These caramelized air fryer peaches are the perfect healthy dessert everyone will love! They are tender and sweet and only take 15 minutes to bake—an easy vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free recipe.
The best 15-minute air fryer peach recipe
Peaches are the best Summer fruit. They’re juicy, sweet, and incredibly delicious. You guys already absolutely love my #1 ranked healthy peach crisp and this peach cobbler pound cake, so I cannot wait to hear what you think about this easy air fryer recipe.
This air fryer peach recipe is so easy to make in under 15 minutes and calls for five simple ingredients. You need ripe peaches, maple syrup, coconut sugar, vegan or regular butter, and cinnamon. The peaches are sweet, caramelized, and bursting with flavor.
These air fryer peaches are bursting with flavor and an excellent option for those following a vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free lifestyle. This recipe is super customizable too since you can use brown sugar instead of coconut sugar, coconut oil instead of butter, and honey instead of maple syrup.
Air fryers can seriously cook anything! It’s a versatile kitchen appliance known for its ability to crisp up foods with minimal oil. This baking method enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches and caramelizes them, all while preserving their nutritional value. It’s time to indulge in guilt-free dessert goodness and experience the pure joy of heavenly air fryer peaches!
Why you’ll love this easy recipe:
- They are super juicy, sweet, and caramelized.
- Easier and quicker to make than baked or grilled peaches.
- They are gluten-free and healthy.
- An easy, 5 ingredients air fryer dessert recipe.
- They’re vegan and dairy-free too.
- Everyone will love this recipe, even picky eaters.
- Top with Greek yogurt, ice cream, whipped cream, and/or granola.
- Better than baked peaches!
- Try these air fryer apples or air fryer pears next!
The taste and texture
Air fryer peaches have a wonderfully sweet and tender flavor with a hint of caramelization. The primary flavors come from the vanilla extract, fresh peaches, and a hint of cinnamon.
The interior of the peaches becomes tender and juicy as they cook in the air fryer, while the exterior develops a thin caramelized crust. Overall, the air frying process intensifies the natural sweetness of the peaches, resulting in a rich and succulent taste.
What makes this recipe healthy?
This air fryer peach recipe is healthy for a few reasons.
- Only 5 simple and wholesome ingredients: peaches, cinnamon, coconut oil, coconut sugar, and maple syrup.
- No added refined sugar. These air-fried peaches are naturally sweet.
- No flour. Which makes this recipe gluten-free.
- Make them vegan and dairy-free. Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter.
Ingredients and easy substitutions
You’ll need five simple, healthy, and wholesome ingredients to make these sweet, caramelized air fryer peaches. There is no refined sugar, oils, flour, or gluten! Trust me, you probably have all these ingredients in your pantry already. Here is a list of ingredients so you have every prepared:
- Peaches: The first and most important ingredient is peaches. You’ll need two ripe but slightly firm peaches. I used yellow peaches, but white peaches will work too.
- Butter: You can use salted butter, vegan butter, or coconut oil. This helps soften the peaches as they air fry and allows the coconut sugar to stick to the skin.
- Maple Syrup: This glazes the peaches and makes them sweet and delicious!
- Coconut Sugar: You can also use light or dark brown sugar. The sugar caramelizes as the peaches air fry, which gives them a slightly crunchy sugar crust.
- Cinnamon: This adds the most wonderful flavor. Honestly, they taste like peach cobbler or peach pie.
Kitchen tools required
Here is a list of kitchen utensils you will need to make these caramelized air fryer peaches.
- Air Fryer
- Tongs
- Cutting Board + Sharp Kitchen Knife
- Parchment Paper or Non-Stick Silicone Sheet
- Measuring Tools: 3/4 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, and 1 Tablespoon.
How to make caramelized air fryer peaches
Making air fryer peaches is so easy. This recipe takes about 15 minutes total, including prep time and cleaning. Plus, any level cook can make these air-fried baked peaches because it doesn’t require professional skill! Here are detailed step-by-step instructions for any level cook:
Step 1:
First, preheat your air fryer to 330°F.
Step 2:
Wash and dry the peaches, then cut them in half lengthwise and remove the pits.
Step 3:
Mix the maple syrup, sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Please set it to the side.
Step 4:
Carefully line the bottom of your air fryer with parchment paper. Brush the melted butter on the cut side of the peaches and then place the peach halves cut side DOWN (skin-side up) in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
Step 5:
Air fry at 350°F for 6 minutes. Then, carefully flip the peaches over with tongs. Brush the maple sugar on the cut side of the peaches.
Step 6:
Air fryer for another 6 – 8 minutes until caramelized and fork tender. They shouldn’t have burned edges! They should be golden.
The peaches will be soft, so I like to use a big spoon or spatula to place them in a bowl or on a serving plate. Serve warm with ice cream, honey, yogurt, and/or a sprinkle of your favorite granola. Enjoy!
Expert recipe tips
- Choose ripe peaches: Opt for ripe but firm peaches, as they will hold their shape better during the cooking process.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer sweeter peaches, you can adjust the amount of sugar or maple syrup in the recipe to suit your taste. Taste the mixture before brushing it onto the peaches and adjust accordingly.
- Use parchment paper: Line the bottom of the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This will also help the peaches retain their shape when flipping.
- Flip the peaches carefully: When flipping the peaches halfway through cooking, use tongs to gently turn them over to avoid any damage to the delicate flesh.
- Use frozen peaches. I recommend using fresh peaches, but you can use frozen peaches if peaches are out of season. Keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different than fresh peaches. Simply, thaw the frozen peaches before air frying, and pat them dry to remove excess moisture. They require slightly longer cooking times compared to fresh peaches, so increase the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure the peaches are fully cooked and caramelized. Keep an eye on them and adjust as needed.
- Test for doneness: To ensure the frozen peaches are fully cooked, use a fork to gently pierce the flesh. They should be tender and easily pierced. Don’t let them burn!
- Serve warm: Air fryer peaches are best enjoyed warm. Allow them to cool slightly after cooking, but serve them promptly to savor their delicious texture and flavor.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with various toppings to enhance the flavors of your air fryer peaches. Consider serving them with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, a dollop of yogurt, or a sprinkle of your favorite granola.
What is the best type of peach to air fry?
When it comes to air frying peaches, the best type of peach to use is one that is ripe but still firm. I love yellow peaches, but it’s up to you which one you like best. Some popular choices for air frying include:
- Yellow Peaches: are the most common type of peach, known for their sweet flavor and slightly tart undertones. They are versatile and work well in various recipes.
- White Peaches: White peaches have a milder, sweeter taste than yellow peaches. They often have a more delicate and floral flavor profile, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a subtle sweetness.
- Donut Peaches: Also known as Saturn peaches, these peaches have a unique flat shape and a slightly sweeter taste. They are often less acidic than other varieties and can add a delightful flavor to air fryer peach recipes.
What to serve with air fryer peaches:
Air fryer peaches can be served in various ways, either as a standalone dessert or as a complement to other dishes. Here are some ideas on what to serve with air fryer peaches:
- Yogurt: Serve air fryer peaches over a bowl of plain or vanilla Greek, dairy-free, or vegan yogurt. The creamy and tangy yogurt provides a refreshing balance to the sweet peaches.
- Whipped Cream: Top your air fryer peaches with a dollop of dairy-free or vegan whipped cream for an added touch of indulgence.
- Ice Cream: Pair warm air fryer peaches with a scoop of your favorite ice cream. I love vanilla. You can use dairy-free or vegan ice cream too.
- Mascarpone: You can even try mascarpone, my family loves this combination.
- Granola: Sprinkle some crunchy granola over the air fryer peaches to add texture and a hint of nuttiness.
- Graham Crackers: Crush up 1 or 2 sheets of honey graham crackers for the best crunchy topping.
- Nuts: Crushed or chopped nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans, can be sprinkled on top of the air fryer peaches for added crunch and flavor.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: Drizzle some natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey over the peaches to enhance their sweetness and add extra richness.
- Fresh Mint: Garnish the dish with a few fresh mint leaves to add a touch of freshness and a pop of color.
- Oatmeal or Pancakes: Serve air fryer peaches as a topping for a bowl of warm oatmeal or a stack of fluffy pancakes for a delicious breakfast or brunch option.
- Salad: Peaches are sweet and perfect for a savory salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen peaches?
You can use frozen peaches for this air fryer recipe, but remember that the texture will be slightly different from fresh peaches. Simply, thaw the frozen peaches before air frying, and pat them dry to remove excess moisture. While fresh peaches offer the best flavor and texture, frozen peaches can still result in a delicious dessert.
Can I use canned peaches?
I do not recommend using canned peaches for this air fryer recipe.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can make as many air fryer peaches as you would like. Just ensure they do not overlap as they air fry, so you may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer basket is small.
Can I make this recipe single-serve?
Yes, cut the ingredients in half and just use one peach instead of two.
Can I bake them in the oven instead of an air fryer?
You can use a regular oven to cook peaches, but the result may not be the same as using an air fryer. The air fryer provides quick and even heating, resulting in a crispier, more caramelized texture and faster cooking time. You can still enjoy baked peaches in the oven if you don’t have an air fryer. Simply preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 15 – 20 minutes.
Are air fryer peaches healthier than traditional fried desserts?
Absolutely! Air fryer peaches are a healthier alternative to traditional fried desserts. Using minimal butter (or oil) significantly reduces the fat and calories typically associated with deep frying. The air fryer preserves the natural flavors and nutrients of the peaches while achieving a delightfully sweet, caramelized exterior.
Can I prepare air fryer peaches ahead of time?
While it’s best to enjoy air fryer peaches fresh for optimal flavor and texture, you can prepare some components in advance. For example, you can slice the peaches and toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning, but save the air frying step until just before serving. This way, you can minimize prep time when you’re ready to indulge in this delicious treat.
What’s the best temperature to air fryer peaches?
You should air fry peaches at 330 degrees Fahrenheit (165°C) for 10 – 12 minutes.
Are peaches in season?
Peaches are in season from June to August.
How many peaches are in a pound?
There are typically 3 to 4 medium-sized peaches in one pound.
How to store and reheat:
Storing: If you have leftovers, allow the air-fried peaches to cool completely. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and store the peaches in the refrigerator for 2 – 3 days. Remember, their texture may soften slightly when refrigerated.
Reheating: There are a few options for reheating air fryer peaches, depending on your preference:
- Microwave: place the peaches in a microwave-safe dish and heat them in 20-30 seconds intervals to ensure they are not burning.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 325°F (163°C). Place the peaches in a baking dish and cover them with foil. Heat for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through.
- Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the peaches in a single layer in the basket. Reheat for 3-5 minutes or until they are warmed to your liking.
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Did you make this recipe?
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Air Fryer Peaches
Ingredients
- 2 peaches, ripe but slightly firm
- 1 tbsp butter or vegan butter, melted
- 1 – 2 tbsp maple syrup, depending on your desired sweetness level
- 1 tbsp coconut sugar or brown sugar
- ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of flakey sea salt
- Serving Ideas: vanilla ice cream (dairy-free or regular), Greek yogurt, whipped cream, granola, crushed graham crackers, walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 330°F (165°C).
- Wash and dry the peaches, then cut them in half lengthwise and remove the pits.
- In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, sugar, and cinnamon. Set the mixture aside.
- Carefully line the bottom of your air fryer basket with parchment paper. Then, brush the melted butter onto the cut side of the peach halves and place the peach halves cut side down (skin-side up) in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Air fry the peaches for 6 minutes.
- Using tongs, carefully flip the peaches over. Brush the maple sugar mixture onto the cut side of the peaches.
- Continue air frying for another 6-8 minutes until the peaches are caramelized, fork-tender, and golden. Avoid letting the edges burn.
- The peaches will be soft, so I like to use a big spoon or spatula to place them in a bowl or on a serving plate. Serve warm with ice cream, honey, yogurt, and/or a sprinkle of your favorite granola. Enjoy!
Nutrition
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