Easy Air-Fryer Pear Halves with Honey (15-Minute Healthy Dessert)
For a high-impact “warm fruit” dessert that targets the refined sugar-free niche, this recipe is a “Gold Standard” choice. It utilizes rapid convection heat to break down the pear’s fibers, releasing natural sugars that caramelize into a professional-grade glaze. From an expertise perspective, the secret to success is “ripeness selection.” Using firm-ripe pears (like Bosc or Anjou) ensures they hold their shape under high heat, resulting in a texture that is tender but not mushy.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 Min
- Cook Time: 10 Min
- Total Time: 15 Min
- Yield: 2 Servings
- Calories: 140 kcal per serving
Ingredients:
The Foundation
- 2 Large Pears (Bosc or Anjou are best for roasting)
- 1 tbsp Raw Honey (Clean glaze)
- 1 tsp Coconut Oil, melted (Optional shine)
The Aromatic Spices
- ½ tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp Ground Ginger
- A tiny pinch of Sea Salt (Balances sweetness)
The Finishing Touch
- 2 tbsp Chopped Walnuts
- 2 tbsp Plain Greek Yogurt (Protein pairing)
- Fresh Mint for garnish
Preparation Steps:
1. Professional Pear Prep
- Slice pears in half lengthwise. Use a melon baller or spoon to remove the core, creating a “well” for the honey.
- Technique: Slice a tiny sliver off the rounded back of each pear half. This ensures they sit flat in the air fryer basket without tipping over and spilling the filling.
2. The Honey-Spice Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk melted coconut oil, honey, cinnamon, and ginger.
- Brush mixture generously over the cut side of each pear. This ensures an even, caramelized coating.
3. Precision Air-Fry
- Place pear halves in the basket, cut-side up. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
- They are done when fork-tender and edges are deep golden-brown.
4. The “Crunch” Sear
- Crucial Step: During the last 2 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the chopped walnuts into the center well.
- This allows the nuts to toast and adhere to the warm honey glaze for a texture contrast.
Expert Tips:
- Ripeness Rule: If your pears are very soft/ripe, reduce cooking time to 8 minutes to prevent collapse. Firm pears always provide the most professional-grade roasted aesthetic.
- Moisture Hack: If the honey starts browning too fast before the pear is soft, add a teaspoon of water to the “well” of the pear halfway through to create a natural steam/syrup.