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These easy air fryer pears are coated in cinnamon sugar, have a golden caramelized exterior and are topped with a simple crisp oat crumble. They’re tender and juicy, and the topping is crispy, slightly spiced, and sweet! Just like my baked hasselback apples, this fruity dessert is so simple to make.
📝 Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Pears
If you’re in a pinch or you’re just crazing a quick sweet treat, then you’ll love these baked pears that are made in the air fryer! This recipe is a favorite in our house because of how easy yet cozy it is. Perfect for fall and winter! (P.S. no air fryer? No problem! The recipe card also includes oven instructions.)
Emily’s Recipe Notes:
- Taste: Sweet, lightly spiced with notes of caramel.
- Texture: Crispy yet tender with a golden-brown, caramelized exterior.
- Time & Difficulty: These air fryer baked pears are ready in 20 minutes, and clean up is a breeze.
- Customizability: Customize the recipe to your liking and swap out the brown sugar for a refined sugar-free alternative to make a healthier pear crisp recipe.
Ingredients
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Fresh Pears
Sweet, slightly ripe pears become tender and juicy when air fried. For baking and air frying, Bosc, Bartlett, or Anjou pears are best because they keep their shape nicely.
In this recipe, I’ve used Bosc pears and Bartlett pears since that’s what I had on hand.
For more info on different types of pears and when to use them, check out this informative article by The Spruce Eats.
Pears can be swapped for apples in this recipe. The temperature may need to be decreased to 350F and the baking time may need to be increased by about 5 minutes to cook the apples all the way through.
Spices
Ground cinnamon the perfect amount of spice. Add more or substitute the following spices for the cinnamon- apple pie spice, nutmeg or ginger.
Dairy-free Butter
This helps caramelize the exterior. Plant butter can be subbed 1 for 1 with dairy-based butter or coconut oil in this recipe.
Brown Sugar
This also helps to caramelize the exterior. Feel free to swap in maple syrup, coconut sugar (or one of these coconut sugar alternatives). You can also use Swerve’s Brown Sugar Substitute to make these pears sugar free.
Old Fashioned Oats & Pecans
For the crunchy, crisp topping! These are what make the pears taste like an air fryer pear crisp.
I used pecans for extra crunch and flavor, but you could add walnuts or chopped almonds instead.
Helpful Equipment
Below are some helpful tools to make the best vegan air fried pears.
- Air Fryer (or oven)
- Perforated Parchment Paper
- Cooking Spray
- Baking Pan (for the oven version)
🍐 Step-by-step Instructions
*Video Tutorial is Above the Recipe Card Below!*
Peel the pears (optional), and cut in half lengthwise.
Use a melon baller, paring knife, or a tablespoon to scoop the seeds out. You can also quarter the pears or create pear slices.
Melt the vegan butter in a medium-sized bowl or shallow dish. Mix in the cinnamon and brown sugar. You can also use a small bowl, and spoon the cinnamon sugar directly on top of the pears in the air fryer basket.
Place the pears into the sugar and melted butter mixture and spoon it on top of the pears.
Place the pears cut side up onto the parchment-lined air fryer basket.
Add the oats and pecans to the remaining sugar mixture. Mix to combine. Spread the rest of the topping in an even layer on top of the pears.
Air fry for 10-15 minutes at 375F, or until slightly golden on top. Or bake for 10-15 minutes at 400F, or until slightly golden.
How to Serve the Air Fryer Baked Pears
These pears are delicious on their own…but, to make the best air fryer pear dessert you can top the pears with the following:
- Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream
- Coconut Whipped Cream
- Drizzle of Maple Syrup
- A Sprinkle of Cinnamon
- Coconut Caramel Sauce
- Sprinkle of Granola
- More Pecans, Walnuts, or Slivered Almonds
All of these toppings help elevate the recipe and create an elegant dessert! A scoop of ice cream and coconut whipped cream are some of my favorite toppings that help satiate my sweet tooth.
These pears can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Note: the crisp may get a bit soggy if stored.
To reheat the pears: place them in the air fryer, and cook for 3-4 minutes at 350F, or until heated through.
Helpful Tips From Our Kitchen
Below are some tips to make the best baked pears in the air fryer!
- Preheat the air fryer: This helps make sure there’s even heat in the cavity.
- Use air fryer parchment: Parchment with perforations helps air circulation and even baking.
- Keep an eye on the pears as they cook: The strength of air fryers can vary quite a bit. I recommend keeping an eye on the pears as they get near the end of the cooking time. If the pear looks like it is cooking or browning too quickly, decrease the temperature by 20-25 degrees F (so 350F instead of 375F). If it looks like it isn’t done air frying, increase the time by 1-3 minutes.
- Use slightly ripe pears: For the best air-fried pears that retain some texture, make sure the fresh fruit isn’t overly ripe. Softer pears won’t have the best texture after baking.
FAQ
Yes, pears and other fruit can be baked or roasted in the air fryer. To make this air fryer recipe, preheat the air fryer to 375F and cook the pears for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Yes, you can use normal parchment paper, however parchment with holes provides better airflow which results in more even baking. If you don’t have parchment paper, you could use aluminum foil sprayed with baking spray. However, you may need to decrease the baking time if using foil.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Video Tutorial
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Easy Air Fryer Pears with Crisp Topping
Rate this RecipeIngredients
- 1 large Bartlett or Bosc pear, ripe yet firm
- 1 tbsp salted butter of choice, I used Country Crock Plant Butter to make this recipe vegan
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon, or use apple pie spice
- 1 tbsp light or dark brown sugar, or sub maple syrup
- 1 tbsp old fashioned oats
- 1 tbsp finely chopped pecans
- Cooking Spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) or the oven to 400°F (205°C). Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. If using an oven, line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Peel the pear (optional), and cut in half lengthwise. Use a melon baller or a tablespoon to scoop the seeds out. (You can also quarter or cut the pears into wedges.)1 large Bartlett or Bosc pear
- Melt the vegan butter in a medium sized bowl or shallow dish. Mix in the cinnamon and brown sugar.1 tbsp salted butter of choice, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tbsp light or dark brown sugar
- Place the pear halves into the sugar mixture and spoon it on top of the pears. Place the pears cut side up onto the parchment lined air fryer basket.
- Add the oats and pecans to the remaining sugar mixture. Mix to combine. Spread the rest of the topping in an even layer on top of the pears.1 tbsp old fashioned oats, 1 tbsp finely chopped pecans
- Spray the pears with cooking spray. Air fry or bake for 10-15 minutes, or until slightly golden on top. Top with ice cream, coconut whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup.TIP: Air fryers vary, so check the pears periodically as they cook to make sure they aren’t browning too quickly.Cooking Spray
Video
Recipe notes
- Preheat the air fryer: this helps ensure even heat in the cavity
- Use air fryer parchment: parchment with perforations helps air circulation and even baking
- Keep an eye on the pears as they cook: the strength of air fryers can vary quite a bit. I recommend keeping an eye on the pears as they get near the end of the cooking time. If the pear looks like it is cooking or browning too quickly, decrease the temperature by 20-25 degrees F (so 350F instead of 375F). If it looks like it isn’t done air frying, increase the time by 1-3 minutes.
- Use slightly ripe pears: for the best air-fried pears that retain some texture, make sure the fresh fruit isn’t overly ripe. Softer pears won’t have the best texture after baking.
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