I still remember the sweltering Texas summers when my mama would slice fresh peaches over a bowl, their juices dripping like honey. We’d throw them into the oven with cinnamon and butter, the whole house glowing with that warm, baked-fruit aroma. But times have changed—and sometimes I just don’t want to turn on the oven when it’s 103 outside and my parrot, Esteban, is squawking for a breeze.
Enter: Air Fryer Peaches. Same tender, caramelized magic in half the time and none of the sweat.
This recipe has become a staple for our backyard dinners. Whether served warm over vanilla frozen yogurt, tucked into my son’s lunchbox, or snuck onto the breakfast table with Greek yogurt and granola—it’s one of those “why didn’t I think of this sooner?” moments.
What Are Air Fryer Peaches?
Air Fryer Peaches are halved or sliced peaches gently seasoned and cooked in the air fryer until they become slightly crisp on the edges and buttery-soft inside. Think of it like roasted peaches—only quicker, with a lovely caramelized surface, and perfect for both sweet and savory dishes.
They’re an answer to all those “can you cook fruit in an air fryer?” questions. Yes. Yes, you can—and it’s divine.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Peaches Recipe
- Ready in under 10 minutes
- No need to preheat the oven or dirty extra pans
- Naturally sweet, so it needs minimal added sugar
- A great way to use overripe or bruised peaches
- Pairs beautifully with both desserts and savory meats
- Can be made with or without oil
This method also preserves the peaches’ structure—unlike boiling or baking, which can turn them mushy. The air fryer lets the sugars caramelize, which is chef’s kiss delicious.
Tools You’ll Need
- Air fryer (basket-style or tray-style)
- Sharp paring knife
- Spoon for scooping out the pit
- Small bowl for seasoning
- Optional: silicone tongs or spatula
Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Peaches
- Use freestone peaches when possible—they’re easier to pit.
- Slightly underripe peaches hold their shape better than super ripe ones.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—leave room for airflow.
- If making for dessert, a sprinkle of coconut sugar and cinnamon goes a long way.
- Want savory? Try a touch of sea salt and fresh thyme.
How to Make Air Fryer Peaches
Making Air Fryer Peaches is incredibly simple—just a few ingredients and less than 10 minutes from start to finish. The beauty is in how customizable this recipe is. Sweet, savory, simple, or dressed up—there’s room to make it your own.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe but firm peaches (freestone if possible)
- 1 tsp neutral oil (avocado or sunflower; optional)
- 1 tsp coconut sugar or maple syrup
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional toppings: vanilla frozen yogurt, dairy-free whipped cream, granola, crushed pistachios
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Peaches
Wash and dry the peaches. Cut them in half lengthwise, twist gently, and remove the pit with a spoon. You can also cut them into quarters or slices if your air fryer is smaller.
2. Season
In a small bowl, mix your oil (if using), sugar, cinnamon, and sea salt. Brush or toss the peach halves with this mixture, making sure the cut side gets coated.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer (optional)
Some air fryers work better preheated. If yours does, preheat to 350°F (180°C) for 2–3 minutes.
4. Air Fry
Place the peaches cut-side up in the basket. Air fry at 350°F for 6–8 minutes until the tops are golden and bubbly and the flesh is soft when pierced with a fork.
5. Serve
Serve warm with a dollop of yogurt, a scoop of frozen dessert, or even sliced over pancakes. My personal favorite? With a drizzle of tahini and a few crushed almonds.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Air Fryer Peaches
- No oil? No problem. The peaches will still caramelize slightly thanks to their natural sugars.
- For dried peaches, slice them thin and cook at a lower temp (around 250°F) for 30–40 minutes, flipping halfway through. You won’t get chewy like a dehydrator, but they’ll still be snack-worthy.
- Want grill vibes? After air frying, throw them on a hot grill pan for a few seconds for those char lines.
- Make ahead: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2 minutes at 300°F.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Store: Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Pop into the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds.
- Freeze: Not ideal. Texture breaks down. Better to make fresh.
FAQ
Can you cook peaches in the air fryer?
Absolutely. The air fryer is one of the best tools for softening peaches while keeping them structured. It caramelizes the sugars on the surface while tenderizing the fruit inside. Whether halved, sliced, or quartered, they cook up golden and delicious in just minutes.
What is the appropriate cooking method for peaches?
It depends on the texture you’re after. Baking or roasting in the oven brings out syrupy richness, grilling adds smokiness, and the air fryer delivers a quick, concentrated caramelization. For air frying, stick to 350°F and don’t overcrowd—6–8 minutes is usually the sweet spot.
Can you cook fruit in an air fryer?
Yes—and it’s one of my favorite ways to prepare fruit. Apples, bananas, strawberries, even pineapple and pears all become naturally sweet and crisp. You can eat them as-is, or tuck them into oats, desserts, or salads. Air frying draws out moisture and intensifies flavor without needing extra sugar.
How to make dried peaches in an air fryer?
Slice the peaches thin—about ¼ inch—and place them in a single layer. Cook at 250°F for 30–40 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t get leathery like dehydrator-dried peaches, but they’re chewy, sweet, and perfect for snacking or adding to trail mix.
conclusion
Some recipes surprise you with how much comfort they bring in a short time. Air Fryer Peaches is one of those. It’s quick, it’s nourishing, and it bridges the gap between healthy and indulgent.
Back when we were scraping by, these peaches were my summer sweet treat—a way to bring joy to my kids with just a couple fruits and a dash of cinnamon. Even now, with a full fridge and a fancier air fryer, they remind me of resilience and simple pleasures.
Whether you’re making them to impress a dinner guest or to use up the bruised fruit in your bowl, I promise you this: Air Fryer Peaches will become your quiet little showstopper.
Print
Air Fryer Peaches
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Air Fryer Peaches are a quick, oven-free treat that caramelizes the fruit’s natural sugars while keeping them tender and structured. Perfect for hot days and flexible enough for both sweet and savory applications.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe but firm peaches (freestone if possible)
- 1 tsp neutral oil (avocado or sunflower; optional)
- 1 tsp coconut sugar or maple syrup
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional toppings: vanilla frozen yogurt, dairy-free whipped cream, granola, crushed pistachios
Instructions
- Wash and dry the peaches. Cut in half, twist, and remove pits.
- Mix oil, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Coat the peach halves.
- Optional: Preheat air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for 2–3 minutes.
- Place peaches cut-side up in the air fryer. Cook at 350°F for 6–8 minutes.
- Serve warm with yogurt, frozen dessert, or on pancakes.
Notes
Use freestone peaches for easy pitting. Slightly underripe peaches hold shape better. No oil? Peaches still caramelize thanks to natural sugars. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 peach half
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: air fryer, peaches, summer, dessert, easy, healthy, fruit
