These easy air fryer peaches are a sweet treat that you can whip up in no time! Just slice the peaches, sprinkle some sugar, and let the air fryer do its magic!
I love how juicy and caramelized they turn out. Perfect on their own or topped with ice cream! It’s like having dessert without the fuss! 🍑🍨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Peaches: Choose medium ripe peaches for best results. They should yield slightly when gently pressed. If peaches aren’t in season, nectarines or apricots could work as substitutes. Personally, I love the sweetness of nectarines for this recipe!
Butter: I used unsalted butter to control the saltiness. For a dairy-free option, try coconut oil or vegan butter. Each adds a nice flavor while keeping things creamy.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar can be used based on your preference. Dark brown sugar has more molasses for a deeper flavor. If you’re out, white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses can make a good substitute.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is best, but you could replace it with nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a twist. I sometimes use a dash of cardamom for an extra flavor layer.
How Do I Get Perfectly Caramelized Peaches?
Caramelizing peaches is all about even cooking and proper coating. Here’s how to get those lovely, tender treats:
- Preheating your air fryer ensures they cook evenly.
- Make sure to brush the butter mixture generously over the cut sides. This helps with caramelization.
- Keep an eye on the peaches while air frying, as the exact time may vary based on ripeness. If they look golden before the time is up, it’ll be okay to pull them out early!
How to Make Easy Air Fryer Peaches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 5 minutes to prep and 12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. So, in just about 20 minutes, you can enjoy delicious, caramelized peaches!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your peaches cook evenly and caramelize nicely.
2. Prepare the Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir it well until everything is nicely combined. This mixture will add a delicious flavor to your peaches!
3. Coat the Peaches:
Take each peach half and brush the cut side with your butter mixture. Make sure all of the cut areas are well coated so the flavors soak in while they cook.
4. Air Fry the Peaches:
Place the peach halves in the air fryer basket with the cut side facing up. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer so they cook evenly without crowding.
5. Cook Until Tender:
Air fry the peaches for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want them to be tender and caramelized, which will bring out their natural sweetness.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once they are done, carefully remove the peaches from the air fryer (they will be hot!) and let them cool slightly. Serve the warm peaches with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top if you like, and enjoy your delicious treat!
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen peaches, make sure to thaw them thoroughly before air frying. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or using the microwave’s defrost setting. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the air fryer.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can use white sugar mixed with a little molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses for every cup of white sugar) to mimic the flavor. Alternatively, coconut sugar or maple sugar works well too!
How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Peaches
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through.