These warm caramelized air fryer pears are the perfect healthy dessert or breakfast that everyone will love! They taste like cozy cinnamon-baked pears, take 15 minutes, and are vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free.
The best air fryer caramelized pears
There is something about warm air fryer fruit that hits differently. Unlike baking, the air fryer makes fruit soft and tender (not mushy) and brings out all its natural sweetness. It caramelizes everything perfectly. If you’re like me, you’ll love these maple-glazed air fryer apples and caramelized air fryer pineapple too.
Anyways, 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 by using coconut oil or vegan butter.
Air fryer pears 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!
I make air-fried pears at least 3 times a week – they are that delicious! My family begs me to make them all the time too. The best part is that they only take 10 minutes to air fry. So simple and so easy!
Why you’ll love this healthy recipe:
- Air fryer pears are ready in under 15 minutes.
- They are soft, tender, and warm.
- The pears are caramelized and cinnamon flavored.
- This recipe is healthy and gluten-free.
- Easily make them dairy-free and vegan.
- Perfect for breakfast, snack, and dessert.
- No refined sugars!
- Try these warm maple-glazed air fryer apples next!
The taste and texture
These air fryer pears taste like sweet and buttery caramelized cinnamon-baked pears. The main flavor comes from the coconut sugar and cinnamon.
Once air fried, the pears are soft, tender, and caramelized. They truly taste like the best-baked pears you will ever eat, and they only take 10 minutes to air fry!
Best types of pears to use
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.
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 suagr free, but you can also substitute it with light or dark brown sugar.
- Cinnamon: For all the delicious fall flavors.
Kitchen tools required
Here is a list of kitchen utensils you will need to make these easy air-fried pears.
- Air Fryer
- Tongs
- Measuring Tools: 1/4 teaspoon and 1 Tablespoon.
How to make 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 tip for air fryer pears
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 hard core.
Use ripe but firm pears. If you 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.
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.
Use maple syrup or brown sugar instead. Feel free to use maple syrup or brown sugar instead of coconut sugar! I left instructions in the recipe card below.
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 to serve with air fryer pears
The sky is the limit because you can enjoy air fryer pears as a snack, breakfast, or dessert! Here are my ideas:
Dessert:
Personally, I love enjoying air fryer pears as a healthy dessert with some vanilla ice cream, frozen yogurt, or whipped cream.
Breakfast:
Skip the ice cream and add your air fryer pears to an oatmeal bowl for a yummy breakfast! You can even serve it with a scoop of yogurt and a sprinkle of granola.
Snack:
Enjoy these air-fried pears on their own as a little afternoon snack. They are delicious and naturally sweet!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use maple syrup instead?
Yes, you can use maple syrup in place of the coconut sugar. Simply mix together 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.
Are they vegan?
Air fryer pears are vegan if you use vegan butter or coconut oil.
What can I use instead of butter?
You can use vegan butter (I like Earth Balance) or coconut oil.
What’s the best substitute for coconut sugar?
Light brown sugar is the best substitute for coconut sugar. For this recipe, you can also use dark brown sugar.
Are they gluten-free?
Yes, this air fryer pears recipe is gluten-free.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can certainly 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.
How to store and reheat:
Storing: For best results, store leftover air fryer pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 20 – 40 seconds or until warm or in the air fryer at 350°F for 4 – 7 minutes.
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!
Air Fryer Pears
Ingredients
- 2 firm but ripe pears, (Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou)
- 1 tbsp salted butter or vegan butter, melted
- 1 – 2 tbsp coconut sugar
- ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 330°F.
- Wash and dry the pears, cut them in half lengthwise, then use a cookie scooper or spoon to scoop out the core and seeds.
- 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.
- Place the pear halves cut side up in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping.
- Air fry for 10 – 15 minutes, until caramelized and fork tender.
- Serve warm with ice cream, yogurt, and/or a sprinkle of your favorite granola. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. In full disclosure, by purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!
Sharing is caring!
Leave a Reply