Let me introduce you to my current obsession: air fryer peaches. They’re warm, juicy, caramelized, and so ridiculously easy that you’ll wonder why you haven’t been doing this every night. I love this dessert because it feels fancy but is secretly effortless. Minimal ingredients, no oven, and ready in under 10 minutes? Sold.

Whether you’re using canned peaches or the real-deal fresh ones, this is one of those “treat yourself” recipes that’s equal parts cozy and elevated. Add a scoop of ice cream, drizzle of caramel, and a sprinkle of pistachios—and suddenly, you’ve got a dessert that’s giving restaurant dessert menu but make it lazy girl. This recipe is right up there with my single serving brookie and single serving apple crumble!

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Cooking Your Peaches in the Air Fryer vs. Oven

Both methods work, but I love the air fryer for how quick and caramelized it makes the peaches. It’s great when you’re just making a couple and don’t want to turn on the oven. That said, the oven is a solid option if you’re doing a bigger batch or already have it on.

• Air fryer = faster, crispier, no preheat needed
• Oven = better for bigger batches, slightly softer finish

Either way, you’ll get warm, buttery, cinnamon-sugar peaches—so go with whatever makes your life easier.

Canned vs. Fresh Peaches

Canned peaches are perfect for convenience. They’re already peeled, sliced, and soft—plus they’re available year-round.

Fresh peaches, on the other hand, give you a firmer texture and a more natural sweetness when they’re in season (summer = peach heaven). Just make sure they’re ripe but not mushy, and slice them in halves or quarters before air frying.

Key Ingredients (And Why They Matter)

Let’s break down what makes this recipe so simple and so good:

• Canned Peach Halves: Already soft and sweet, canned peaches are super convenient. Just drain them and you’re good to go.
• Brown Sugar + Cinnamon: This combo brings warmth and richness. The brown sugar caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, and cinnamon makes it feel cozy and dessert-y.
• Salted Butter: Adds a buttery richness and just a hint of salt that balances the sweetness. You could use unsalted, but I highly recommend salted here.
• Caramel Sauce (for drizzling): Optional—but highly encouraged. Adds that luscious, gooey finish that makes this dessert feel extra.
• Vanilla Ice Cream + Crushed Pistachios (for serving): The cold ice cream melts into the warm peach, and the pistachios give it crunch. It’s texture heaven.

How to Make Air Fryer Peaches

1. Pat the canned peach halves dry.
2. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter, then spread over peaches.

1. Air fry at 350°F for 5–10 minutes until golden and bubbling.
2. Serve with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, and pistachios.

Common Mistakes to Avoid + Pro Tips

• Pat your peaches dry before air frying—otherwise, they’ll steam instead of caramelize. You want them slightly dry on the surface so the sugar can stick and crisp up.
• Don’t skip the butter. That little pat on top is what helps everything get golden and gooey in the best way. It also balances the sweetness and adds richness.
• Avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket. Give each peach half its space to breathe so the hot air can work its magic. If they’re too close together, you’ll end up with steamed peaches instead of caramelized ones.
• Keep an eye on the clock—every air fryer runs a little differently. Some get hotter than others, so start checking around the 5-minute mark.
• Want those edges extra golden? Try preheating your air fryer for a couple minutes or pop the peaches under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end (just don’t walk away—things move fast!).

Serving Suggestions

This recipe would pair amazingly well with a hot or iced cup of masala chai!! The cinnamon undertones will really compliment each other.

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