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Nothing beats the soft, sticky goodness of juicy air-fried peaches during summertime. Tossing ripe fruit in the air fryer makes such an easy treat. The tops turn gooey and caramelized which totally brings back those chill late August nights when grilling's over but you still want that sweet roasted peach vibe. These go amazing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a little yogurt, and you'll have 'em ready in about fifteen minutes.
The first time I whipped this up, I just needed to use some peaches before they got squishy. After that, I started making them week after week. My kids call it 'summer in a bite' and always ask for more.
Dreamy Ingredients
- Cinnamon: Grab ground cinnamon for that sweet spicy kick. If you can snag some Saigon cinnamon, that's extra fragrant.
- Brown sugar: Pick soft, packed brown sugar for a rich caramel flavor. Either dark or light is great.
- Butter: Go with fresh, unsalted melted butter—it helps your sugar-cinnamon layer stick and turns everything tastier. If it smells good, use it!
- Peaches: Hunt for firm, ripe peaches that give just a little when squeezed. The closer to juicy but not mushy, the better they’ll taste.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Time to Serve:
- Use a spatula to scoop out the peaches and dig in right away. Cold vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or your go-to toppings all work great.
- Fry Till Gooey:
- Pop everything into your air fryer at 390°F for about ten minutes. Tops should get brown and bubbly. Want 'em deeper? Give it an extra minute or two.
- Get 'Em Set Up:
- If you want less mess, put down parchment in your air fryer basket. Lay the peaches cut side up in a single layer so air gets all around.
- Mix Up Your Sugar and Spice:
- Blend the brown sugar with the cinnamon until it's even. Sprinkle or scoop this mix onto the buttered peaches so the tops are all nicely coated.
- Slather on That Butter:
- Put the peaches cut side up and brush melted butter over every surface. Cover all the flesh so they don’t dry out while cooking.
- Start with the Peaches:
- Wash up your peaches, dry off, then cut each one all the way around the pit. Give them a little twist, split them, and scoop out the pit with a spoon.
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Honestly, the sweet sticky syrup pooling at the bottom is my best part. I always think of my grandma, who'd broil peaches and serve them warm with just a little cream. That smell is pure childhood magic every single time.
How to Store
If you’ve got leftovers, let them cool first. Stash in any container with a lid and keep in the fridge up to three days. For that just-cooked texture, zap them for thirty seconds in the microwave or toss them back in the air fryer for two minutes.
Swaps and Trade-Ins
No butter? No problem! Coconut oil or your favorite vegan spread is perfect instead. Brown sugar run out? Use maple or coconut sugar. You can shake things up—try nutmeg for a new flavor or mix it with cinnamon.
Fun Ways to Serve
I like to put out some chopped almonds or pecans for crunch. Sprinkle granola or crumbled graham crackers if you want a breakfast spin. Vanilla yogurt and a little honey drizzle also make a nice lighter treat.
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A Little Peach Backstory
In southern cooking, slow-roasting peaches is a summertime tradition. When peaches are in season, this trick skips the oven heat but still nails that old-school caramelized flavor everyone loves.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Is it okay to use frozen or canned peaches?
You'll get best results with firm, fresh peaches. Canned or frozen ones can turn out wet and mushy. If you must use them, drain well and pat dry before cooking.
- → Should I remove the peach skins before air frying?
No need. Leave the skin on to help keep the peach halves together in your air fryer and add a nice feel; just split them and take out the pit.
- → What’s a good way to dish up these peaches?
Try them with a scoop of ice cream, yogurt, chopped nuts, granola, or even whipped cream for extra flavor and crunch.
- → Can I make these in advance?
Totally. Keep cooked peaches chilled in a sealed container for up to a few days. Warm them up again in your air fryer or microwave when you’re ready to eat.
- → What other spices can I add to these peaches?
Cinnamon’s a go-to, but if you want a twist, try tossing in some ginger, nutmeg, or even cardamom for tasty aroma and flavor.