Air Fryer Caramelized Pears

How to Make Air Fryer Caramelized Pears

1. 1

   Step 1: Prep the pears

   Wash pears and slice them in half lengthwise; use a small spoon or melon baller to remove the core and seeds. Pat the cut sides dry so the glaze will adhere and set the halves cut-side up on a plate while you make the glaze.

   For this step

   • 3 mediumMedium ripe pears (Bosc or Bartlett), halved and cored
   
2. 2

   Step 2: Make the caramel glaze

   In a small microwave-safe bowl or in a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, then stir in the brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt until smooth and glossy. Let the glaze cool 1–2 minutes so it thickens slightly but is still pourable.

   For this step

   • 2 tablespoonsUnsalted butter
   • 2 tablespoonsLight brown sugar, packed
   • 1 tablespoonFresh lemon juice
   • 1 teaspoonPure vanilla extract
   • 1/2 teaspoonGround cinnamon
   • a pinchKosher salt
   
3. 3

   Step 3: Air-fry the pears

   Brush or spoon about two-thirds of the glaze evenly over the cut sides of the pear halves and arrange them cut-side up in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed). Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, basting once with the remaining glaze and flipping the basket or rotating halves halfway through, until pears are tender and glaze is caramelized.
   
4. 4

   Step 4: Finish and serve

   Transfer the warm pears to a serving plate and drizzle with the optional maple syrup for extra shine and flavor. Serve immediately with yogurt, ricotta, ice cream, waffles, or sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.

   For this step

   • 1 tablespoonPure maple syrup (optional, for finishing)
   

1. Wash pears and slice them in half lengthwise; use a small spoon or melon baller to remove the core and seeds. Pat the cut sides dry so the glaze will adhere and set the halves cut-side up on a plate while you make the glaze.
2. In a small microwave-safe bowl or in a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, then stir in the brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt until smooth and glossy. Let the glaze cool 1–2 minutes so it thickens slightly but is still pourable.
3. Brush or spoon about two-thirds of the glaze evenly over the cut sides of the pear halves and arrange them cut-side up in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed). Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, basting once with the remaining glaze and flipping the basket or rotating halves halfway through, until pears are tender and glaze is caramelized.
4. Transfer the warm pears to a serving plate and drizzle with the optional maple syrup for extra shine and flavor. Serve immediately with yogurt, ricotta, ice cream, waffles, or sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.