Air Fryer Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon: A Sweet & Simple Dessert

Peaches, with their juicy sweetness and velvety skin, are the quintessential summer fruit. While delicious eaten fresh, they truly shine when transformed into a warm and comforting dessert. Forget firing up the grill; this recipe utilizes the magic of the air fryer to create perfectly grilled peaches with a delightful cinnamon-spiced twist. This recipe is incredibly easy, quick, and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings without requiring hours in the kitchen. Plus, the air fryer allows for a healthier approach, using less oil and creating a caramelized, intensely flavorful result.

## Why Air Fryer Grilled Peaches?

You might be wondering why use an air fryer for grilling peaches? Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

* **Speed and Convenience:** The air fryer heats up much faster than a traditional oven or grill. You can have these peaches ready in under 15 minutes!
* **Healthier Option:** Air frying requires minimal oil, reducing the fat content of the dessert compared to pan-frying or traditional grilling.
* **Even Cooking:** The circulating hot air ensures even cooking and caramelization of the peaches.
* **Less Mess:** No need to deal with messy grills or splattering oil. The air fryer keeps everything contained.
* **Perfect for Small Batches:** Ideal for a quick dessert for yourself or a small gathering.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry:

* **Peaches:** 2-3 ripe but firm peaches. Freestone peaches are ideal as they are easier to pit. Look for peaches with a slight give when gently squeezed.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons, melted. You can use unsalted or salted butter, depending on your preference. If using salted butter, you may want to reduce the amount of salt added later.
* **Brown Sugar:** 2 tablespoons, packed. Light or dark brown sugar works well; dark brown sugar will give a slightly more molasses-like flavor.
* **Cinnamon:** 1/2 teaspoon, ground. Freshly ground cinnamon will have the most intense flavor.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1/2 teaspoon. This enhances the sweetness and adds depth of flavor.
* **Pinch of Salt:** Enhances the sweetness of the peaches.
* **Optional Toppings:** Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, chopped nuts, honey, maple syrup.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create delicious air fryer grilled peaches:

**1. Prepare the Peaches:**

* Wash the peaches thoroughly and pat them dry.
* Cut each peach in half along the seam, all the way around.
* Gently twist the peach halves apart. If using freestone peaches, the pit should easily come out. If not, use a spoon or knife to carefully remove the pit.

**2. Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture:**

* In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined and form a smooth sauce.

**3. Prepare the Peaches for Air Frying:**

* Place the peach halves in a shallow dish or on a baking sheet.
* Brush the cut side of each peach half generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Make sure to coat them evenly, allowing the mixture to seep into the crevices.

**4. Air Fry the Peaches:**

* Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
* Place the peach halves, cut-side up, in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket; you may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
* Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the peaches are tender and the tops are nicely caramelized. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them.

**5. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Carefully remove the peaches from the air fryer basket.
* Serve warm, topped with your favorite toppings such as vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, chopped nuts, honey, or maple syrup.

## Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Grilled Peaches

* **Choose the Right Peaches:** Look for ripe but firm peaches. Overripe peaches will become too soft and mushy during cooking. Slightly underripe peaches will be too hard and won’t caramelize properly.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket:** Overcrowding will prevent the hot air from circulating properly, resulting in unevenly cooked peaches. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Adjust Cooking Time:** The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the ripeness of the peaches. Start checking for doneness after 8 minutes and adjust accordingly.
* **Use Parchment Paper (Optional):** To prevent the peaches from sticking to the air fryer basket and for easier cleanup, you can line the basket with parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers. Make sure the parchment paper is perforated to allow for proper air circulation.
* **Experiment with Spices:** Feel free to add other spices to the cinnamon-sugar mixture, such as nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom.
* **Add a Touch of Booze:** For an extra indulgent treat, add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
* **Broil for Extra Caramelization:** If you want a more intensely caramelized top, broil the peaches in the air fryer for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.

## Variations and Additions

This recipe is a great starting point, but you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

* **Air Fryer Grilled Nectarines:** Substitute nectarines for peaches. Nectarines have a smoother skin and a slightly tarter flavor.
* **Air Fryer Grilled Plums:** Use plums instead of peaches. Plums have a slightly different texture and a richer, more intense flavor.
* **Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple:** Pineapple also grills beautifully in the air fryer. Cut the pineapple into rings or chunks and air fry until golden brown and caramelized.
* **Add a Crumble Topping:** Before air frying, sprinkle the peaches with a crumble topping made from flour, oats, butter, and sugar.
* **Stuff the Peaches:** Hollow out the peaches slightly and fill them with a mixture of granola, nuts, and dried fruit before air frying.
* **Serve with Yogurt:** For a lighter dessert or breakfast option, serve the air fryer grilled peaches with Greek yogurt or plain yogurt.
* **Make a Peach Crisp:** Combine the air fryer grilled peaches with a crumble topping and bake in a baking dish until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.

## Serving Suggestions

Air fryer grilled peaches are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with the right accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **With Vanilla Ice Cream:** A classic combination that never disappoints. The cold ice cream complements the warm peaches perfectly.
* **With Whipped Cream:** Light and airy whipped cream adds a touch of elegance to the dessert.
* **With Yogurt:** A healthier option that’s still delicious. Greek yogurt is a great choice for added protein.
* **With Chopped Nuts:** Add some crunch and flavor with chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
* **With Honey or Maple Syrup:** Drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the peaches for extra sweetness.
* **As a Topping for Oatmeal or Pancakes:** Add the air fryer grilled peaches to your morning oatmeal or pancakes for a special treat.
* **In a Salad:** Add the grilled peaches to a salad with arugula, goat cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette for a sweet and savory flavor combination.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 200-250
* Fat: 10-15g
* Saturated Fat: 6-8g
* Cholesterol: 30-40mg
* Sodium: 50-100mg
* Carbohydrates: 25-35g
* Sugar: 20-30g
* Protein: 1-2g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Storing Leftovers

Leftover air fryer grilled peaches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving.

## Air Fryer Grilled Peaches Recipe Card

**Yields:** 2-3 servings
**Prep time:** 5 minutes
**Cook time:** 8-10 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 2-3 ripe but firm peaches, halved and pitted
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Pinch of salt
* Optional toppings: vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, chopped nuts, honey, maple syrup

**Instructions:**

1. Wash and halve the peaches, removing the pits.
2. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt.
3. Brush the cut side of each peach half with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
4. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
5. Place peach halves, cut-side up, in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
6. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the peaches are tender and caramelized.
7. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

## Conclusion

Air fryer grilled peaches with cinnamon is a delightful and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The air fryer makes this recipe quick, convenient, and healthier than traditional grilling methods. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can enjoy a warm, sweet, and satisfying treat that will impress your family and friends. So, fire up your air fryer and get ready to indulge in the deliciousness of air fryer grilled peaches!