Keto Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon – Sweet, Smoky & Low Carb? Yes, Please

Let’s clear something up right away: pineapple is not usually keto. But here’s the twist—this grilled pineapple recipe with cinnamon doesn’t load your plate with sugar, and the portions are small enough to stay low carb if you’re smart about it.

This one’s for those warm evenings when the grill’s already going, your hands are sticky from dinner, and you’re not about to bake something. You want a little sweet, but not a whole cheat day. That’s where this one hits.

I tried this out during a BBQ with friends, everyone else was passing around caramel brownies and soda. I wanted something that felt like a treat without sending my blood sugar through the roof. I sliced up a pineapple, added cinnamon, grilled it, and holy hell… it worked. Better than expected. Now it’s a regular in my summer rotation.

So if you’re looking for something simple, fast, and not full of sugar bombs, this recipe’s worth saving. You don’t even need to be doing full keto to love it. It just happens to fit.

But… Is Pineapple Keto?

Let’s be real here, pineapple is high in sugar. It’s tropical, juicy, sweet-as-it-gets. A cup of pineapple chunks has around 22 grams of carbs, and most of that is sugar.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t have it. It just means you need to:

• Keep the portions small
• Balance the rest of your day’s carbs
• Avoid adding more sugar to it

This recipe uses just a little pineapple per serving, and grilling actually changes the flavor without adding carbs. The cinnamon gives it that warm, dessert-y vibe, like something more indulgent than it is. That’s the trick.

Why Grill Pineapple?

If you’ve never grilled fruit, get ready.

The heat caramelizes the outside. That means the natural sugars turn golden, sticky, and smoky. You get this crisp edge, but the inside stays juicy. It’s a vibe. The grill gives pineapple something like a roasted marshmallow feeling—but without the crash.

Grilled pineapple is already good on its own, but a dash of cinnamon? Game changer. It gives you the feeling of cinnamon sugar toast, but without bread or sugar. Win-win.

Keto Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon – What You’ll Need

No fancy gear. No 27-step process. You need:

Ingredients:

• 1 small ripe pineapple (about 2.5 to 3 pounds)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil (optional for extra richness)
• Pinch of salt
• Squeeze of lime juice (optional, for brightness)

Tools:

• A hot grill (gas, charcoal, or grill pan)
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Tongs
• Bowl for mixing

That’s it. No weird ingredients, no sweeteners, no fancy marinade that takes 8 hours. Just clean flavors and a hot grill.

How to Make this Keto Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Cut the Pineapple

You’re aiming for small wedges or rings, about ½ inch thick. Too thin and they’ll burn fast. Too thick and they won’t cook through properly.

Peel the pineapple and cut out the core. If you want perfect grill marks, go for rings. If you’re lazy like me, wedges are just fine.

Step 2: Dry It

Use paper towels to pat the pineapple dry. You don’t want it dripping wet or it won’t caramelize right. This step matters.

Step 3: Coat It

Toss the pineapple pieces in a bowl with:

• Ground cinnamon
• Melted butter or coconut oil (if using)
• Small pinch of salt
• Lime juice if you’re feeling fancy

That’s it. No brown sugar, no honey, no maple syrup. You don’t need it. Cinnamon brings out the natural sweetness.

Step 4: Grill Time

Get your grill hot. Medium-high works best. You want good sear marks, not steam.

Place the pineapple on the grill and leave it alone for about 2-3 minutes per side. You’re looking for dark grill marks, a little char, but not burnt.

Turn once or twice, then take them off. Done.

Step 5: Serve

Hot off the grill, they’re perfect as-is. You can serve with:

• A dollop of whipped cream (keto-friendly, no sugar)
• A side of Greek yogurt
• Crushed nuts on top
• Or just plain. Honestly, it’s good enough without toppings

Carb Count – Let’s Talk Numbers

If you cut the pineapple into 12 wedges, each wedge has around:

• 4–5 grams net carbs
• 0.1g fat
• 0.2g protein

That’s totally manageable for most low-carb plans, especially if you plan ahead. Two wedges? That’s 8–10g net carbs, give or take.

You could even halve the wedges if you’re strict keto, and still feel like you’re having dessert.

Tips & Tricks

Here’s what I’ve learned after making this a dozen times:

a) Don’t Overcook It

Too long on the grill and it turns mushy. You want grill marks, not pineapple soup.

b) Use Ripe Fruit

Unripe pineapple is sour and sad. Go for one that smells sweet and gives slightly when pressed.

c) Don’t Skip the Salt

Tiny pinch—just a little—brings the sweetness out like magic.

d) Add a Kick

Want heat? Sprinkle a little chili powder or cayenne with the cinnamon. Sweet and spicy = addicting.

What to Eat It With

This isn’t a stand-alone dinner, but it’s a solid side or dessert.

Here’s what it goes great with:

• Grilled chicken thighs – juicy, savory, and the pineapple cuts through the fat
• Pork chops – classic combo
• Keto-friendly burgers – gives your BBQ plate some color
• Low-carb ice cream – if you want to go full-on dessert mode

It’s the kind of thing that makes your plate look like you know what you’re doing, even if you don’t.

Why This Works (Even on Keto)

You might be side-eyeing this whole recipe, wondering if I’m trying to trick you with carbs. But think of it this way:

• You’re not eating a whole pineapple
• There’s no added sugar
• Cinnamon boosts sweetness naturally
• It’s high flavor, low portion
• You get that “treat” feeling without the crash

If you’re strict keto, sure—this might be more “low carb” than full keto. But for most people, it’s easy to fit in. And honestly, a grilled cinnamon pineapple slice tastes way better than some of those artificial sweet snacks.

Personal Story – The BBQ That Changed My Mind

Last summer, I was hosting a cookout. My cousin was trying keto for the first time and looked absolutely miserable watching everyone else eat cake and s’mores. I tossed some pineapple slices on the grill and added cinnamon on a whim.

We both tried it, and just kind of blinked at each other. Like—how is this not cheating?

Since then, it’s been the go-to. It’s simple, cheap, fast, and everyone eats it. Doesn’t matter if they’re doing keto or not. Kids eat it. Boomers eat it. Instagram health people eat it. Nobody questions it.

That’s what makes it special. It doesn’t scream “diet food.” It just screams good food.

Storage and Leftovers

Here’s the good news: grilled pineapple holds up.

• Fridge: Keep in a sealed container. Lasts 3–4 days.
• Reheat: Toss it back on a hot pan for a minute, or eat cold.
• Don’t freeze it: Texture gets weird.

Pro tip: Chop up leftovers and throw them in a salad with grilled chicken, feta cheese, and olive oil. It works.

Variations Worth Trying

This recipe’s simple on purpose, but if you want to shake things up:

• Add vanilla: Just a drop in the butter mix for a more dessert feel
• Use smoked paprika: Adds depth and an almost BBQ sauce flavor
• Top with coconut flakes: Unsweetened, toasted—goes wild with the tropical vibe
• Swap cinnamon for nutmeg: Or try a mix. Different spice, similar warmth

Once you’ve got the basic method down, you can tweak it in a hundred ways.

Conclusion

Keto or not, grilled pineapple with cinnamon is just plain good. It tastes like something you shouldn’t be allowed to eat—but you can. It’s not trying to be a brownie. It’s just fruit, heat, and spice. And somehow, that’s more satisfying than a boxed keto dessert bar.

If you’re trying to eat low-carb but miss the feeling of real food with real flavor, this is your answer. It’s quick. It’s easy. It’s got crunch, smoke, juice, and a hint of sweet. And it takes almost no effort.

Next time the grill’s on, throw a few wedges on there. Worst case? You eat a warm piece of pineapple. Best case? You make something so good your friends ask you to bring it every time.

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