Air Fryer Peaches
Fresh, ripe peaches halved and air fried with a brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter topping until perfectly caramelized — an incredibly easy dessert that tastes like a warm cobbler in under 15 minutes.
Equipment
- Air fryer - at least 4-quart capacity, basket-style recommended
- Small mixing bowl
- Fork - or small spatula for mixing
- Paring knife - for halving and pitting the peaches
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs - for placing and removing peaches
- Ice cream scoop - for serving (optional)
- Parchment paper liners - optional, for easier cleanup
Ingredients
- 4 ripe but firm fresh peaches - about 2 lbs / 900g, halved and pitted
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 42g, softened to room temperature
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar - 36g, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- nutmeg - pinch, optional
For Serving
- vanilla ice cream - or whipped cream, for serving
- honey - optional, for drizzling
- granola - optional, for sprinkling
- toasted pecans - or walnuts, chopped, optional for garnish
- fresh mint sprigs - optional, for garnish
- extra ground cinnamon - optional, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Rinse and pat dry peaches. Cut each in half along the natural seam, twist to separate, and remove the pit.
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg until it forms a smooth paste.
- Place peach halves cut side up and divide the cinnamon butter evenly among them, pressing gently into the cavities.
- Arrange peaches cut side up in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes until topping is bubbling and caramelized.
- Carefully remove peaches with tongs. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and optional garnishes.
Notes
- Choose the right peaches: Ripe-but-firm is essential. Press gently near the stem — the peach should give just slightly. Overripe peaches become mushy and underripe ones won't develop the right sweetness.
- Soften your butter properly: Room-temperature butter (around 65°F/18°C) creates a thick paste that stays put on the peach. Melted butter will run off before it caramelizes.
- Don't skip the preheat: A preheated air fryer gives the peaches an immediate blast of heat that kicks off caramelization right away for better texture and color.
- Cook cut side up: Keep peaches cut side up the entire time so the topping soaks into the fruit and caramelizes on top.
- Use parchment paper liners: Air fryer parchment liners catch any dripping sugar and make washing the basket much faster.
- Check at 8 minutes: Every air fryer runs slightly differently. Start checking at 8 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- Fresh only: Frozen or canned peaches won't work here — the extra moisture makes them steam instead of caramelize. Substitute with nectarines, plums, or apricots if needed.
- Storage: Store leftover peach halves in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 325°F (163°C) for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Make it vegan: Replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil and serve with dairy-free ice cream or coconut whipped cream.
- Variations to try: Swap the brown sugar for maple syrup, add a graham cracker crumble, or fill with goat cheese and honey for a savory-sweet twist.