April 13, 2025 BBQ

Smoked Pineapple (How to Smoke a Whole Pineapple!)

Smoked pineapple is a delicious and unique way to enjoy this tropical fruit. You can smoke a pineapple on a gas or regular grill by using wood chunks or chips. You can also smoke it on your pellet grill. This tasty treat will have everyone’s taste buds dancing at your next cookout!

Jump to Recipe

Originally Posted April 16, 2023

Modified April 13, 2025

We do not add any brown sugar. We let the smoky flavor come from the wood chips or the wood pellets. We smoked a whole pineapple with the skin on, as we are using the skin on wedges in our pineapple margarita. You can remove stem and outer skin if you would like and still get amazing results.

Reasons You’ll Love This Pineapple Recipe:

Sweet & Smoky Flavor – Smoking caramelizes the pineapple’s natural sugars, giving it a deep, rich flavor profile with a touch of smokiness.
Versatile – Enjoy it as a side, dessert, or ingredient in savory dishes like tacos, burgers, or salads.
Minimal Effort, Maximum Impact – Just a few ingredients and time on the smoker transform an ordinary pineapple into something special.
Perfect for Grilling Season – Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or just want a fun weekend treat, this fits right in with outdoor cooking.

4 pineapple halves that have grill marks on a pn

What is the best wood to smoke pineapple with?

We feel that Western Premium BBQ cherry wood chunks produce a mild smoke with a tangy, fruity flavor. Cherry is one of the mild woods, & it will complement the tangy pineapple, adding a hint of smokiness. If you are smoking a pineapple on a gas grill, you can get cherry bbq wood chips to use!

2 whole pineapples and a bag of western bbq cherry wood chunks by the big green egg

How to Smoke a Whole Pineapple:

Using a sharp knife, slice a whole pineapple down the center Cut pineapple down the center, including the fruit crown (spikey leaves)
Light charcoal. Once coals are ready, add a few pieces of wood chunks. 225 F is the temprature you want to maintain.
If you are using a pellet grill, pre-heat to 225.
Add place setter if you have one and then grill grate.
Add pinapple flesh side down, over indirect heat if not using a place setter, and cover, allowing it to smoke for 30 minutes.
Turn pineapple pieces over, cover, and check after another 30 minutes. You are looking for the flesh to be a more golden yellow. Do not over cook, or it will get mushy.
Place pineapple skin side down onto a sheet pan, and allow to cool.
Slice into chunks to use as garnish for drinks, or remove the skin to use pineapple in other recipes.

Does grilling pineapple change the flavor?

Grilling fruit will bring out sweetness and caramelize the natural sugars making the fruit extra delicious. The pineapple tastes sweeter, with a hint of smoke. The heat also softens the fruit, giving it a nice texture. This recipe is for a whole pineapple, but you can also smoke canned pineapple slices if they are easier to find. Although we do not use brown sugar, if you want extra sweetness, you can sprinkle 2 tablespoons of brown sugar over the entire pineapple.

a whole pineapple sliced in half on a cooking sheet

Can I smoke other fruit?

Yes! In fact, we smoked oranges and limes, sprinkled with a little turbinado sugar to make a smoked pineapple margarita! Citrus fruit can go cut side down onto the grill for just a few minutes. It softens the fruit, gives it a smoky flavor, and makes it extra juicy!

cara cara oranges and limes cut in half and sprinkled with turbinado sugar on a sheet pan

What can I use smoked pineapple in?

Smoked pineapple can be used in a variety of ways and can add a delicious smoke flavor to both savory and sweet dishes. Here are some ideas:

<span class=”fr-mk” style=”display: none;”>&nbsp;<span class=”fr-mk” style=”display: none;”>&nbsp;<span class=”fr-mk” style=”display: none;”>&nbsp;<span class=”fr-mk” style=”display: none;”>&nbsp;<span class=”fr-mk” style=”display: none;”>&nbsp;<span class=”fr-mk” style=”display: none;”>&nbsp;<span class=”fr-mk” style=”display: none;”>&nbsp;<span class=”fr-mk” style=”display: none;”>&nbsp;

Tacos: Add smoked pineapple to your tacos for a burst of flavor and sweetness. It pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or pork tacos.
Grilled Meat or Fish: Smoked pineapple is the perfect side dish for grilled chicken, pork, or fish.
Breakfasts: Add a slice of smoked pineapple to a biscuit with ham! Chop and serve over waffles with maple syrup!
Desserts: Grilled pineapple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is such a Summer favorite.
Salsa: Chop up the grilled pineapple and mix it with red onions, jalapeños, mango and cilantro with some lime juice for a sweet and spicy salsa.
Pizza: Smoked pineapple is a great addition to your pizza for a tropical twist on a classic dish.
Cocktails: Use grilled pineapple as a garnish for tropical cocktails like margaritas, daiquiris and mai tais!

🍍 Storage Tips for Smoked Pineapple

Cool Before Storing: Allow the smoked pineapple to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
Use Airtight Containers: Place the cooled pineapple in an airtight container or a resealable zip-lock bag. This helps retain its smoky flavor and prevents it from absorbing other odors in the refrigerator.
Refrigerate Promptly: Store the container in the refrigerator. Smoked pineapple can be kept refrigerated for up to 3–5 days.
Avoid Storing in Liquid: Do not store the smoked pineapple in any liquid, as this can rehydrate the fruit and diminish its smoky flavor.

Easy Frozen Fruit Mango Daquiri

Smoked Pineapple Margarita

Mai Tai made without Orgeat

2 mango daiquiris with a pineapple and 2 mangos on a tray