Sweet, soft, caramel-ly, incredibly delicious air fryer pears! Transform your ripe pears into a healthy dessert the entire family will love. It’s naturally vegan and gluten free too!
Although pears are typically harvested around late summer and early fall, this staple food is available at grocery stores all year long.
So don’t wait to try these, you will not regret it!
These uh-mazing air fryer pears were inspired by my “baked” apples and air fried “grilled” pineapple slices. Sprinkle with granola, coconut flakes, and chopped pecans for the ultimate healthy treat!
And if you’re new to air frying, this recipe is PERFECT for beginners.
Jump to:
Is it healthy?
Yes, as far as dessert goes, I’d say this on the healthier end, for sure!
- It’s refined sugar free, low in calories, low fat (virtually fat free), no butter and no oil, or any refined ingredients for that matter!
Ingredients + Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pears: I like Bartlett pears as they’re the juiciest variety which caramelizes so beautifully when air fried. Other great options include Anjou or Bosc pears. Either way, make sure your pears are ripe.
- Maple syrup: Use pure unrefined maple syrup to keep this dessert refined sugar free. If you don’t have or don’t enjoy maple syrup, you may use another liquid sweetener such as date syrup, honey (if not vegan) or agave.
- Cinnamon + nutmeg: These add lovely warming flavours and you may skip if needed, but I highly recommend including both.
Instructions
(This is a summary with step by step photos, full recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)
Wash and peel pears. (Or leave the peel on for extra fiber if you don’t mind their texture.) Then cut into quarters and remove the core. Place in a small bowl. (photo 1)
Add the maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and mix to evenly coat the pear slices. (photos 2-3)
NOTE: Mix very gently so you don’t break the pears.
Place pears in the basket of your fryer in a single layer. Air fry until golden brown and caramelized, approx. 8-12 minutes. (photos 4-5)
Carefully transfer your air fryer pears to a dish and top with granola, coconut flakes, and chopped pecans if you’d like. Or enjoy them plain.
They’re delicious either way!
Common Questions
I like Bartlett pears for this dish since they are the juiciest. But you may use any variety, as long as they are ripe.
Yes! Preheat your oven to 380 degrees F (190 C). Then follow the same preparation steps in the recipe card below. Place the pears on a parchment-lined tray and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden and caramelized.
The options are (almost) endless. Make it breakfast-friendly with granola and chopped nuts, or use the pears to top your oatmeal. Or make it a decadent treat and serve in dessert plates with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of maple syrup or caramel sauce.
Variations
Want to change it up? Try one of these variations!
- Sweet and spicy: Skip the cinnamon and nutmeg and use ¼ – ½ teaspoon (depending on your tolerance) of red chili flakes along with the maple syrup.
- Savoury: – Use soy sauce/Tamari instead of maple syrup with half a teaspoon of cumin or chili powder.
- Lemony: Use 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice with ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger.
Equipment
We use a Ninja Foodi 8 quart. However, you may use any model for these air fryer pears. Just note that different models will have varying cook times. So make sure to check on your pears often, especially towards the end of cooking.
Storage
It’s very unlikely that you will have leftovers since this pear recipe makes a small amount. But if you do, you may refrigerate for 2-3 days in a sealed container.
You may reheat your leftovers in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
I do not recommend freezing.
Expert Tips
- Use pears that are ripe for the sweetest, juiciest results.
- Try and cut your pear slices into equal size pieces for even cooking. If some pieces are larger, they won't be as soft, although, still delicious.
- Don’t dump the pears into your basket. Use a slotted spoon and carefully place in your basket to prevent breaking and arrange them in a single layer. If you have leftover marinade in the bottom of the bowl, save it to glaze over your pears once cooked.
More air fried dishes you’ll love
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Buon appetito
Rosa
📖 Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Bartlett pears ripe
- 1.5 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
Optional Toppings
- granola
- coconut flakes
- chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Wash and peel your pears. (Or you may leave the skins on if preferred.) Then cut them into quarters, scrape seeds and remove the core. Place in a small mixing bowl.
- Add the maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg on top and mix gently, until evenly coated.
- Spoon the coated pears in a single layer in your basket and air fry at 380 degrees F (190 C) for 8-12 minutes until golden and caramelized. Do not dump!
- Carefully remove the pears from your basket and serve topped with granola, coconut flakes, and chopped pecans or walnuts. Enjoy.
Rene says
Loved this recipe!! Very delicious, and easy!! It’s like dessert ❤
Rosa says
Thrilled you enjoyed Rene! Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂