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This air fryer pears recipe has quickly become one of our favorite ways to enjoy this naturally sweet and juicy fruit! When Ella was a child, I loved making baked pears for her since they were one of her favorite fruits. Now, the air fryer takes this classic to the next level transforming pears into a perfectly tender, caramelized treat in a fraction of the time. It’s quick, easy, and so satisfying! Whether for dessert, a snack, or breakfast, I can’t wait for you to try these delicious air fryer pears.

Table of Contents
- Why You Will Love Air Fryer Pears
- What Are Air Fryer Pears?
- Ingredients Needed
- The Best Pears For Air Frying
- How To Make Air Fryer Pears
- How Long To Cook Pears In The Air Fryer
- Serving Suggestions
- Expert Tips
- Storage Instructions
- Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Recipes To Try Next!
- AIR FRYER PEARS Recipe
Why You Will Love Air Fryer Pears
- They are a delicious treat!
- This whole recipe is ready in just about 15 minutes!
- Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add a cozy flavor.
- They’re quick and easy to make with minimal prep.
- They have a perfect texture! They’re soft on the inside with caramelized edges.
- Air fryer pears are elegant yet incredibly simple to prepare.
- You can enjoy these air-fried pears for dessert, breakfast, or even a snack.
- There is no butter needed for this recipe and only a light spray of oil.
What Are Air Fryer Pears?
Air fryer pears are a simple and delicious treat made by cooking fresh pears in an air fryer. The air frying process enhances their natural sweetness, creating tender, caramelized pears with a slightly crisp exterior. We added cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup to give the pears the ultimate flavor! Enjoy them as a healthy dessert, a topping for yogurt or oatmeal, or a quick snack. Plus, this recipe is easy to prepare with just five simple ingredients.
Ingredients Needed

- Pears: Use two ripe pears for this recipe. Bosc, Bartlet, Anjou, or Concorde pears work great.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzle with maple syrup, honey, or sugar-free maple syrup. This helps caramelize the pears as they air fry.
- Cinnamon: Add ground cinnamon for a warm and cozy flavor.
- Nutmeg: A touch of ground nutmeg for another layer of flavor.
- Walnuts: As an option, add chopped walnuts or pecans for added flavor and crunch.
The Best Pears For Air Frying
Several types of pears are perfect for air frying. Here are a few great options.
- Bosc Pears: These pears have a firm and buttery texture with a sweet flavor and hold their shape well.
- Anjou Pears: These pears are mildly sweet and have a smooth texture.
- Bartlett Pears: They are sweet and juicy and have a softer texture when air-fried.
- Concorde Pears: They are very sweet with a hint of vanilla flavor.
How To Make Air Fryer Pears
Step 1: Wash and dry the pears. Then, evenly slice the pears in half lengthwise. After that, use a spoon, a small cookie scoop, a melon baller, or a one-teaspoon measuring spoon to scoop out the seeds and core.

Step 2: Mix the maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl.

Step 3: Brush the cinnamon-maple syrup mixture onto the cut sides of the pears, reserving some of the mixture for later.

Step 4: Add a parchment paper liner to your air fryer basket. Then, place the pears in the basket with the cut side up. If you’re using chopped nuts, mix them into the remaining cinnamon-maple syrup mixture and spoon them into the hollowed-out center of each pear. If you’re not using nuts, save the syrup mixture to drizzle on top after cooking for an extra touch of sweetness.

Step 5: Lightly spray the cut sides of the pears with coconut oil.
Step 6: Air fry the pears until fork tender and caramelized.
Step 7: Let the pears slightly cool before serving.

How Long To Cook Pears In The Air Fryer
No preheating is required, but if you don’t preheat, your pears will cook closer to the lower end of the time range. Air fry the pears at 350°F, adjusting the cooking time based on their ripeness.
- Slightly Firm Pears: Cook for 12–14 minutes, until tender.
- Ripe Pears: We used ripe pears for this recipe. Cook them for 10-12 minutes.
- Very Ripe Pears: These cook the fastest, check them at 6–8 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Let the pears cool slightly before serving but enjoy them warm. For an indulgent touch, serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt, whipped cream, dairy-free coconut whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They’re also delicious topped with granola or sliced and added to a cottage cheese or yogurt bowl. For another option, serve them alongside a small charcuterie board as a delicious dessert. We love enjoying these pears with a cup of warm spiced apple cider or hot tea.
Expert Tips
- Parchment Paper: We recommend placing a parchment paper liner in your air fryer basket before adding the sliced pears. This makes for a super easy clean-up afterward.
- Check If Done: If your pears are very ripe, start checking them at the 8-minute mark to prevent overcooking.
- How To Know If The Pears Are Done: The pears are done when a fork pierces them with little resistance and the edges are golden brown with a slight caramelization.
- Pears To Use: Slightly firm pears work best for air frying as they hold their shape. Very ripe pears will cook faster, so keep an eye on them.
- How To Scoop Out The Seeds: Use a spoon, a small cookie scoop, a melon baller, or a one-teaspoon measuring spoon to scoop out the seeds.
- Air Fry More Pears: You can air fry more than two pears if needed. Just adjust based on how many pears you want to air fry and cook them in batches so you don’t overcrowd the air fryer.
Storage Instructions
Storing: You can store leftover air-fried pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
Reheating: Reheat them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes, in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
Variations
- Sweetener Swap: You can use maple syrup, honey, agave syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar for this recipe.
- Sugar-Free Option: To make this recipe sugar-free, use sugar-free maple syrup or a sugar-free brown sugar substitute.
- Add More Spices: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for extra warmth.
- Spice Substitution: Swap the cinnamon and nutmeg for 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice for a slightly different flavor.
- Nut-Free Option: Skip the nuts and use oats or granola for a crumble-like topping.
- Savory Flavor: Omit the sweetener and top with crumbled goat cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Bake The Pears: No air fryer? You can bake these pears in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, until tender and caramelized. Place them cut side up in a baking dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Pears Work Best For Air Frying?
Bosc, Bartlett, or Anjou pears hold their shape well. Avoid overly soft pears unless you prefer a very tender texture.
Do You Have To Peel Pears Before Air Frying?
No, you don’t have to peel pears before air frying them. The skin softens during cooking and adds extra fiber and nutrients. However, if you prefer a smoother texture, you can peel them.
How Do You Know When The Pears Are Done?
The pears are done when you can easily pierce them with a fork. Also, the edges should be golden brown and have a slight caramelization.
Is This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, this air fryer pears recipe is naturally vegan. Just make sure to sweeten the pears with maple syrup, not honey.
Are Air Fryer Pears Gluten-Free?
Yes, they are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any toppings you add are also gluten-free.
More Recipes To Try Next!
- Air Fryer Peaches
- Air Fryer Apples
- Crispy Air Fryer Green Beans
- Pear Walnut Blue Cheese Salad
- Air Fryer Pineapple
- Air Fryer Red Potatoes
If you try this recipe please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you.
AIR FRYER PEARS

Ingredients
- 2 ripe pears, we used Bosc, Bartlett, Anjou, or Concorde will also work
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup, honey, or sugar-free maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans, optional
- Greek yogurt, whipped cream, or ice cream, optional
Instructions
- Wash and dry the pears. Then, evenly slice the pears in half lengthwise. After that, use a spoon, a small cookie scoop, a melon baller, or a one-teaspoon measuring spoon to scoop out the seeds and core.
- Mix the maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl.
- Brush the cinnamon-maple syrup mixture onto the cut sides of the pears, reserving some of the mixture for later.
- Add a parchment paper liner to your air fryer basket for easy clean-up. Place the pears in the basket cut side up. If you’re using chopped nuts, mix them into the remaining cinnamon-maple syrup mixture and spoon them into the hollowed-out center of each pear. If you’re not using nuts, save the syrup mixture to drizzle on top after cooking for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Lightly spray the cut sides of the pears with coconut oil for a crisp, golden finish.
- Air fry the pears at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and lightly caramelized. No preheating is required, but if you don’t preheat, your pears will cook closer to the lower end of the time range.
- Let the pears slightly cool before serving. As an option, serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Video

Notes
- Pears To Use: Bosc, Bartlet, Anjou, or Concorde pears work great.
- Storage: You can store leftover air-fried pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
- Bake The Pears: No air fryer? You can bake these pears in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, until tender and caramelized. Place them cut side up in a baking dish.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.