Delicious Air Fryer Pear Crisp: Your Quick & Easy Fall Dessert Recipe

There’s an undeniable magic in the combination of tender, cooked fruit and a perfectly crisp, crunchy topping. It’s a texture and flavor symphony that simply delights the senses. That’s precisely why, as the autumn leaves begin to fall, a warm air fryer pear crisp becomes my go-to dessert. This delightful treat is not only wonderfully sweet and comforting but also incredibly quick, cooking in just about 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s the ideal way to enjoy the bounty of fall with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Quick Pear Crisp Recipe

I genuinely appreciate recipes that rely heavily on common pantry staples. It means less planning and more spontaneous deliciousness! If you find yourself with an abundance of fresh pears, perhaps after a trip to the orchard or simply with some leftover fruit, this air fryer pear crisp recipe is an absolute gem for utilizing them creatively. It transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert.

A classic fruit crisp, like this pear version, features a soft, sweet, and gently cooked fruit filling – though you can even use pre-made pie filling for an even quicker hack. What truly defines a crisp, and sets it apart, is its signature crunchy, oat-based topping. This streusel-like layer provides a delightful textural contrast that elevates the entire dessert experience, making each bite a harmonious blend of tender and crisp.

It’s important to note the subtle differences between similar baked fruit desserts. While a pear crumble also boasts a crumbed topping, it traditionally omits oats, resulting in a finer, more cake-like texture. A fruit cobbler, on the other hand, is characterized by a scone or biscuit-like batter topping that bakes into soft dumplings. The fruit base is often quite similar across these delightful dishes; it’s the distinctive topping that provides the unique charm and name for each.

Gather Your Ingredients and Essential Equipment

Making this delightful air fryer pear crisp requires just a handful of simple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools. You likely have most of these on hand already, making this an ideal last-minute dessert!

For the Pear Filling:

• 4 medium pears, peeled, cored, and diced into approximately ½” cubes (Bartlett pears are highly recommended for their juiciness and sweet flavor, though Anjou or Bosc also work beautifully).
• 1 tsp cornstarch (This acts as a thickening agent, ensuring your pear filling isn’t too watery).
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (Enhances the overall sweetness and adds a warm, aromatic note).
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (A classic fall spice that pairs perfectly with pears. Feel free to adjust to your taste!).

For the Crisp Topping:

• ½ cup old-fashioned or rolled oats (These provide the signature chewy-crisp texture. Quick oats can be used but may result in a softer topping).
• ¼ cup brown sugar (Adds a deep, caramelized sweetness and moisture to the topping).
• ¼ cup cold salted butter, cubed (Using cold butter is crucial for a crumbly, tender topping. The small cubes make it easier to incorporate).
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (Binds the topping ingredients together and helps create the crisp texture).

How to Make Air Fryer Pear Crisp: Step-by-Step Guide

Making this pear crisp in your air fryer is a straightforward process, delivering a warm, bubbly dessert with a golden, crunchy topping in record time. Follow these simple steps for a perfect outcome:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (177°C) or the nearest available setting on your specific model. While it preheats, lightly grease the inside of your ramekins or chosen baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and diced pears with the cornstarch, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Stir gently but thoroughly until all the pear pieces are evenly coated. This coating helps distribute flavor and ensures the cornstarch can thicken the fruit juices. Once coated, spread the pear mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish (or divide it equally among smaller individual dishes).

3. Now, it’s time to prepare the delectable crisp topping. In a separate bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and the cold, cubed salted butter. Using a fork, a pastry blender, or your fingertips (which I find works best for me!), work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Some larger pieces of butter are fine and will create extra pockets of crispness.

4. Evenly sprinkle the prepared streusel topping over the pear filling. Gently pat it down slightly with your hand or the back of a spoon; this helps prevent the lighter oat pieces from flying around during air frying and ensures a more cohesive crisp. Carefully place the filled baking dish into the preheated air fryer basket.

5. Cook on the air fry setting for 10-15 minutes at 350°F (177°C). You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and delightfully crisp, the fruit filling is visibly bubbling around the edges, and the pears are tender when poked with a fork. Keep in mind that cooking times can vary slightly depending on factors like the size and variety of your pear pieces, the dimensions of your baking dish, and the specific wattage and model of your air fryer.
6. Once cooked to perfection, carefully remove the hot crisp from the air fryer. For the ultimate indulgence, top with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Serve immediately while still warm to fully enjoy the contrast of hot, bubbly fruit and cold, creamy topping.

Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions for Your Pear Crisp

While delicious on its own, an air fryer pear crisp truly shines when accompanied by the right toppings and beverages. Here are some ideas to elevate your dessert experience:

Suggested Toppings for Enhanced Flavor:

• Ice cream: A classic choice! Vanilla bean or caramel ice cream beautifully complements the warm pears.
• Whipped cream: Light and airy, a dollop of whipped cream adds a touch of elegance and creaminess.
• Greek yogurt: For a slightly healthier or tangier option, a spoonful of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt works wonderfully.
• Caramel sauce: A drizzle of rich caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and autumn flavors. Try my simple Microwave Salted Caramel Sauce for a quick homemade option.
• Chopped nuts: Toasted walnuts, pecans, or almonds add an extra layer of crunch and nutty depth.
• Fresh or dried berries: A sprinkle of fresh raspberries or dried cranberries can add a burst of color and a tart counterpoint.
• Honey or Maple syrup: A light drizzle can amplify the natural sweetness of the pears.
• Cranberry sauce: Particularly festive during the fall and winter, a dollop of cranberry sauce adds a tangy, seasonal touch.
• Crystallized ginger: A small amount of finely chopped crystallized ginger can introduce a delightful warmth and gentle spice.

For an extra special touch, consider serving with my Air Fryer Honey Roasted Pecans!

Refreshing Beverages to Pair With:

• Coffee: A warm cup of coffee or espresso makes a perfect after-dinner pairing.
• Tea: Herbal teas, especially spiced varieties, can be a comforting accompaniment.
• Chai latte: The warm spices in a chai latte echo the cinnamon in the crisp.
• Apple cider: Warm or cold, apple cider is a quintessential fall beverage that pairs naturally with pears.
• Cranberry juice: A tart and refreshing choice that cuts through the sweetness.
• Hard cider: For an adult pairing, a crisp hard cider can be a delightful match.
• White wine: A semi-sweet Riesling or a crisp Pinot Grigio can complement the fruit flavors.
• Pear cocktails: Embrace the pear theme with a specially crafted cocktail. Pair it with my Spiced Pear Margarita, a elegant Pear Gin Fizz, a sophisticated Spiced Pear Martini, a comforting Pear Whiskey Sour, or even a Cranberry Vodka Fizz!

Expert Tips For the Best Air Fryer Pear Crisp

To ensure your pear crisp turns out perfectly every time, keep these valuable tips in mind:

• If you prefer to skip preheating your air fryer (we all do sometimes!), simply add about 2-3 extra minutes to the initial cooking time. This accounts for the appliance gradually reaching the desired temperature.
• This recipe was meticulously created and tested in four 7-ounce ramekins within a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer. Please remember that cooking times can vary significantly based on your specific air fryer model, its wattage, and the size and type of baking dish you use. Always monitor your crisp closely.
• My pears were wonderfully soft and cooked through after just 10 minutes in the air fryer. However, I often add an additional 5 minutes to ensure the streusel topping achieves an extra deep golden brown and a super crispy texture. Adjust the final cooking time to your personal preference for topping crispness.
• Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket. Allow sufficient space for air to circulate around your baking dish(es) for even cooking and optimal crisping.

Pear Crisp Storage and Reheating Tips

Enjoying your air fryer pear crisp fresh and warm is ideal, but here’s how to store and reheat any delicious leftovers:

• Storage: Allow any leftover pear crisp to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, the crisp can be wrapped and frozen, either before or after baking, for up to 3 months. If freezing unbaked, it’s best to assemble it in a freezer-safe dish.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the cooled crisp back into the air fryer and cook for 3-5 minutes at 350°F (177°C), or until it’s heated through and the topping has re-crisped. If reheating from frozen (after it’s already been cooked), add an additional 3-5 minutes. While you can microwave individual servings for 30-45 seconds on high, be aware that the topping will lose its crispness and become soft.

Final Thoughts on This Delightful Air Fryer Pear Crisp

This air fryer pear crisp is truly a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with the convenience of an air fryer, can create an incredibly satisfying dessert. It’s remarkably easy to prepare, yet so utterly delicious and comforting!

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a cozy single serving from a ramekin after a long day or planning to bake a larger tray to share with family and friends, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Its versatility makes it perfect for any occasion, from weeknight treats to holiday gatherings.

The beauty of using the air fryer for this crisp lies in its speed. This easy dessert cooks up in under 20 minutes, significantly saving you time and energy compared to traditional oven baking. This efficiency makes it an accessible treat even on busy days.

It’s one of my absolute favorite dishes to whip up during the vibrant fall season, when fresh, ripe pears are abundant and at their peak. While this classic pear recipe forms a perfect foundation, feel free to get creative! Sometimes, I love mixing pears with apples or cranberries for a delightful seasonal variety. No matter how you serve it, this quick air fryer pear crisp promises a warm, inviting, and truly unforgettable experience.