Frying Fruits In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, offering a healthier alternative to deep-fried foods. While many people use air fryers for cooking meats and vegetables, some may be hesitant to experiment with fruit. However, air-frying fruit can yield delicious results, whether it's for a simple snack or a more complex dessert. It's a great way to enjoy the sweetness of fruit with a unique texture and flavour. From apples and bananas to more exotic choices like pineapple, mango, and star fruit, the possibilities are endless. Air-fried fruit can be a tasty and nutritious treat, providing a range of vitamins and minerals.

How to prepare fruit for frying

Preparing fruit for frying in an air fryer is simple and can be done in a few steps.

First, select your fruit of choice. Popular options include apples, bananas, pineapple, peaches, mango, blueberries, strawberries, oranges, grapefruit, kiwis, grapes, lemons, limes, persimmons, and star fruit.

Next, decide if you want to coat your fruit in a thin layer of oil or cooking spray. This step is optional but will help to create a crispy texture. You can also season your fruit with spices, sugar, or honey before placing it in the air fryer. For example, cinnamon and sugar are a popular combination for apples, while honey and cinnamon work well for oranges. If you're making a banana split, you might opt for butter or coconut oil with brown sugar and cinnamon.

Now, it's time to cut your fruit. The size and shape of the pieces will depend on the type of fruit and your desired texture. For instance, thinner slices will dehydrate faster and give a crispier texture, while thicker slices will take longer and provide a chewier mouthfeel.

If you're using an air fryer basket, line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Then, place your fruit in the basket in a single layer, ensuring the pieces don't overlap.

Finally, set your air fryer to the appropriate temperature and cooking time for your chosen fruit. As a reference, apples, bananas, pineapple, peaches, and mango typically cook at temperatures between 350-380°F for 5-10 minutes. For dehydrated fruit, you'll want to set your air fryer to a lower temperature, around 125-145°F, and cook for a longer period, typically 6-14 hours, depending on the fruit.

Recommended cooking times and temperatures

While the results won't be the same as deep-frying, you can certainly cook fruit in an air fryer. Here are some tips for recommended cooking times and temperatures for a variety of fruits:

Apples

For baked apples, slice your apple of choice into small pieces and roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar. You can leave the skin on for texture, but remove it if you want to make a puree. Add your slices to parchment paper in the air fryer basket and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until the apples are soft.

For apple slices, set your air fryer to 135°F and leave them for 6-10 hours to dry out.

Bananas

Slice bananas in half lengthwise and top with butter or coconut oil and your desired seasonings. Try brown sugar and cinnamon for a classic sweet taste, or a drizzle of chilli lime seasoning for a savoury snack. Air fry for about eight minutes at 380°F. If you're using an unripe banana, it may need longer to soften.

Pineapple

Add plain pineapple chunks to your air fryer or add a layer of brown sugar and butter for a more confectionery flavour. Bake the chunks at 350°F for up to 10 minutes.

Peaches and nectarines

Place peach halves or quarters in a single layer on a piece of parchment paper and air fry at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

Mangoes

Cut mango into small cubes and toss in a bit of neutral-flavoured oil to promote browning. You can omit the oil if you want to reduce calories or fat. Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, or until you notice caramelisation on the edges.

If you're using frozen mango chunks, cook at a lower temperature of around 350°F for a little over 10 minutes. Ensure none of the pieces are touching when you place them in the basket, as they will stick together.

Blueberries

Air fry at 350°F for five minutes. This is an acquired texture for some, but the blueberry skin will be firm and the inside will be squishy.

Strawberries

Cook whole strawberries at 350°F for about eight minutes. For a more dehydrated texture, slice them thinly and air fry at 180-200°F for an hour, flipping them over halfway through.

Cherries

Use a cherry pitter to prepare your cherries, then slice them in half and place them skin-side down in your air fryer. Set the temperature to 130°F and leave them for nine hours to dehydrate.

Oranges

Season your oranges with honey and cinnamon, then place a single layer in your air fryer. Cook at 400°F for 5-8 minutes, or until the face of the fruit starts to brown.

Grapefruits

Cut a grapefruit in half and cook it skin-side down. Spray the face of the fruit with coconut oil and add a sprinkle of granulated sugar. Air fry for 5-6 minutes at 400°F.

Kiwis

Peel the skin off kiwis and cut into quarters or eighths. Air fry at 350°F for eight minutes.

To dehydrate kiwis, peel and cut into ¼ to ½-inch thick rounds. Place in the air fryer with ample space between the pieces and run at 130°F for four hours.

Grapes

Rinse and pat dry your grapes, then toss in a bowl with neutral oil. Place into your air fryer at 400°F for 10 minutes.

Lemons and limes

Cut thin discs and place them into a foil-lined air fryer basket, ensuring they aren't overlapping. Cook at the lowest temperature setting for about an hour. They should be rigid and lightly toasted in colour.

Fruits to avoid frying

While air-frying is a great way to prepare fruits, there are some fruits that are not suitable for this cooking method. Here are some fruits that you should avoid frying:

Citrus fruits : Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, tend to dry out and become bitter when air-fried. They are better suited for fresh consumption or used in other recipes that do not involve high heat.

Avocados: While avocados are technically a fruit, they are more commonly used in savory dishes. Air-frying avocados can cause them to become too soft and mushy, making them difficult to work with.

High-water content fruits: Fruits with high water content, such as watermelons, may not be ideal for air-frying. They can become too juicy and soggy, which can affect the texture and taste.

Fatty or oily fruits: Fatty or oily fruits, such as olives or certain types of berries, should be avoided. Air-frying these fruits can cause them to spoil quickly and may even lead to foodborne illnesses.

Unripe fruits: Unripe fruits may not yield desirable results when air-fried. They may need longer cooking times to soften and may not develop the same caramelization and flavor enhancement as ripe fruits.

Additionally, some fruits that are typically enjoyed raw, such as kiwis, grapes, and star fruit, may be better suited for raw consumption or alternative preparation methods. Air-frying these fruits can alter their natural taste and texture, and they may not provide the same health benefits as when consumed in their fresh state.

Fruits that work well

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of foods, including fruit. While it may seem unconventional, air-frying fruit can create delicious snacks, desserts, or even breakfasts. Here are some fruits that work well in an air fryer:

Apples

Apples are a classic choice for air frying and can be prepared in various ways. For a simple option, slice an apple of your choice into small pieces, roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar, and air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. You can also leave the skin on for added texture or remove it if you prefer a smoother puree. For a more complex dessert, top your air-fried apples with homemade granola or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Bananas

Bananas are another great fruit to experiment with in your air fryer. Slice bananas in half lengthwise and top them with butter or coconut oil and your desired seasonings. A classic combination is brown sugar and cinnamon, but you can also get creative with a drizzle of chili lime seasoning for a savory twist. Air fry your bananas at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for about eight minutes, or until they are golden brown. If you're using an unripe banana, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.

Pineapples

Pineapple chunks are a sweet and nutritious treat when air-fried. You can add a layer of brown sugar and butter for a more confectionery flavor or simply air fry the plain pineapple chunks. Set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for up to 10 minutes. The result is a firm exterior with a soft, juicy interior—perfect for snacking or adding to yogurt, granola, or nuts for a healthy boost of proteins and fats.

Peaches and Nectarines

Grilled peaches are a summer favorite, but you can also achieve delicious results with an air fryer. Cut the peaches into halves or quarters and place them in a single layer on a piece of parchment paper. Air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 10 minutes. For a sweet touch, drizzle honey or sprinkle brown sugar on top. If you're feeling indulgent, add butter, graham cracker or oatmeal, and brown sugar to your peaches and cook for an additional seven minutes for a crunchy topping. Serve with a scoop of ice cream or honey whipped cream for the ultimate dessert.

Mangoes

While mangoes may not be your typical cooking fruit, they are excellent when air-fried. Cut the mango into small cubes and toss them in a neutral-flavored oil to promote browning. If you're watching your calorie intake, you can omit the oil. Air fry the mango pieces at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes, or until you see caramelization on the edges. Frozen mango chunks can also be used, but they require a lower temperature (around 350 degrees Fahrenheit) and should be placed in the air fryer basket without overlapping to prevent sticking.

Blueberries

Air-fried blueberries may be an acquired texture for some, but they are definitely worth trying. Simply air fry blueberries at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also make an entire blueberry pie in your air fryer using a pre-made or homemade pie crust.

Strawberries

Strawberries take on a whole new level of deliciousness when air-fried. For a simple treat, air fry whole strawberries at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about eight minutes. For a dehydrated, crispy texture, slice the strawberries thinly and air fry at a lower temperature (180 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit) for about an hour, flipping them over midway through. These dehydrated berries are perfect for road trips or adding to a homemade trail mix.

How to clean the fryer after use

It is important to clean your air fryer after every use to prevent greasy food buildup and keep it in good working condition. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your air fryer after frying fruit or any other food:

Step 1: Unplug the Air Fryer

Always start by turning off and unplugging your air fryer. This is a safety precaution, and it also ensures that you don't get an electric shock while cleaning. Allow the air fryer to cool down completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Clean Removable Parts

Remove all the removable parts, such as the basket, tray, and pan. Wash these parts with soap and warm water, just like you would wash any other dish. If you don't want to wash them by hand, you can place them in the dishwasher, as most air fryer parts are dishwasher-safe. However, it's always a good idea to check your air fryer's instruction manual to be sure.

Step 3: Clean the Main Unit

The main unit of your air fryer should never be immersed in water. Instead, use a damp cloth to wipe down the entire unit, including the control panel, to remove any food splatters or grease residue. Be gentle when cleaning the interior cooking surface to avoid scratching it. If there is stubborn grease or food residue, use a soft dish brush or a sponge to scrub it away gently.

Step 4: Check the Heating Coil

After each use, check the heating coil, usually located at the top of the unit. If there is any oil or residue on the coil, let the unplugged machine cool down, and then wipe the coil with a damp cloth or soft dish brush.

Step 5: Dry and Reassemble

Before reassembling your air fryer, make sure all the parts are completely dry. You can towel-dry or air-dry them. Once everything is dry, put your air fryer back together, and it will be ready for your next cooking adventure!

Some additional tips for cleaning your air fryer:

• Avoid using metal utensils or steel wool to scrape off stuck-on food, as this can damage the non-stick coating.
• To remove tough residue, create a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the affected area, and let it sit for a few minutes before gently scrubbing it off.
• To clean the heating element, dip a microfiber cloth in hot soapy water, wring it out, and gently wipe the element. Rinse the cloth often and allow the element to air dry completely before using the air fryer again.
• You can also use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to clean the heating element and remove baked-on grease.

Frequently asked questions