The Best Way to Grill Fruit for a Flavorful, Healthy Side Dish or Dessert
Grilling is a delicious, healthy way to bring out the flavor of fruit. It's easy to grill fruit outdoors or indoors, and produce from every season can be cooked on the grill. Some of our favorite fruits to grill include bananas, watermelon, peaches, plums, nectarines, apples, pears, pineapple, and mango, but let your imagination run wild! Whatever fruit you choose to grill, follow the five steps below for flawlessly flame-kissed fruit.
Related: 20 Summer Fruit Desserts You Can Make with 5 Ingredients or Less!
Use Fruit That's Moderately Ripe
You want to grill fruit that's a little less ripe than you would normally eat. It's important that the raw fruit be slightly firm so that it holds up on the grill. The heat caramelizes the sugars in fruit and weakens the structure, so fruit that's overripe or mushy will be more likely to fall apart.
Cut Fruit to the Right Size
Cut fruit into large chunks to keep it from falling between the bars of the grill grate. Even if you're working with a grill pan indoors or a grill basket on your grill, you want to go for bigger pieces in order to maintain the structure of the fruit. Bonus tip: If you're grilling bananas, keep them in the peel to protect the soft texture—the high heat will ensure that they cook through.
Add a Bit of Fat to the Fruit
Brush fruit with a neutral oil that can stand up to high-heat, such as safflower or grapeseed oil. Melted unsalted butter or clarified butter also works well.
Let the Fruit Cook Completely
Grill fruit over high heat for three minutes without moving or turning it to get the perfect sear (and coveted grill marks!). Flip and cook for one to three minutes more.
Get Creative with How You Serve it
Grilled fruit is equally delectable in sweet and savory applications—the possibilities are endless. Try grilled peaches alongside pork chops or chicken. Watermelon makes a refreshing summer salad when combined with feta cheese, mint or basil, olive oil, and flaky sea salt. Pop grilled bananas out of their skin and top with ice cream and chocolate sauce for a new take on banana splits.
Seeking more grilled fruit inspiration? Some of our favorite tried-and-true recipes include appetizers like Grilled Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon; entrées Grilled Pork and-Pineapple Tacos and Grilled Chicken with Mango and Mint-Lime Dressing; and our favorite grilled fruit desserts include Grilled Pound Cake with Peaches and Plums and Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Sorbet.
