Air Fryer Pears

Warm caramelized cinnamon sugar air fryer pears are the perfect healthy dessert that everyone will love! They're better than baked pears, take under 15 minutes to make, and are vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free.

The best air fryer pear recipe

My air fryer apples are #1 on Google, so naturally, I had to make a pear version. Air fryer pears are the perfect healthy dessert and the best way to cook pears. They are sweet, caramelized, so easy to make, and have no sugar or oil. We love that they taste like an indulgent dessert but are secretly healthier since they are refined sugar-free, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free.

We love air-frying fruit for dessert in our household. There is something about warm air fryer fruit that hits differently. Unlike baking, the air fryer makes fruit soft and tender (not mushy), bringing out its natural sweetness. It caramelizes everything perfectly.

These air fryer pears are next-level delicious! They are sweet, warm, and made with only four simple ingredients. You need your favorite kind of pear, coconut sugar, butter, and cinnamon. The best part is that you can make this recipe vegan and dairy-free using coconut oil or vegan butter.

I make air-fried pears and this caramelized air fryer pineapple at least three times a week - they are that delicious! They are naturally sweet and the perfect healthier dessert, breakfast, and snack. I love them in the mornings with some Greek yogurt and granola, but you can also serve them at a dinner party or Thanksgiving with ice cream or whipped cream. The sky is the limit!

Why you'll love this healthy recipe:

• Quick & Easy: Air fryer pears are ready in under 15 minutes.
• No Oil: There is NO OIL in these air fryer pears.
• Sweet & Tender: They are soft, tender, and warm.
• Caramelized: The pears are caramelized and cinnamon-flavored.
• Healthy Dessert: This recipe is healthy and gluten-free.
• Make them Vegan: Easily make them dairy-free and vegan.
• Enjoy Any Time of Day: Perfect for breakfast, snack, and dessert.
• Low-Calorie: These air fryer pears are a great healthy, low-calorie dessert with only 80 calories per serving.
• Family Friendly: Making air fryer pears is such a family-friendly activity and perfect to make with your kids.
• Refined Sugar-Free: They are sweetened with coconut sugar, so there are no refined sugars!
• Try these warm maple-glazed air fryer apples next!

Ingredients & substitutions

You only need four ingredients to make these caramelized air fryer pears. This recipe is healthy, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly! Here is a list of everything you need so you are prepared:

• Pears: Use firm but ripe pears and make sure they are not too mushy. I used Bosc, but Bartlett and Anjou work too!
• Butter: You can use regular or vegan butter. The butter helps the coconut sugar stick to the pears and gives them a delicious flavor. I love using salted butter to get that sweet and salty flavor combination.
• Coconut Sugar: For sweetness. I love that coconut sugar is refined sugar free, but you can also substitute it with light or dark brown sugar.
• Cinnamon: For all the delicious fall flavors.

How to make caramelized air fryer pears

Air fryer pears are very easy to make in under 15 minutes. The full recipe and ingredient measurements are at the bottom of this page in the recipe card. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference.

Step 1:

First, preheat your air fryer to 330°F.

Step 2:

Then, wash and dry the pears, cut them in half lengthwise, and use a cookie scooper or spoon to scoop out the core and seeds.

Step 3:

Evenly brush the melted butter on the cut side of the pears. Then sprinkle the coconut sugar and ground cinnamon over the butter. I like to rub it in with my fingers.

Step 4:

Place the pear halves cut side up in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.

Step 5:

Finally, air fry for 10 - 15 minutes, until caramelized and fork tender. Serve warm with ice cream, yogurt, and a sprinkle of your favorite granola. Enjoy!

Expert baking tip for air fryer pears

1. Use ripe pears. This ensures tender and juicy air-fried pears. Don't use mushy, over-ripe pears; they will fall apart when you air fry them. You want to pick ones that are still a little firm.
2. Dry and pit your pears. Ensure you completely dry and remove the seeds from your pears before air frying. The leftover water can make them too soft, and no one wants to bite into the core.
3. Leave the skin on (or off): You pick. You can leave the skin on the pears or peel them before cooking.
4. Don't skip out on the butter. This ensures the coconut sugar sticks to the pears and helps them get super tender and soft. You can also use coconut oil if you prefer.
5. Every air fryer is different. I cook in air fryers A LOT, so make sure you check at the 8-minute mark to ensure the pears are not burning. You may need to add extra time or remove them early if your air fryer is overheating.
6. Substitute the coconut sugar. Feel free to use maple syrup or brown sugar instead of coconut sugar! I left instructions in the recipe card below.
7. Serve for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Air fryer pears are the perfect healthy dessert, snack, or breakfast. I left serving suggestions in the next section!

What makes this recipe healthy?

This recipe is healthy for a few reasons. First, it only calls for four simple and wholesome ingredients: pears, cinnamon, coconut oil (or butter), and coconut sugar. Second, there is no added refined sugar; these air-fried pears are naturally sweet. Third, there is no flour, making this recipe gluten-free. Fourth, these air fryer pears are dairy-free, paleo, and vegan!

Flavor variations and seasonal twists:

• Honey & Balsamic Glazed: Before air frying, glaze them with 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 - 3 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar. Perfect for Winter.
• Lemony: Add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice with ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger instead of the cinnamon. Perfect for Spring.
• Tropical Coconut Lime: Coat your pears with shredded coconut and a drizzle of fresh lime juice before air frying. Perfect for Spring and Summer.
• Maple & Walnut: Drizzle them in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup instead of coconut sugar and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts after air frying. Perfect for Fall and Winter.
• Ginger & Cardamom Spiced: Use ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger and cardamom, along with a dash of cinnamon. Perfect for Fall and Winter.
• Vanilla Bean & Bourbon: Elevate your air fryer pears with ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean seeds and a splash of bourbon. Perfect for Winter.
• Berry Compote: Serving your air-fried pears with a homemade berry compote. Ideal for spring and summer.
• Chai-Spiced: Sprinkle them with 1 teaspoon of chai spice blend instead of cinnamon before air frying. Perfect for Fall.
• Mint Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over your air-fried pears after they are done cooking and garnishing with fresh mint leaves. Perfect for any time of year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best types of pears for air frying?

I highly recommend using pears that are ripe but still firm. If you use an over-ripe and soft pear, they can get mushy when air-fried. The best pears for air frying are Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou.

Can I use maple syrup instead of coconut sugar?

Yes, you can use maple syrup in place of the coconut sugar. Mix the melted butter and maple syrup. Then, brush it to cover the cut side of the pears. I like to drizzle a little extra maple syrup on top at the end before serving.

What do they taste like?

These air fryer pears taste like sweet and buttery caramelized cinnamon-baked pears. The main flavor comes from the coconut sugar and cinnamon. They taste very similar to baked pears.

Do you peel pears before air frying?

You can choose to peel the pears before air frying or not. I leave the skin on since it's easier, and it will soften as the pears cook.

Are they vegan?

Air fryer pears are vegan if you use vegan butter or coconut oil.

What to serve with air fryer pears?

Air fryer pears pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert. For a savory option, consider serving them alongside a cheese platter with various cheeses, nuts, and crackers for a balanced and elegant appetizer.

Are pears gluten-free?

Yes, pears are naturally gluten-free, and so is this air fryer pears recipe.

Can I bake them in the oven?

Yes! You can make air fryer pears in the oven, too. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Follow the same preparation steps in the recipe card below; add the glazed pears on a parchment-lined tray and bake for 12 - 15 minutes until caramelized, tender, and golden.

Can you make air fryer pears ahead of time?

You can make them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. However, make sure to heat them before enjoying them. Air fryer pears are best served warm!

What's the best temperature to air fryer pears?

For best results, air fry pears at 330°F so they cook slowly and caramelize. The coconut sugar can burn on top if the temperature is too high.

If you love this recipe, try these next!

• Air Fryer Apples
• Air Fryer Banana Chips
• Air Fryer Pineapple
• Air Fryer S'mores
• Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

Did you make this recipe?

If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!

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