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    Home » Recipes » Air Fryer

    The Best Air Fryer Pears [With oven instructions too!]

    Published: Feb 23, 2022 by Rosa · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

    286 shares
    JUMP TO RECIPE

    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!

    Air fried pears in white dish with granola and chopped nuts on top.

    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.

    Air fried pears in white dish with granola and pecans sprinkled on top.
    Jump to:
    • Is it healthy?
    • Ingredients + Substitutions
    • Instructions
    • Common Questions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Expert Tips
    • More air fried dishes you’ll love
    • 📖 Recipe

    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, maple syrup and seasoning on kitchen counter top.
    See recipe card for quantities.
    • 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.

    Pear slices in mixing bowl with marinade being mixed onto them.

    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)

    Pear slices in air frying basket before and after air frying.

    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!

    Golden brown pears with glaze on top in white serving dish.

    Common Questions

    What are the best pears to use?

    I like Bartlett pears for this dish since they are the juiciest. But you may use any variety, as long as they are ripe.

    Can I make these in my oven?

    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.

    How can I top air fryer pears?

    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

    • Air fried banana chips in white bowl.
      Air Fryer Bananas
    • close up of cooked spaghetti squash sliced in half with parmesan cheese and parsley garnish on top.
      Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash [Healthy+Low Cal]
    • plate with large hash browns and fruit scattered around the dish
      Air Fryer Hash Browns From Scratch [Oil Free Option]
    • close up of bowl full of air fried broccoli
      Air Fryer Broccoli w/ Oil Free Option

    If you tried this recipe, please let me know about it in the comments below. I always love hearing from you! Don’t forget to Subscribe to This Healthy Kitchen to be among the first to get my new recipes! You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter to see more delicious food and get all the latest updates.

    Buon appetito

    Rosa

    📖 Recipe

    Air fried pears in white dish with granola and chopped nuts on top.

    Air Fryer Pears

    Sweet, soft, caramel-ly, incredibly delicious air fryer pears! Transform your ripe pears into a healthy dessert the entire family will love.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Add to Collection Go to Collections
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 8 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 13 minutes minutes
    Course: Breakfast, Dessert
    Cuisine: Not Specified
    Servings: 2
    Calories: 156kcal
    Author: Rosa

    Equipment

    Ninja Foodi appliance on white background.
    Ninja Foodi Air Fryer

    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
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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.

    Notes

    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. Spoon them into your basket carefully to prevent breaking and arrange them in a single layer. If you have leftover marinade in the bottom of the bowl, reserve it to glaze over your pears once cooked.
    In the unlikely event you have leftovers, place them in a sealed container in your refrigerator for 2-3 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 156kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 218mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 53IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 1mg
    DID YOU TRY THIS RECIPE?Mention @this.healthy.kitchen on IG and tag #thishealthykitchen!
    *Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools and does not include optional ingredients unless otherwise indicated.
    286 shares

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    Comments

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    1. Rene

      March 16, 2022 at 7:21 am

      5 stars
      Loved this recipe!! Very delicious, and easy!! It’s like dessert ❤

      Reply
      • Rosa

        March 16, 2022 at 9:21 am

        Thrilled you enjoyed Rene! Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Rosa! Welcome to This Healthy Kitchen where you'll find tasty and nutritious, plant-based recipes. I'm an avid home cook who believes food is medicine. Each recipe is made using wholesome ingredients and under 400 calories per serving with many gluten-free and oil-free options. Occasional cheat days included. 😉

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    286 shares