancake batter or a mixture of egg, salt, milk and flour. They are popular as snacks, breakfast or brunch items and even desserts, accompanied by a scoop or two of ice cream.
Round pineapple fritters with a hole in the middle are made by using either canned or fresh pineapple rings. The rings are well drained or patted dry with paper towels, then immersed in pancake batter. After the excess batter is shaken off, some recipes call for the rings to be dipped in sweetened bread crumbs or crunchy Japanese panko breadcrumbs. Then the rings are deep fried in hot oil until golden brown, drained on paper towels and sprinkled with powdered sugar. This method also can be used with canned pineapple chunks.
Another method calls for crushed pineapple. For this version, instead of coating the fruit, it is added to the batter. All of the ingredients are combined in a large bowl and mixed well. Heaping spoonfuls are dropped into the hot oil and fried until golden brown, then drained on paper towels and sprinkled with powdered sugar. These pineapple fritters can be made in various shapes, including spheres, flat circles or rectangles.
For extra flavor, some recipes call for using various spices in the batter in place of or in combination with traditional vanilla, such as star anise, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and saffron. There are even pineapple fritters that use chili powder or finely chopped peppers, which make for a spicy-sweet kick. Chopped coconut can be mixed into the batter or in with the breadcrumbs. Yogurt, chocolate, honey, caramel or other sweet items can be used as dipping sauces, and the pineapple juice from the can can be poured over the fritters as a syrup. Some people also serve these fritters with sweet pineapple salsa.