Warm air fryer pears coated in butter and brown sugar for the perfect caramelization with spicy cinnamon and comforting nutmeg granola on top. Add a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of coconut flakes, and you’ve got a scrumptious dessert or snack. Ready for your enjoyment in 20 minutes.      

Looking for a quick, easy, fry-it-and-leave-it dessert?

Then you’re going to love this recipe.

Caramelized Air Fryer Pears is sponsored by USA Pears. 

Caramelized Air Fryer Pears are perfect for situations like: 

• A dessert for unexpected company
• A treat for a neighbor or friend
• A surprise snack for your kids just because it’s Friday

Make this recipe with ingredients you already have or your favorite toppings for an extra layer of sweet and spicy flavors.

Let’s start frying!

What Are Air Fryer Pears?

They’re pears that are halved, coated in butter, sugar, and spices and finished with your favorite toppings. The air fryer keeps the pears soft and juicy inside with a crispy layer on the outside, especially when you leave the skin on. If you’ve ever had grilled fruit, this is similar but with less work. 

One of our favorite things about using an air fryer with fruit is that you can pop in the pears and leave them alone to caramelize. No flipping is necessary, like on a grill. And by the time you’re done cleaning the kitchen, the air fryer is done, and you’ve got a bowl full of warm and cozy flavors to end your day. 

Why Use an Air Fryer?

You could bake your pears, and they’ll still be warm, soft, and juicy. But it’s difficult to get the skin to crisp up on the outside without the inside becoming overcooked and mushy. Convection ovens use a fan to distribute electric or gas heat. The air fryer uses fans in a similar way to blow hot air around, so the outside cooks first. This keeps the inside of your pears juicy and crispy on the outside.

Since the air fryer is much smaller than an oven, it heats up quickly to reduce cooking time. It doesn’t need as much cooking fat, so it’s better for you, and it often cuts back on a mess to clean up later. 

Less time, less oil, and less clean up. 

What’s not to love?

Air Fryer Tips

Feeling unsure about using your air fryer? Here are a few tips to help you get the best caramelization on your pears without burning them. 

Preheat your air fryer. This makes the air extremely hot when you add your pears, so they start to cook right away, reducing cook time.

Keep an eye on your pears. The strength of air fryers varies depending on which brand you have. Check on your pears around the 10-minute mark to make sure they aren’t browning too fast. If your pears look a little brown, lower the temperature by 20-25℉. If they’re cooking slower, add 1-3 minutes to the cooking time.

Use slightly firm pears. Very ripe pears could become mushy after they’re “fried.” It’s best to use pears on the more firm side, so they hold up better during the cooking process. 

Ingredients

One of the best things about this recipe is that you likely have most of the ingredients on hand. 

You’ll need:

• 4 Red Anjou USA Pears
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 4 tablespoons granola

Customize your air fryer pears with your favorite toppings. We used whipped cream, honey, and coconut flakes for an easy balance between hot and cold and soft and crunchy.  You can also top yours with yogurt, ice-cream or eat it just by itself with a cup of tea. 

How to Air Fry Pears

Step 1

Preheat your air fryer to 375℉ and line the basket with parchment paper. Then cut your pears lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.

Step 2

Melt the butter, and add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to your mixing bowl.

Step 3

Mix the ingredients together.

Step 4

Put the pears in the sugar mixture until coated.

Step 5

Place them cut-side up in the air fryer.

Step 6

Mix the granola and the remaining sugar mixture and scoop it into an even layer on the pears. Air fry for 10-15 minutes.

Step 7

Top with whipped cream, honey, and coconut flakes, and serve.

How to Store

If you have leftovers, store your dessert pears in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. We don’t recommend freezing them. When you’re ready to heat them up, there are two options: the microwave or the air fryer. 

Pop your pears in the air fryer at 350℉ for 3-4 minutes to keep the outside crispy. Or microwave your pears for about one minute. Remember if you microwave them, they’ll be softer and likely lose their crunch on the outside. 

FAQs

Can you air fry pears?

Absolutely. I’m sure you enjoy baked fruit pies, right? When pears are cooked, they enhance the subtle sweetness and become juicier than when you eat them raw. And it’s more nutrient dense than other desserts, so you can forget about the guilt of eating something sweet.

Can you eat the peel of a pear?

Of course. Like many other fruits, pears are packed with nutrients… in the skin. Pears have been known to promote heart health, fight inflammation, and help with weight loss. The skin adds nutrition, and you get a crackly outside.

Can I serve these pears cold?

This dessert is warm and comforting, straight out of the air fryer. But it does taste delicious cold, especially during the summer at a backyard BBQ. Top it with ice cream for a treat the whole family will love.

Why We Love USA Pears

Washington and Oregon comprise the largest pear-producing region in the nation in the United States. The nearly 800 grower families in the Pacific Northwest take pride in the quality of each pear they grow, so you can enjoy them with your family.

February is American Heart Month. What better way to celebrate or give special attention to your cardiovascular health than with some homegrown, tasty food?

Celebrate heart month the best way we know how — with caramelized air fryer pears!

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