Grilling fruits: a guide to roasted oranges, pineapples and watermelon

One of our goals for this new year, which we have already talked about in our 2025 resolutions, is to learn new recipes. That is why we want to put a new idea in your mind: grilling fruits. Fortunately, we are lucky enough to live in the Algarve, Portugal and live very close to one of the healthiest diets in the world: the Mediterranean.

We already know that Portugal is not exactly in the Mediterranean. However, our proximity to countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece makes us a country that is a cousin of these customs. Let’s put aside our delicious sweets for a moment: the pastéis de Belém or nata, the queijadas or bolos and embrace a new custom, a healthier one and at the same time, one that will make us discover a new world of possibilities. Let’s learn to eat grilled fruit. Fruit that caramelises over the fire and makes us find a smoky, toasted and even burnt flavour that, we assure you, is a delight. In this post, we will give you several ideas on how to cook grilled oranges, pineapples, melons, and pears! Vamos lá!

Grilling fruits: What fruits can you grill?

Anything you like. You can grill almost any fruit if it is relatively firm and not overripe. Peaches, melons, pineapples, pears, and bananas are just some fresh fruits that will hold their shape over the coals.

How long should you roast fruit?

The cooking time for each fruit can vary depending on the degree of ripeness and size. Another factor is the cooking method. Grill with indirect heat, direct heat, or in a grill basket. All cooking methods can also have an influence.

In this sense, large slices can go directly on the grill, but small fruits, such as blueberries or raspberries, should be placed in the basket. Grill the fruit for about 5 to 7 minutes. Larger fruits may need a few more minutes to caramelise fully.

When passing the fruits through the grill, the sugar present in them naturally enhances their flavour. I mean, have you ever tried grilled zucchini? Or asparagus. If you still don’t dare to try fruit this way, start with vegetables to try this caramelised effect.

The best fruits to grill

Here are some tips for grilling fruit at your next barbecue and making it successful with this simple and original recipe.

• Fleshy, pitted fruits. Pineapple, mango, bananas. These fruits are grilled without difficulty. However, we advise you to follow these cutting tips. Pineapple is grilled in slices, preferably leaving the hard centre to give consistency. On the other hand, mango is in slices and without skin. Bananas are best grilled and cut in half lengthwise (and above all, always pieces that are not very ripe).
• Watermelon and melon are best grilled in large, thick slices, leaving the skin hard so that it gives the piece consistency and does not fall apart.
• Fleshy, fibrous fruits with a centre of stones or seeds, such as peaches, apples, and pears, are grilled and cut in half, removing the stones or harder parts.
• Grilling citrus, berries, or small delicate pieces like raspberries is not advisable. Depending on your cooking, you can make jam on your side burner with these instead!

Let’s dig a little deeper and give you more ideas:

Roasted oranges

We all know how easy and familiar it is to eat grilled pineapples, but many other fruits are also excellent. One idea is citrus oranges. Grilled oranges can be the differentiating ingredient in a salad, and they are a perfect side dish to accompany our meat. Just imagine lettuce or any other green leaf, some feta cheese to give that salty touch, warm grilled oranges, pistachios, or walnuts. DELICIOUS!

They can also be ideal for a smoky touch to your gin and tonic with a bit of mint. In addition, they provide a delicious aroma when they are grilled!

One way to cook them is to add a splash of vanilla extract and a little cinnamon and put them on the grill. You can cut them in half (and put them upside down on the grill) or slice them. You can also put a little honey on them to enhance the burnt caramel flavour.

If you cut them in half and grill them on a gas grill, adjust the flame to medium-high and wait about 7-10 minutes to get the oranges nicely charred.

Grilled pineapple

Pineapple is the star of grilled fruits. This delicious and acidic fruit is an excellent vitamin C and manganese source.

Its compounds are linked to several health benefits, including improved digestion and immunity. It is the perfect fruit for an appetizer, side dish, or unique dessert! Keep reading if you are wondering how to grill pineapple.

You need to cut one piece of fresh pineapple into rings to make this grilled pineapple. You can add some melted butter, which lends richness and moisture. Also, add honey for a subtle sweetness and a pinch of salt to enhance the overall flavour of the grilled pineapple.

Grilled watermelon

We already discussed grilled watermelon because we absolutely adore this fruit in all its versions. At first, grilling watermelon was a bit odd, but once you try it, you don’t want to eat it another way. The grill caramelises the sweetness of melon and provides it with a smoked flavour. This is definitely an intriguing side dish!

ProTip: Resist the urge to move the food around or lift it to check for grill marks. The grilled food needs to stay in place to sear and cook before being moved.

Dare to grill melon or watermelon and discover this special summer appetiser everyone will love! Moreover, you could create a salad with some salty feta and herbs such as mint.

Pears on the grill

We want to finish our list of grilled fruits with fruits you might not know are better grilled, which is fantastic! Grilled pears are so good because they have the perfect texture for grilling. They’re soft, and as they grill, they get almost buttery.

To make grilled pears, you only need to cut the pears in half and remove the core. Brush them with olive oil and grill them cut side or face down until tender. Leave on the hot grill grate for a few minutes without moving to create beautiful grill marks on each side!

ProTip: When grilling fruits, melt a little butter in the microwave and lightly brush the fruit. This way, they turn out more golden on the outside.

Grilled fruit skewers

Not sure which fruit to choose? Try mixing several of them on a skewer! To insert the fruit on the skewers, cut it into cubes about 2 cm thick. Choose firm fruit with a similar consistency. Then follow the grilling tips we have given. Remember not to mix fruits that have different cooking times.

For a nice, delicious dessert, try grilling bananas with chocolate. The melted chocolate will be the perfect end to your BBQ weekend!

With this grilling fruits ideas, you can give a different touch to seasonal fruits, a more intense flavour and an original presentation for outdoor meals or gatherings of guests. Take a look at these grilled dessert ideas.

Visit our showroom in Almancil, Algarve or contact us with any BBQ-related questions!