1. Home
  2. Fruit
  3. How to Grill Fruit (Best Grilled Fruit Recipes)

How to Grill Fruit (Best Grilled Fruit Recipes)

By on
Leave a Comment

Grilling fruit transforms simple fruits into smoky, caramelized treats that add depth and excitement to your meals, and it's super easy!

Grilled peaches with dark brown grill marks served on a plate with honey and fresh basil.

Table of Contents

I'll admit it, when I first heard about grilling fruit, I was a bit skeptical. But after giving it a try, I became totally hooked! Grilling fruit doesn't just cook it. It enhances it! The heat brings out the fruit's natural sugars, caramelizing them and adding a smoky depth that's hard to beat. Plus, it's an easy way to switch up your go-to summer dishes.

We love grilling fruit in our family, whether it's on top of a fresh salad, tossed into a fruit salsa, or served as a sweet side dish with grilled meats. The kids especially love it as a fun and healthy dessert, and I can't get enough of how easy it is. It takes just minutes to throw on the grill, making it the perfect simple treat for any meal. If you haven't tried grilling fruit yet, trust me, it's time to give it a go!

How to Grill Fruit

Grilling fruit is one of those magical kitchen tricks that's almost too easy to believe, but once you try it, you'll be hooked. Here's the lowdown on how to get it just right.

1. Choose your fruit:

Juicy fruits like peaches, pineapple, plums, and even bananas (yes, bananas!) work perfectly for grilling. The trick is to pick fruit that holds up to heat and has a bit of natural sweetness. Softer fruits like berries won't hold up well, so stick to the firmer options.

2. Prep it:

For larger fruits like peaches or pineapple, slice them into wedges or thick rings. Peach halves, pineapple slices, and banana halves work great. You want them big enough to handle the grill but not so thick that they're hard to flip.

3. Heat up the grill:

You're looking for medium heat here, so not too hot, but just enough to get that char going. Brush the grill with a little oil to prevent sticking, or lightly coat the fruit with a bit of olive oil or melted butter to add flavor.

4. Grill away:

Place the fruit on the grill and let it cook for a few minutes on each side. The goal is to get some nice grill marks and a little caramelization. Keep an eye on it! Fruit grills quickly, usually about 2-4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness.

5. Finish with a squeeze:

After the fruit comes off the grill, I like to squeeze a bit of lime or lemon juice over it for a fresh zing. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey can take it to the next level.

Pro tip:

For added flavor, brush the fruit with a little maple syrup or balsamic vinegar as it cooks. This adds a sweet-savory balance that's absolutely delicious.

The Best Grilled Fruit Recipes

Grilled Plantains

168 CAL 20 MIN
Grilled plantains with dark brown grill marks on a plate with cinnamon on the side.
Grilled plantains are like the perfect tropical treat, and honestly, they couldn't be easier to make. With just a little coconut oil and a few minutes on the grill, you get that sweet caramelized flavor and a soft, tender inside. Whether you're having them as a side or just snacking, they're a total win.

Grilled Peaches

97 CAL 15 MIN
Grilled peaches with dark brown grill marks served on a plate with honey and fresh basil.
Grilled peaches are the perfect summer treat! They're sweet, juicy, and just a little smoky. You can enjoy them as a simple dessert with a scoop of ice cream or toss them into a salad for a little extra flair. They're super easy to make and a total crowd-pleaser.

Grilled Pears

87 CAL 20 MIN
Grilled pears cut into slices with caramelized edges in a white bowl.
Grilled pears are the unsung heroes of summer fruit. When kissed by the grill, they transform into tender, caramelized bites with a smoky depth that's pure magic. Tossed in a cinnamon-brown sugar blend and grilled to perfection, these pears are a healthy yet indulgent treat. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or toss them into a salad for a sweet-savory twist.

Grilled Watermelon

115 CAL 20 MIN
Grilled watermelon on a platter served with chili powder, lime wedges, and fresh mint.
Grilled watermelon is juicy, slightly smoky, and utterly refreshing. In less than 10 minutes, you can transform this classic summer fruit into a show-stopping side dish, dessert, or salad addition. Simply brush wedges with olive oil, grill until charred, and finish with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of salt. For an extra kick, try adding chili powder or Tajín.

Grilled Apples

174 CAL 20 MIN
Grilled apples in a foil packet with cinnamon, yogurt, and granola on a plate.
These grilled apples are super simple but packed with flavor. The heat from the grill makes them tender and caramelized, while the cinnamon and brown sugar bring out their natural sweetness. Add a scoop of ice cream, and you've got yourself a seriously satisfying dessert.

Grilled Bananas

129 CAL 25 MIN
Grilled bananas on a plate with peanut butter, chocolate, and cinnamon.
Grilled bananas are the dessert you didn't know you needed. With a quick brush of melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, they transform into caramelized, smoky bites that are perfect on their own or topped with peanut butter, chocolate, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Our family makes them at least once a week all summer long, whether as a side to grilled chicken or as a sweet finish to a backyard BBQ.

Grilled Figs

117 CAL 15 MIN
Grilled figs with balsamic glaze served in a bowl with two spoons.
Who knew figs could be this easy and tasty? Grilling them brings out a beautiful sweetness, and the smoky flavor makes them the perfect snack or side. Pair them with cheese, toss them in a salad, or just enjoy them on their own for a simple yet fancy treat!

Grilled Plums

73 CAL 15 MIN
Grilled plums on a plate with honey, butter, cinnamon, and a dollop of whipped cream.
Grilled plums are the kind of simple, flavorful treat that can easily steal the show at any meal. The smoky char from the grill brings out their natural sweetness, while a touch of honey and cinnamon adds a nice caramelized finish. They're perfect on their own or paired with a scoop of ice cream or some creamy yogurt for an easy dessert that feels a little fancy.

Grilled Pineapple

102 CAL 25 MIN
Grilled pineapple with brown sugar and flaky sea salt on a plate.
If you've never tried grilled pineapple, you're seriously missing out. It takes just a few minutes on the grill, and the result is a sweet, smoky treat that's perfect for summer. Serve it with a sprinkle of cinnamon, or keep it simple. The caramelized edges are all the flavor you need!

Grilled Mango

26 CAL 15 MIN
Grilled mango sliced in half on a plate with a dollop of yogurt, honey, and pistachios.
Grilled mango transforms a simple fruit into a smoky-sweet sensation. With just a few minutes on the grill, the natural sugars caramelize, creating a delightful treat. Perfect as a side dish, topping for tacos, or a refreshing salsa base.

Grilled Fruit Kabobs

108 CAL 15 MIN
Grilled fruit kabobs with banana, watermelon, strawberries, and mango on wooden skewers with honey and mint.
These Grilled Fruit Kabobs are the easiest way to enjoy summer's best fruits! A mix of bananas, strawberries, mango, and watermelon gets a quick grill, then a touch of honey and lime for extra flavor. It's the perfect healthy and delicious snack or dessert in just minutes!

How to Use Grilled Fruit

  • Grilled Watermelon Salad: Grilled watermelon brings smoky sweetness to this fresh salad, paired with creamy feta and a zingy honey-lime dressing!
  • Arugula and Apple Salad with Goat Cheese and Pecans: Toss in some grilled apples for an added smoky sweetness that takes this already amazing salad of arugula, goat cheese, and pecans to the next level.
  • Grilled Plum Salad with Goat Cheese: The smoky grilled plums in this salad pair so well with the creamy goat cheese and fresh mint.
  • Dessert: Serve grilled fruit on its own as a sweet treat, drizzling it with a little honey or a dusting of cinnamon and a squeeze of lime. Grilled fruit is also delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a smoky, creamy, sweet dessert!
  • Grilled Pineapple Salsa: This grilled pineapple salsa is smoky, sweet, and a little spicy, making it the perfect topping for tacos, grilled meats, or just as a dip for chips.
  • Grilled Pork Chops with Peach Salsa: Grilled pork chops meet fresh peach salsa in this easy, sweet-and-savory combo! Swap the fresh peaches for grilled for a smoky twist!

More Grilling Recipes You'll Love

More Grilling Recipes You'll Love

These will always be a hit!

Grilling fruit adds smoky sweetness and caramelizes its natural sugars, enhancing the flavors. It's a fun, simple way to elevate your favorite fruits into a tasty side dish or dessert. Grilled fruit can also bring a unique twist to salads, salsas, or even as a topping for meats.

 

Firmer fruits that hold up to heat work best for grilling. This includes peaches, pineapple, bananas, plantains, pears, plums, watermelon, apples, and figs. Avoid soft fruits like berries that can fall apart or become mushy when grilled.

Grill fruit on medium heat. It should be hot enough to create grill marks and caramelize the sugars, but not so hot that the fruit burns. Make sure to brush your grill or fruit with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.

 

0 Comments
On
user image