These sweet, warm air fryer pears are a delicious alternative to baked pears. With caramelized maple syrup, a hint of warm cinnamon, and the perfect amount of salt to balance the sweetness, they will be a new favorite in your home.
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Why You'll Love This Dish
This dish is super easy. Cut the pears, brush with some maple syrup and spices, toss them in the air fryer for a few minutes, and you're ready to serve.
They are a healthy alternative to traditional desserts like cakes or cookies. Grab another serving of fruits and veggies and enjoy your dessert at the same time!
This recipe is quick. With only about 10 minutes of cook time and no need to preheat the air fryer, you'll have your dessert ready right away.
It only uses a few simple ingredients to create an incredibly delicious result. The warm cinnamon marries with the sweet, rich maple syrup (you can use honey, too!), and is balanced by a tiny bit of heat and just a pinch of salt.
It's customizable. You can top these pears with all sorts of things to create the perfect bite for you. Try walnuts, pecans, coconut flakes, pieces of granola or oats, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a dollop of whipped cream.
Finally, air-fried pears are a healthy dessert. With lots of fiber, vitamins C and K, potassium, and antioxidants, you'll feel good about this dessert.
What You'll Need
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- Pears I believe the best pears for this recipe are bosc pears, but use whatever variety of ripe pear you have on hand.
- Maple Syrup You can also use honey.
- Ground Cinnamon If you're not a fan of cinnamon, you could also use a pinch of nutmeg.
- Cayenne Pepper You can omit this if you don't have any cayenne, but it does not make the recipe spicy. It is just a tiny bite to add a bit of flavor contrast.
- Maldon Sea Salt I love to finish this dish with just a pinch of finishing salt, my favorite brand of which is Maldon Sea Salt.
Optional Toppings
- Chopped Walnuts
- Chopped Pecans
- Coconut Flakes
- Granola
- Oats
You can also serve with your favorite ice cream or a bit of whipped cream!
How to Make Air Fryer Pears
Step One: Slice the pears in half, then in quarters. Cut out the seeds/remove the core. Brush with maple syrup.
Step Two Place the pears in the air fryer basket cut side up. Dust with cinnamon and cayenne. Cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes.
Step Three Top with walnuts, granola, coconut, or other toppings of your choice, and a pinch of finishing salt. Serve in a small bowl or on a dessert plate.
Variations
Honey In place of maple syrup, try brushing the pears with honey. This fermented honey is delicious!
Granola, Coconut, or Pecans Add a variety of toppings in place of or in addition to the chopped walnuts.
Sugar You can sprinkle a bit of brown sugar on the pears for an even sweeter result.
FAQ
You can certainly air fry pears, but there are lots of other fruits that will do well in the air fryer. Try apples, pineapple, strawberries, or blueberries.
Yes. Fruits and vegetables cooked in the air fryer generally retain more of their nutrients than other cooking methods.
Read more about the health benefits of air frying in this article from Healthline.
Air frying softens the interior of the fruit while providing browning on the exterior that can result in a slight crisp. These pears develop a somewhat caramelized exterior due to the sugar in the maple syrup.
Expert Tips
- Air fryers can vary in size and temperature, so be sure to check your pears early to ensure they don't burn.
- Don't slice your pears too thin or they may burn. If using thinly sliced pears, check after only a few minutes to see if they are done.
- Work in batches. If you are making several pears, make sure they aren't packed too tightly.
How to Store
Fridge You can store air fryer pears in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
Freezer I do not recommend freezing these pears.
To reheat, you can let the pears sit out at room temperature, add them to a pan with a bit of butter on medium-low heat for a few minutes, or cook in the microwave until heated through.
How to Make a Meal
These pears are a lovely way to end a meal. Here are some suggestions for dinners that would pare well.
Soup Try these pears after any number of soups, like Chicken Pastina Soup, Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup, Instant Pot Chicken Stew, or Chicken and Cabbage soup with Ginger.
Risotto These pears would be fantastic after some Chicken and Leek Risotto.
Grain Bowls Round out a vegetable-forward meal like this Mediterranean Grain Bowl or this Warm Grain Bowl with Goat Cheese and Greens.
Sandwich Serve after your favorite sandwich, like this Italian Grinder Sandwich!
These pears will go well with just about any dinner. They're also delicious with a scoop of ice cream or some whipped cream. Or try them with a bit of pistachio butter!
Recipes You'll Love
Here are some other delicious fruit desserts:
- Air Fryer Baked Apples
- Air Fryer Bananas
- Air Fryer Dehydrated Blueberries
- Air Fryer Dehydrated Strawberries
- Air Fryer Dehydrated Orange Slices
- Blueberry Crumble Recipe
- Colombian Fruit Salad
- Matcha Strawberry Fruit Sando
📖 Recipe
Easy Air Fryer Pears with Cinnamon
Equipment
Ingredients
Air Fryer Pears
- 4 pears
- 4 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne optional
- flakey sea salt to taste
Optional Toppings
- 4 tablespoons walnuts or to taste
- coconut pieces to taste
- granola or oats to taste
Instructions
- Slice the pears in half, then in quarters. Cut out the seeds. Brush with maple syrup.
- Dust with cinnamon and cayenne.
- Place the pears in the basket of the air fryer. Cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle just a pinch of flakey sea salt over the pears, and finish with your desired toppings.
Notes
- Estimated calories are based on pears without any toppings.
- I used bosc pears to recipe test, but feel free to try other varieties, like bartlett pears.
- Air fryer temperatures and sizes vary, so check your pears early to ensure they do not get too dark.
- Fridge You can store air fryer pears in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
- Freezer I do not recommend freezing these pears
- To reheat, you can let the pears sit out at room temperature, add them to a pan with a bit of butter on medium-low heat for a few minutes, or cook in the microwave until heated through.
Shelby says
These air fryer pears are divine! I used them as dessert initially but they're simply delicious on top of a salad as well!
Genevieve says
Oh that's a fantastic idea! These would be wonderful on salads.
Brooke says
This recipe was exactly what I was looking for to get used to using my new Air Fryer! Thanks for making it simple AND delicious!
Genevieve says
I'm so glad, Brooke! Thank you!
Kris says
This was my first time cooking fruit in an air fryer and it was delish! The spices were perfect. Thank you for another winner! 🙂
Genevieve says
Thanks so much, Kris! Always happy to hear your feedback.
Traci says
Was looking for a nice lower calorie treat after dinner and this hit the spot! Thank you!
Genevieve says
Thanks Traci! Absolutely - this is one I never feel too guilty about serving.
Luci's Morsels says
The crisping on the pears is delicious! We ate it with coconut yogurt and everyone loved it!
Genevieve says
I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed it!
Mandy applegate says
What delicious flavours these are together and the fact that I can make these pears in my new air fryer is perfect!
Genevieve says
Yes! I love how easy these are to make. Thanks Mandy!
Sharina says
Never thought pears can be this good! This air fryer method is a great way to enjoy these sweet pears. Thanks for this brilliant recipe Gen. Must-try!
Genevieve says
Thanks Sharina!
Journa Liz Ramirez says
My kids love the hint of warm cinnamon in these wonderful air fryer pears. It's their new favorite, glad they're easy to make. This is a new go-to air fryer recipe. Highly recommended!
Genevieve says
I'm so happy the kids enjoyed them!
Wendy says
I can't believe how good this was! Thanks for the recipe - I'll make it again.
Genevieve says
Thank you, Wendy!