Maple Air Fryer Pears
Try this flavorful Air Fryer Pears recipe featuring a creamy, protein-rich maple orange whipped cottage cheese topping. Perfect for a healthy, sweet treat or a satisfying snack!
I’m a massive fan of simple baked fruit desserts, especially during the fall –think roasted maple pears and cinnamon baked apples. So, when I got my hands on an air fryer, I couldn’t resist using it to create similar sweet treats. These air fryer pears are just what you’d expect: irresistibly sweet, perfectly caramelized, and delightfully spiced!
An air fryer is perfect for this recipe because it evenly roasts the pears, resulting in a beautiful golden and slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Additionally, the air fryer enhances the natural sweetness of the pears, with a touch of maple syrup and cinnamon, which adds to the fantastic flavor.
But it gets even better –this air fryer pear recipe is super simple to make in under 30 minutes, and your air fryer does most of the heavy lifting! I LOVE serving it with a sweet whipped cottage cheese topping –it adds a generous protein boost.
But if cottage cheese isn’t your thing, these cinnamon air fried pears make the perfect canvas for Greek yogurt, chopped nuts, ice cream, and beyond! No matter your decision, you’re in for the ultimate air fryer pear dessert experience!
Recipe highlights
- Quick and easy. This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a fuss-free dessert or snack.
- Simple ingredients. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create an impressive dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a sophisticated gourmet kitchen.
- Healthy and high-protein. Paired with the protein-rich whipped cottage cheese topping, these pears offer a nutritious treat packed with fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and approximately 15 grams of protein per serving!
Ingredients and equipment needed
- Bosc pears. This variety has a sweet, spiced flavor and holds its shape well when cooked. You can use Anjou or Bartlett pears if you can’t find Bosc pears. Make sure they are ripe but firm to the touch for the best results.
- Butter. Adds a rich, creamy flavor and helps caramelize the pears during air frying.
- Maple syrup. Adds natural caramel-like sweetness and helps create a glaze on the pears. Agave nectar, date syrup, or honey also work with a slightly different flavor profile. Adjust the amount to your preference.
- Cinnamon. Sprinkled generously for its warm, sweet, cozy, spiced flavor. You can also experiment with nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, and allspice here for a different spiced flavor.
- Apple cider. Adds moisture and infuses the pears with the essence of apple as they cook. Opt for fresh, unfiltered apple cider (or apple juice) for the best flavor.
- Optional whipped topping. I topped these pears with my creamy protein-rich whipped cottage cheese crepe filling. It’s a simple blend of cottage cheese, sweetener, orange (or lemon) zest, and a touch of vanilla. Keep reading for more delicious topping ideas for air fried pears.
Recommended equipment
- Small spoon. To scoop out the pear seeds. If you have a melon baller or a small paring knife, those work great, too!
- Basting brush. You’ll need a basting brush (I recommend a silicone one) to spread the butter on the pears easily.
- Air fryer. I swear by COSORI brand air fryers. They offer effortless even cooking and are super user-friendly.
- Parchment air fryer liners. These COSORI air fryer liners are a lifesaver! They’re designed to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Just ensure the liners fit correctly and don’t block the airflow.
- Mini food processor. For blending the cottage cheese mixture. If you don’t have one, a regular blender or an immersion blender works too.
How to bake pears in the air fryer
Step 1: Prep the pears. Slice the pears in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper and place the halved pears flesh side up.
Step 2: Butter and spice. Spoon softened butter into the cored part of each pear half and brush any remaining butter on top. Drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Step 3: Air fry. Pour apple cider into the bottom of the lined air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until the pears are tender and caramelized.
Step 4: Make the topping. While the pears are cooking, blend cottage cheese, maple syrup, orange zest, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 5: Serve. Once the pears are done, sprinkle with a bit more cinnamon, top with the whipped cottage cheese, and garnish with nuts and additional maple syrup or honey if desired. Enjoy!
Recipe tips and FAQs
- Start with softened butter. Soften the butter before use to make it easier to coat the pears. If you forget to remove it from the fridge, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it.
- Preheating the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer if your model recommends it. This helps achieve even cooking and delicious caramelization from the start.
- Monitor the cooking time. Air fryer models vary, so start checking your pears at the 15-minute mark to avoid overcooking. They should be tender and slightly caramelized.
Alternate toppings
- Whipped ricotta – Instead of cottage cheese, blend whipped ricotta with a bit of sweetener, orange zest, and vanilla.
- Greek yogurt – A healthy and protein-packed option. Sweeten it with honey or maple syrup, and add some orange zest for extra flavor.
- Frozen yogurt or ice cream – Serve these pears with a scoop of frozen yogurt, or for a more indulgent treat, top them with vanilla ice cream. The contrast of temperatures is delightful!
- Nuts and seeds – Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, almonds, or pistachios for a buttery, crunchy component. Pumpkin seeds are great for a nut-free option.
- Fresh berries – Add a pop of color and tartness. Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries pair perfectly with pears.
- Fancy garnishes – Sprinkle dark chocolate shavings, cacao nibs, or shredded coconut over the top for a decadent touch. Garnish with a few mint leaves for a gourmet-worthy dessert.
FAQ
No. However, you can make it dairy-free by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative, like coconut oil or vegan butter. Likewise, for the topping, you can use a blend of whipped coconut cream with a touch of sweetener, citrus zest, and vanilla. Or, enjoy your pears with a scoop of dairy-free frozen yogurt or ice cream.
Absolutely! You’ll follow similar steps, but add a crumble topping. Simply sprinkle a mixture of oats, flour (or a gluten-free alternative), brown sugar, and a bit of melted butter or coconut oil over the pears before air frying. You can refer to my air fryer peach crisp recipe for a delicious crumble topping. Cook at 350℉ for 15-20 minutes or until the pears are tender and the crumble topping is lightly crisped and golden.
Yes, this recipe works well with other fruits, such as apples, peaches, or plums. You’ll just need to adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the fruit you choose and its firmness.
Storing & freezing
Storing: Store any leftover air fryer pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Freezing: Store the cooled and cooked pears in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and they should keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the pears in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them in the air fryer or microwave until heated through.
More air fryer dessert recipes
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Maple Air Fryer Pears with Whipped Cottage Cheese
Equipment
- Air Fryer *I used a Cosori brand air fryer
- Parchment air fryer liners *make sure that they are designed for the air fryer
Ingredients
- 2 Bosc pears
- 2 tbsp butter , softened
- 1 tbsp maple syrup , or honey
- cinnamon , to taste
- ½ cup apple cider , unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor
For the topping:
- 1 cup 2% cottage cheese
- 1 tbsp maple syrup -or sweetener of choice. You can add a bit more to your taste preference.
- ½ tsp fresh orange zest
- ½ tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Slice the pears down the middle, lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds with a small spoon.
- Place a parchment liner in the air fryer basket and place the pear halves, flesh side up, in the air fryer basket.
- Spoon the softened butter into the cored part of the pear and brush the remaining butter on top. Drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Pour the cider into the bottom of the lined basket and air fry at 350 degrees F. for 18-20 minutes.
- While the pears are cooking, place the cottage cheese, 1 tbsp maple syrup, orange zest, and vanilla in a mini food processor and process until smooth.
- To serve: sprinkle with cinnamon and top with whipped cottage cheese. Garnish with nuts and additional maple syrup or honey, if desired.
Notes
- Soften the butter before use to make it easier to coat the pears. If you forget to remove it from the fridge, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it.
- Preheat your air fryer if your model recommends it. This helps achieve even cooking and delicious caramelization from the start.
- Air fryer models vary, so start checking your pears at the 15-minute mark to avoid overcooking. They should be tender and slightly caramelized.
Nutrition
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