Air-Fried Peach Cobbler: A Quick, Easy Dessert

Air fryers are a great way to make peach cobbler, a delicious dessert that is a favourite during the summer. The air fryer significantly reduces the cooking time, making it a quick and easy dessert to make. The juicy peaches, buttery biscuit topping, and warm spices combine to make a scrumptious peach cobbler. You can use canned or fresh peaches, and the recipe can be adapted to use other fruits such as apples or blueberries. The dessert can be served with ice cream, whipped cream, or even yoghurt.

Choosing the right peaches

Opt for Ripe Peaches:

Select ripe, juicy peaches that are soft to the touch and give off a sweet fragrance. Ripe peaches will enhance the flavour and overall taste of your cobbler. Look for peaches that yield slightly when gently pressed.

Fresh vs. Canned Peaches:

You can use either fresh or canned peaches for your cobbler. Canned peaches are a convenient option as they are consistently soft and juicy. However, if you prefer using fresh peaches, choose ripe ones and adjust the sugar in your recipe, as fresh peaches tend to be less sweet.

Peach Variety:

When selecting peaches, look for varieties known for their sweetness and flavour. Yellow-fleshed peaches, such as Golden Prince, O'Henry, and Spring Lady, tend to be sweeter than white-fleshed varieties. The colour of the peach's flesh doesn't affect its nutritional value, so choose based on your preference for taste and texture.

Size and Uniformity:

Choose peaches of a similar size to ensure even cooking in your air fryer. Whether you're halving or slicing your peaches, try to make the pieces as uniform as possible. This will help them cook evenly, resulting in a cobbler with a consistent texture.

Avoid Overripe Peaches:

While ripe peaches are ideal, avoid those that are overly soft or bruised. Overripe peaches may become mushy when cooked, affecting the overall texture of your cobbler. Look for peaches that are ripe but still have a slight firmness to them.

By selecting the right peaches and preparing them appropriately, you'll be well on your way to creating a delectable peach cobbler that's sure to impress!

Preparing the bottom layer

To prepare the bottom layer of your peach cobbler, you'll need to combine the peach pie filling with flour and sugar. You can use canned or fresh peaches, but if you're using canned, be sure to get the peach slices in syrup and save the syrup from one of the cans. Drain and discard the juice from the other cans.

In a medium bowl, mix together the dry ingredients. You can use all-purpose flour and either granulated sugar or brown sugar, depending on your preference. Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon for extra flavour. If you're using canned peaches, stir in the milk, reserved syrup, and a teaspoon each of vanilla and almond extract.

Once your dry ingredients are mixed, you can add the peach slices. Carefully spoon the slices over the batter, making sure not to mix them in. The batter will rise and cover the peaches as it bakes.

If you're using fresh peaches, you'll need to peel and slice them into even-sized pieces before adding them to the bowl. You'll also need to add a small amount of water or fruit juice to the mixture to ensure the cobbler has enough liquid.

Once your bottom layer is prepared, you can move on to making the cobbler topping.

Making the cobbler topping

To make the topping for your peach cobbler, you'll need to combine dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately, and then mix them together.

First, get a separate bowl and mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. You can also add a little nutmeg if you like. Next, cut in the butter using a fork, two knives, or a pastry cutter. The mixture should be coarse and crumbly. This is your dry mix.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. You can use any type of milk here, including regular, almond, or coconut milk. This is your wet mix.

Now, simply combine the dry and wet mixes. Mix well, and you have your cobbler topping ready to drop onto the peach mixture!

Air-frying the cobbler

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by greasing a baking dish that fits into your air fryer. An 8-inch round cake pan works well, but a square pan can also be used. It is important to ensure that the dish is small enough to fit into your air fryer.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Add the peach slices to the greased baking dish. You can use canned or fresh peaches, but be sure to peel and slice fresh peaches before adding them to the dish. If using canned peaches, look for those packed in heavy syrup, as this will add sweetness and moisture to your cobbler. Drain and discard the juice from all but one of the cans, reserving the syrup from one can to use in your batter.

Next, mix in the remaining filling ingredients. This typically includes sugar, cinnamon, and a small amount of butter. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavour.

Step 3: Make the Cobbler Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together the dry ingredients for the cobbler topping. This usually includes flour, sugar, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. You can also add a bit of nutmeg to enhance the flavour. Cut in cold butter using a fork, two knives, or a pastry cutter. The mixture should be crumbly and flaky.

Step 4: Assemble the Cobbler

Sprinkle the cobbler topping over the peach filling, making sure to completely cover the filling. You can gently press it down, but avoid smoothing it out. If desired, you can also lay some butter on top of the cobbler for extra richness.

Step 5: Air-Fry the Cobbler

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically between 330-350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the baking dish into the air fryer basket or oven. The cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer and the size of your dish, but it generally takes around 20-25 minutes for the cobbler to cook through.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Your peach cobbler is done when the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the topping is still wet, air fry for a few additional minutes until it is cooked through.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Allow your peach cobbler to cool slightly, then serve warm. Peach cobbler is delicious on its own, but for an extra special treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also garnish with fresh mint leaves or enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness.

Serving suggestions

Peach cobbler is a versatile dessert that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your peach cobbler and impress your guests:

• Ice cream : A classic pairing, a scoop of ice cream complements the warm, sweet cobbler filling. For an extra touch, add a drizzle of pure vanilla extract. If you're feeling adventurous, try making your own homemade vanilla ice cream to go with your cobbler.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy touch to the rich and decadent cobbler. It provides a beautiful contrast in texture and temperature.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over the cobbler takes the dessert to the next level. The sweet and indulgent caramel is a perfect match for the peaches.
• Fresh berries: A side of fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, adds a bright and refreshing element to the dish. The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness of the cobbler.
• Mint leaves: A garnish of fresh mint leaves not only adds a pop of colour but also brings a refreshing flavour to the dessert. The coolness of mint is a great way to enhance the sweetness of the cobbler.
• Coffee or tea: For a more sophisticated pairing, serve your peach cobbler with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The bitterness of coffee or tea can help balance the richness of the dessert.
• Vanilla yoghurt: For a lighter option, serve your cobbler with a dollop of vanilla yoghurt. It adds a tangy and creamy dimension to the dish.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with your favourite flavour combinations. You can also offer a variety of toppings and let your guests customise their own peach cobbler creations.

Frequently asked questions