Air Fryer Fruit: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook many types of food, and fruit is no exception. From apples to bananas, peaches to pineapples, and even avocados, air-frying fruit is a great way to make healthy and delicious snacks or desserts. Air-frying can enhance the natural sweetness of fruit and create a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside soft and juicy.

There are many ways to prepare fruit for air-frying, such as slicing and coating with cinnamon or sugar, or even wrapping in bacon. The air-frying process can also be used to make dried fruit, which is a convenient and healthy snack option. So, if you're looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy fruit, don't be afraid to give your air fryer a try!

Fruits you can air-fry

Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook fruit, creating a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside soft and juicy. Here are some fruits that can be cooked in an air fryer:

Apples

Apples are a fantastic fruit to cook in an air fryer. You can make cinnamon-sugar fried apples with your favourite toppings in just 10 minutes. Slice your apple of choice into small pieces and roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar. You can even make mini apple pies or apple crisps by adding a streusel topping.

Bananas

Air fryer bananas are a must-try. You can slice them in half lengthwise and cook 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 chilli lime seasoning for a savoury snack. Air fryer bananas are a great base for a banana split or banana boat dessert.

Pineapples

Pineapple is a tropical fruit that becomes even better when cooked in an air fryer. You can add plain pineapple chunks or give them a confectionery flavour with a layer of brown sugar and butter. Cook the pineapple at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 10 minutes for a firm exterior and soft, juicy interior.

Peaches and Nectarines

Grilled peaches are a classic summer treat, but if it's too cold outside, you can use your air fryer. Halve or quarter the peaches and cook them on a piece of parchment paper at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 10 minutes. Top them with honey, brown sugar, or get creative with butter, graham crackers, and brown sugar for a peach cobbler flavour.

Mangoes

Mango is a fruit that you might not usually cook, but it's a great option for the air fryer. Cut the mango into small cubes and toss them in a bit of neutral-flavoured oil. You can also use frozen mango chunks, but be sure to adjust the temperature and avoid overlapping the pieces. Air fry at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes, or until you see some caramelisation on the edges.

Blueberries

Air frying blueberries can be a unique texture experience. Cook them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes and serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can even make an entire blueberry pie in your air fryer!

Strawberries

Strawberries become even more delicious when cooked in an air fryer. Cook them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 minutes, and your kitchen will smell like a candy factory. For a dehydrated texture, slice them thinly and air fry at a lower temperature for a longer time.

Oranges

Air fryer oranges are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or desserts. Slice oranges into rounds or quarters, leaving the peel on or taking it off, and coat them with maple syrup or brown sugar and cinnamon. Three to five minutes in the air fryer will give them a crispy texture. Serve them with yoghurt and granola for breakfast or with vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Grapefruits

Air fryer grapefruits are prepared similarly to oranges. Cut them in half and cook them skin-side down. Spray the flesh with coconut oil and sprinkle on some granulated sugar. Air fry for 5 to 6 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For breakfast, top with Greek yoghurt, cinnamon, and nuts or granola.

Kiwis

Kiwis are a popular snack, and they taste even better when cooked in an air fryer. Peel the skin and cut the kiwis into quarters or eighths. Cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes for a crispy exterior and a candy-like taste. You can also dehydrate kiwi rounds at a lower temperature for a salad topping or cocktail garnish.

Grapes

Air fryer grapes have been a trending topic on TikTok. Rinse and pat dry your grapes, and toss them in a bowl with neutral oil. You can also toss them in sugar for a sweeter treat. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.

Persimmons

Persimmons have a unique texture and flavour, and air frying them is a great way to soften them. Cut off the stem and place the persimmon in the air fryer for around 30 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. The skin will soften, and you can eat it or peel it off before enjoying the sweet and soft fruit inside.

Avocados

Avocados are technically a fruit, and they can be cooked in an air fryer for savoury dishes. Try making avocado fries or stuff them with eggs and cheese for a tasty breakfast.

Plantains

Plantains, cousins of bananas, are often cooked savoury, but air frying brings out their natural sweetness. Peel and slice the plantains, then coat them in cooking oil. Air fry for 6 minutes, then flip and cook for a couple more minutes until golden brown.

There are endless possibilities for cooking fruit in an air fryer, so get creative and experiment with different fruits, seasonings, and serving options!

How to prepare fruits for air-frying

Preparing fruit for air-frying is a simple process, but there are a few steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a guide on how to prepare fruits for air-frying:

Choosing the Right Fruits:

Select fruits with low water content that are suitable for drying, such as apples, bananas, peaches, and strawberries.

Washing and Slicing:

Start by washing the fruits under running water to remove any dirt or pesticides. Then, cut the fruits into uniform slices, aiming for slices that are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Thinner slices will dry faster, while thicker slices may require more time in the air fryer.

Optional Soaking:

To prevent browning and enhance the flavor, you can optionally soak the fruit slices in a mixture of lemon juice and water for 10-15 minutes before drying. This step is particularly beneficial for fruits like apples and pears.

Seasoning:

You can season the fruit slices with a variety of spices and sweeteners to enhance their natural flavor. Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, honey, brown sugar, or a simple combination of sugar and cinnamon work well.

Arranging in the Air Fryer:

Place the fruit slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Leave enough space between the fruits to allow for even cooking and crisping.

Cooking Time and Temperature:

The cooking time and temperature will depend on the type of fruit and the desired level of doneness. Air fry the fruits at a temperature between 350°F and 400°F for 5-15 minutes for most fruits. For drying fruit, a lower temperature of around 135°F is used for a longer period, typically 4-6 hours or more.

Monitoring and Turning:

For best results, check on the fruit halfway through the cooking process and shake the basket or turn the fruit slices to ensure even cooking.

Cooling and Storing:

Allow the air-fried fruits to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or ziplock bag. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, depending on the type of fruit.

Air-frying temperature and time

The temperature and time for air-frying fruit depend on the type of fruit, the desired level of doneness, and the specific model of the air fryer. Most fruits are air-fried within the temperature range of 125°F to 400°F (52°C to 204°C).

For air-frying apples, a temperature of 350°F (176°C) for about 10 minutes is recommended. For bananas, a temperature range of 380°F to 400°F (190°C to 204°C) for about 6 to 10 minutes is suggested. Bananas should be sliced in half lengthwise and can be seasoned with butter, coconut oil, brown sugar, cinnamon, or a drizzle of chili lime seasoning.

Pineapple chunks can be air-fried at 350°F (176°C) for up to 10 minutes. For a more confectionery flavor, a layer of brown sugar and butter can be added. Peaches and nectarines can be air-fried at 350°F (176°C) for 5 to 10 minutes. Mangoes can be air-fried at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes or until caramelization is observed.

Strawberries can be cooked at 350°F (176°C) for about 8 minutes. For a dehydrated texture, strawberries should be sliced thinly and air-fried at a lower temperature of 180°F to 200°F (82°C to 93°C) for about an hour. Cherries should be halved and air-fried at 130°F (54°C) for about 9 hours.

Oranges and grapefruits can be air-fried at 400°F (204°C) for 5 to 8 minutes. Kiwis can be cooked at 350°F (176°C) for 8 minutes. Grapes should be air-fried at 400°F (204°C) for 10 minutes. For a more flavorful result, they can be tossed in brown or granulated sugar before air-frying.

It is important to note that air-frying temperatures and times may vary depending on the make and model of the air fryer, the size and moisture content of the fruit, and the desired level of doneness.

Storing and reheating air-fried fruits

Storing Air-Fried Fruits:

Allow the air-fried fruits to cool down completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container or ziplock bag and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days, depending on the type of fruit.

Some fruits, like apples, potatoes, and sweet potatoes, are best stored in a cool, dark place with relatively high humidity and good air circulation. Keep these fruits separate from ethylene-producing fruits like bananas, which will cause them to spoil faster.

Fruits such as mangoes, oranges, and grapefruit can be stored at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerated for longer-term storage.

Reheating Air-Fried Fruits:

To reheat air-fried fruits, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Place the fruits in the air fryer basket and heat them for 2-3 minutes, or until they are warmed through and crispy on the outside.

Alternatively, you can use a microwave. Place the fruits in a microwave-safe dish and heat them on high power for 30-60 seconds, or until they are warmed through.

Cut the fruits into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation. A light coating of oil or cooking spray can help prevent sticking and promote even browning.

Adjust the temperature and timing according to the type of fruit. Different fruits may require different cooking temperatures and times, so adjust accordingly for the desired level of doneness.

Always allow the fruits to cool for a few minutes before serving to let them firm up, become crispier, and avoid burns.

Dried fruits in an air fryer

Dried fruit is a tasty and healthy snack that can be made at home in an air fryer. Dehydrating fruit in an air fryer is a simple process, and many air fryers even have a dehydrating mode.

If your air fryer doesn't have a dehydrate mode, you can still dehydrate fruit by following these steps:

• Set your air fryer to the lowest temperature setting, ideally 80 degrees Celsius or lower.
• Cut your fruit into thin strips or slices, around 5-6mm thick. Leave small fruits like berries and grapes whole.
• Pat the fruit dry with a clean cloth.
• Place the fruit in the air fryer basket, ensuring the pieces aren't stacked on top of each other.
• Turn on the air fryer and check the fruit every hour, shaking the basket to turn the fruit and prevent sticking.
• Depending on the fruit, the dehydrating process can take anywhere from one to six hours.
• Allow the fruit to cool for at least six hours, or up to 24 hours for the best results.
• Store the dried fruit in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Using an air fryer to dehydrate fruit is a great way to enhance its natural sweetness and flavour, and it's a quicker and easier method than using an oven or grill. It's also a cost-effective way to enjoy dried fruit, as store-bought dehydrated fruit can be expensive due to the production process and packaging.

Some tips for making dried fruit in an air fryer include:

• Use parchment paper to line the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Experiment with different fruit sizes to create a variety of textures. Thinner slices will dehydrate faster and result in a crispier texture, while thicker slices will take longer and provide a chewier texture.
• Add flavour enhancers before air-frying. Flavours will intensify as the fruit dehydrates, so it's best to be light-handed.
• Avoid dehydrating fatty or oily fruits like avocados, as they can quickly go rancid or lead to foodborne illness if not done correctly.
• Store air-dried fruit in airtight containers to preserve it for as long as possible.
• Apples: Cut into 1/4-inch thick slices and air fry at 135°F for 6-10 hours.
• Mangoes: Cut into 1/4-inch thick slices and air fry at 135-145°F for 12-14 hours.
• Apricots: Halve the apricots and air fry at 120-135°F for 10-12 hours.
• Oranges: Cut into 1/4-inch thick slices and air fry at 135°F for 10-14 hours.
• Lemons: Cut into 1/4-inch thick slices and air fry at 135°F for 10-14 hours.
• Strawberries: Cut into 1/4-inch thick slices and air fry at 135°F for 6-8 hours.

Frequently asked questions