Air Fryer Pears

These Air Fryer Pears are soft, sweet, and flavored with maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. I love topping them with granola, chopped nuts, or toasted coconut flakes, and sometimes all three. With no refined sugar, they make an easy and healthy dessert the whole family enjoys, and the best part is they’re ready in just 25 minutes.

Pears are one of my favorite fruits to cook with, especially once the weather cools down in fall and winter. They’re already so sweet on their own and get even better when they caramelize, which makes them perfect for desserts like the one I’m sharing today. And if you love pears as much as I do, you’ll want to check out the pear salad I made the other day too.

This recipe is perfect if you love baked fruit because these air fryer pears give you that baked flavor without even turning on the oven. I use simple ingredients like Bartlett pears, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg to make a dessert that is indulgent but is ready in less than 30 minutes. It’s especially handy when my kids are asking for something sweet with their favorite fruit. I hope you give it a try.

Why you will love this recipe

• No oven needed, just the air fryer: I love that these pears bake right in the air fryer, so I don’t have to heat up the kitchen. It is simple and perfect for busy parents who still want a homemade dessert.
• Sweet and spiced flavor: These pears caramelize with maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg and come out soft, warm, and indulgent. It is the perfect treat for anyone who enjoys baked fruit with a little sweetness.
• Easy to make it your own: My kids like theirs with granola and whipped cream while I top mine with toasted coconut and crunchy nuts. Everyone gets to enjoy their favorite toppings!
• Quick treat the whole family loves: These pears are ready in under 30 minutes, which makes them great for weeknight desserts or holiday tables.

What you will need

• Bartlett pears: I love using Bartlett pears because they’re naturally sweet and soften beautifully in the air fryer.
• Maple syrup: A drizzle of maple syrup is all it takes to caramelize the pears.
• Ground cinnamon: I sprinkle in cinnamon because it makes the pears warm and fragrant. It’s the spice that instantly reminds me of fall.
• Nutmeg: Just a pinch of nutmeg brings out a deeper flavor. It pairs so nicely with the sweetness of the pears.
• Optional toppings: I like to finish these pears with simple toppings such as granola for crunch, toasted coconut flakes for a little nutty sweetness, or chopped pecans and walnuts.

How to make

1. Prepare the pears: I wash the pears first, then peel them and cut them into quarters. I remove the core and scrape out any seeds so they are ready to use.

2. Mix pears and syrup: I place the pears in a small mixing bowl, drizzle in the maple syrup, and gently stir until every piece is coated.

3. Add the spices: I sprinkle in the cinnamon and nutmeg, then gently toss the pears so the warm spices coat every piece.

4. Air fry the pears: I use a wooden spoon to place the coated pears into the air fryer basket in an even layer. I cook them right away at 380°F for 8 to 12 minutes until they are golden and caramelized.

5. Serve air-fried pears: I carefully remove the pears from the basket and place them on a small baking dish. I finish them with granola, coconut flakes, and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans.

Expert tip

Perfect pear ripeness

When I make air fryer pears, I always pick ones that are ripe but still a little firm. If they are too soft, they turn mushy and fall apart, but the firmer ones cook up tender and caramelized perfectly. My best trick is to give the pear a gentle squeeze at the store. If it gives a little without being too soft, I know it will be perfect for this recipe.

More tips to consider:

• Covering the air fryer basket with parchment paper makes cleanup so much easier. I like to keep a pack of air fryer sheets on hand.
• I always try to cut the pears into even pieces. It helps them cook evenly whether I use the air fryer, oven, or instant pot.
• To slice pears neatly, I use a sharp paring knife to cut them lengthwise and then cut each piece in half. It makes the slices just the right size.
• I handle pears gently since they bruise so easily. A light touch keeps them looking and tasting their best.
• Sometimes I leave the skin on the pears. It helps them hold together better and adds a bit of extra texture.

Recipe variations:

• Sweet Brown Sugar: I like to sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of brown sugar with the pears. It adds a caramel flavor that pairs so well with the spices.
• Buttery Richness: Sometimes I stir in 2 tablespoons of melted butter to the sauce. It makes the pears taste richer and more indulgent.
• Creamy Yogurt Twist: I add 1/4 cup of vanilla Greek yogurt when I want a creamier sauce.
• Fruit Swap Fun: I swap the pears for 2 apples or 2 peaches when I have fresh seasonal extra fruits. The method works just as well.
• Coconut Oil Shine: For a lighter twist, I use 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in place of the syrup. It keeps the pears moist and flavorful.

Serving suggestions

When I make these air fryer pears, I usually plan them as the sweet ending to a bigger family dinner. They are such a hit after my apple cider pork chops, and I once served them alongside instant pot chicken pot pie pasta for a birthday dinner at home. The kids cleared their plates faster than usual just to get to dessert, and I loved watching them pile on toppings.

For special occasions, I like to scoop vanilla ice cream over the warm pears and drizzle caramel sauce on top. At a summer barbecue, I once brought a big platter of these with almonds and candied pecans sprinkled over the top, and not a single piece was left by the time we packed up. Around the holidays, I make them extra pretty with little pear balls shaped with a melon baller and decorate them with whipped cream and nuts.

How to store leftovers:

• Store: We rarely have leftovers, but when I do, I tuck them into an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for two to three days.
• Freeze: I do not recommend freezing these pears since they lose their texture once thawed.
• Reheat: I usually pop them back into the air fryer for about three to four minutes. If I am in a hurry, I warm them in the microwave for about a minute, depending on how many pieces I am heating up.

Frequently asked questions

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