Air Fryer Honey Glazed Pears: An Easy & Elegant Dessert Recipe

Prepare to elevate your dessert game with these absolutely divine air fryer honey glazed pears. Imagine succulent fresh pears, kissed with a warm, sweet glaze of honey and cinnamon, then lovingly embraced by a flaky, golden puff pastry. Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, this dessert achieves an exquisite balance of tender fruit and crispy pastry that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re seeking a light and delightful treat for a summer afternoon or a sophisticated showstopper for a holiday gathering, these honey-glazed pears are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

I’ve always had a soft spot for baked pears, but ever since I started making them in the air fryer, it has truly taken this classic dessert to an entirely new level. The air fryer delivers an unparalleled crispness to the puff pastry and a beautifully tender, caramelized texture to the pear that traditional baking sometimes can’t achieve with such efficiency. These air fryer honey glazed pears quickly became a cherished recipe at our holiday family dinners and are now one of my family’s most requested desserts.

My journey with puff pastry sheets began over a decade ago, fueled by my constant desire to experiment in the kitchen. When I rediscovered the joy of baking pears, I realized that wrapping them in a simple sheet of thawed puff pastry and air frying them not only simplified the process but also yielded a superior result. The combination of sweet, juicy pear and buttery, flaky pastry is simply heavenly, making this an incredibly easy yet impressive dessert.

If you’re as enthusiastic about creating delightful treats in your air fryer as I am, you’ll love exploring other sweet sensations. Be sure to try these popular recipes: air fryer churros for a crispy, cinnamon-sugar delight, fluffy air fryer cupcakes, whimsical air fryer marshmallow peeps, crunchy air fryer cinnamon sugar tortilla chips, or the unique and delicious air fryer blueberry cheesecake wontons. Each offers a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth using this versatile kitchen appliance.

Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Glazed Pears

The foundation of this exquisite dessert is, of course, the pear itself. While you can use various fresh pears, pear halves, or even slices, selecting the right type can truly enhance the final flavor and texture. For this recipe, I highly recommend Bosc pears. Their naturally firm texture holds up beautifully during cooking, and their subtle notes of cinnamon and nutmeg perfectly complement the added spices in our glaze. Anjou and Bartlett pears are also excellent choices, offering a lovely sweetness and tender consistency once cooked. When choosing your pears, look for ones that are ripe but still firm to the touch, without any soft spots.

Beyond the pears themselves, you’ll only need a handful of other simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. These everyday staples come together to create a dessert that tastes far more complex than it is to make:

• Fresh Pears: As mentioned, Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett are ideal for their texture and flavor.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness to the glaze and helps the puff pastry crisp up beautifully.
• Honey: The star of the glaze, providing natural sweetness and a sticky, golden finish.
• Cinnamon: A warming spice that perfectly complements the pear and honey.
• Frozen Puff Pastry: The secret to an effortlessly elegant dessert. Look for quality frozen puff pastry sheets that thaw easily. Pepperidge Farm is a reliable brand.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth to the sweetness and contributes to the caramelized crust.

A quick tip: if fresh pears are out of season or difficult to find, feel free to substitute with canned pears. Just be sure to drain them thoroughly and pat them dry before glazing to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy. You might also reduce the amount of added sugar slightly, as canned pears are often packed in syrup.

Click Here to Get the Top Ten Air Fryer Questions Answered – master your air fryer for even more delicious results!

How to Make Delicious Honey Glazed Pears in the Air Fryer

Creating these delightful glazed pears in the air fryer is surprisingly simple and quick, making it perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve perfect results every time:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pears: Begin by carefully coring each pear. It’s important to remove the tough core while leaving the stem intact at the top for both aesthetic appeal and ease of handling. If you’re cutting the pear into halves or slices, coring them first will make the process easier. Once cored, set the pears aside.
2. Whisk the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, golden honey, and fragrant cinnamon. Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly blended and form a smooth, luscious glaze. This mixture will give your pears their irresistible sweet and spiced flavor.
3. Coat the Pears: Using a pastry brush, generously brush the prepared honey-cinnamon mixture all over each pear, ensuring it’s completely coated. Don’t be shy – a good coating will lead to a wonderfully caramelized exterior.
4. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Unfold your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the pastry sheet into even strips, approximately one inch in width. The exact width can vary based on your preference, but this size is ideal for wrapping around whole pears.
5. Wrap the Pears: Starting from the top, just below the stem, carefully wrap a strip of puff pastry around each pear. Overlap the pastry slightly as you work your way down, ensuring the entire pear is covered. Gently press the ends of the pastry strips into place to secure them. For extra security during cooking, you can use small toothpicks to pin the pastry ends if needed (remember to remove them before serving!).
6. Second Glaze & Prepare for Air Frying: Once all pears are wrapped, give them another light brush with any remaining honey mixture. This second coat ensures maximum flavor and a beautiful golden-brown finish. Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Carefully place the wrapped pears in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary to allow for proper air circulation, which is key for crisp pastry.

Cook the Pears: Place the pears in the air fryer basket and cook at 360 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) for approximately 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; the cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of your pears. You’ll know they’re ready when the puff pastry strips turn a beautiful golden brown and become delightfully crispy. The pear inside should be tender but not mushy.

Once your air fried honey glazed pears are perfectly cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer. If you used toothpicks to secure the pastry, remember to remove them before serving. These warm, fragrant pastries are truly exceptional when served immediately. We absolutely love them alongside a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, which slowly melts into a luscious sauce, or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a lighter touch. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a drizzle of honey can add a final flourish.

Frequently Asked Questions about Air Fryer Honey Glazed Pears

What are the best pears for baking and air frying?

For baking and air frying, you want pears that hold their shape well and offer a good balance of sweetness and firmness. Bartlett, Bosc, and Anjou pears are consistently among the top choices. Bartlett pears become wonderfully juicy and soft, while Bosc pears maintain a slightly firmer texture and have a natural hint of spice. Anjou pears are also sweet and firm, making them versatile for many recipes. All three varieties are generally available year-round in most grocery stores, so you can enjoy this dessert anytime.

Are pears high in sugar?

Like many fruits, pears do contain natural sugars. A medium-sized pear typically has about 17 grams of natural sugar. While this recipe adds some additional sugar from the honey and brown sugar glaze, pears also offer a good amount of dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. If you’re mindful of your sugar intake, you can easily cut the pear in half before wrapping it, or even opt for smaller pears to control portion sizes.

How do I cook these if I have a rack air fryer?

I typically make these delicious air fryer honey glazed pears in my Cosori 5.8 Quart Air Fryer, which features a convenient basket. If your air fryer is a rack-style oven model, don’t worry—you can still achieve fantastic results! Simply place the parchment-lined pears on a small, rimmed baking sheet or an air fryer-safe rack that fits comfortably inside your appliance. This will prevent any glaze from dripping and ensure even cooking. Just be sure to leave enough space between the pears for air to circulate freely.

Can I prepare air fryer honey glazed pears ahead of time?

You can certainly do some prep work in advance! You can core and glaze the pears a few hours before, keeping them covered in the refrigerator. However, I recommend wrapping them in puff pastry just before air frying. Puff pastry can become soggy if left wrapped around moist ingredients for too long. For the best crispness, air fry them right before serving.

How do I store and reheat leftover honey glazed pears?

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for about 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and the pastry re-crisps. The microwave is not recommended for reheating as it will make the pastry soft.

MORE DELICIOUS AIR FRYER RECIPES TO TRY:

• Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple: A sweet and smoky tropical treat.
• Air Fryer Honey BBQ Pineapple: Perfect side dish with a savory twist.
• Air Fryer Teriyaki Pork Chops: Quick, tender, and full of flavor for dinner.
• Air Fryer Corn on the Cob: A summer staple made effortlessly.
• Air Fryer Twisted Bacon: The crispiest, most fun way to make bacon.