I stumbled upon this air fryer baked pears with feta, honey, and cranberries recipe one chilly evening when I needed something quick but impressive for last-minute guests. It’s become my go-to dessert – the way the warm, cinnamon-spiced pears melt into the salty feta and sweet honey is pure magic. Best part? It’s ready in 15 minutes flat, with barely any cleanup. Who knew something this elegant could be so simple?
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Baked Pears with Feta Honey and Cranberries
Trust me, this recipe is about to become your new favorite for so many reasons:
- Lightning fast: From fridge to table in 15 minutes – perfect for when that sweet tooth hits hard
- Fancy enough to impress: Looks like you spent hours, tastes like a gourmet dessert (your secret’s safe with me)
- That perfect sweet-salty dance: Juicy pears + creamy feta + sticky honey = flavor fireworks in every bite
- Almost no cleanup: One air fryer basket, zero pots to scrub – my kind of cooking!
Seriously, I make these at least twice a week now – they’re that good and that easy.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Baked Pears with Feta Honey and Cranberries
Here’s what you’ll need for this dreamy dessert:
- 2 firm pears, halved and cored (trust me, firm pears hold up better in the air fryer)
- 50g crumbled feta cheese (go for the creamy kind – it’s a game changer)
- 2 tbsp honey (warm it slightly for easier drizzling)
- 20g dried cranberries (fresh ones won’t work here – they’re too juicy)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (because what’s a baked pear without a little spice?)
That’s it! Just 5 simple ingredients for a dessert that tastes like it came straight from a fancy bistro.
How to Make Air Fryer Baked Pears with Feta Honey and Cranberries
Okay, let’s get cooking! This recipe comes together so fast you’ll barely have time to lick the honey spoon (not that I’d judge you if you did). Here’s how I make it:
Step 1: Prepare the Pears
First, grab those pears and slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the core – don’t worry about being perfect, just get those tough bits out. Pro tip: Cut them evenly so they cook at the same rate. Nothing worse than one half mushy while the other’s still crunchy!
Step 2: Air Fry the Pears
Pop those pear halves in your air fryer basket, cut side up. Sprinkle generously with cinnamon – I always go heavier than the recipe says because, yum! Now here’s the important part: don’t overcrowd them! Give each pear half some breathing room or they won’t caramelize properly. Cook at 180°C for 10 minutes – they’re done when fork-tender but still holding their shape.
Step 3: Add Toppings
While the pears are still warm (this is crucial!), crumble that tangy feta over them. Warm your honey for about 10 seconds – it’ll drizzle like liquid gold. Scatter the cranberries on top and watch how the heat makes them plump up slightly. The contrast of warm pears, cool feta, and sticky honey? Absolute perfection!
Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Baked Pears
After making these dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds), here are my hard-earned secrets:
- Pear pick: Bosc or Anjou pears work best – they hold their shape beautifully. Bartletts? Too mushy when cooked.
- No soggy bottoms: Blot pear halves with a paper towel before air frying – that extra moisture is the enemy of caramelization!
- Sweet spot: Taste your feta first – if it’s extra salty, ease up on the honey. It’s all about that perfect yin-yang balance.
- Hot honey hack: Add a pinch of chili flakes to your honey for an unexpected kick that’ll make people beg for the recipe.
Follow these, and you’ll get restaurant-quality results every single time.
Variations for Air Fryer Baked Pears
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe (and eaten your weight in feta-topped pears), try these fun twists:
- Cheese swap: Trade feta for creamy blue cheese if you love stronger flavors – the funkier the better!
- Crunch factor: Toss toasted pecans or walnuts on top for that perfect textural contrast.
- Sweet & tangy: Drizzle with balsamic glaze instead of honey – it caramelizes beautifully with the pear juices.
- Breakfast edition: Skip the cheese, add granola and Greek yogurt for a morning treat.
The beauty of this recipe? It’s basically a blank canvas for your cravings!
Serving Suggestions
These pears are ridiculously versatile! My favorite way? Plop a scoop of vanilla ice cream right on top – the warm pears make it melt into the most luscious sauce. For something savory, try them over peppery arugula with a lemon vinaigrette. The sweet-salty combo will blow your mind!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftovers? They’re just as good the next day! Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge – they’ll keep for about 2 days. To reheat, just slide them back into the air fryer for 2 minutes at 160°C. They come out warm and gooey, almost like they were just made!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the skinny on these tasty pears (per serving): about 120 calories, 3g fat, and 22g carbs. Remember – these numbers can change based on your exact ingredients. My feta might be creamier, your honey might be sweeter – that’s the beauty of homemade!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get asked about these air fryer pears all the time! Here are the top questions that pop up:
- “Can I use canned pears?” Nope – they turn to mush in the air fryer. Fresh, firm pears are the only way to go for that perfect texture.
- “How do I prevent sticking?” A quick spritz of oil on the basket works wonders. I use my Misto sprayer with avocado oil – no messy pears left behind!
- “Is this gluten-free?” Absolutely! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dessert safe for everyone to enjoy.
Got more questions? Drop them in the comments – I’m happy to help troubleshoot!
Final Thoughts
If you try these air fryer baked pears, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Snap a pic or leave a rating – your feedback makes my day. Now go enjoy that sweet-salty magic!
Print
15-Minute Air Fryer Baked Pears with Heavenly Feta Honey Topping
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious dessert made with baked pears, feta cheese, honey, and cranberries cooked in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe pears
- 50g feta cheese
- 2 tbsp honey
- 20g dried cranberries
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Cut the pears in half and remove the core.
- Place the pear halves in the air fryer basket.
- Sprinkle cinnamon over the pears.
- Air fry at 180°C for 10 minutes.
- Remove the pears and top with crumbled feta, honey, and cranberries.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use firm pears for best results.
- Adjust honey quantity based on sweetness preference.
- Add walnuts for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: International