Air Fryer Apricots – Easy Sweet & Healthy Dessert Recipe

Air Fryer Apricots transform ordinary fruit into a caramelized, juicy treat that tastes like sunshine in every bite. The gentle heat of the air fryer brings out the natural sweetness of apricots while creating that perfect balance of tender insides with slightly crisp edges all without the mess and fuss of traditional baking.

Last weekend, Lily helped me prepare these for our Sunday family dessert, and even Jake (my perpetual dessert critic) asked for seconds! He usually turns his nose up at anything fruit-based, but these golden beauties won him over immediately.

Making apricots in air fryer is honestly one of my go-to summer desserts when I’m craving something sweet but don’t want to heat up the kitchen. Plus, they’re ready in under 15 minutes with minimal cleanup – perfect for those evenings when David is working late and I’m juggling three different activities with the kids.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

For these Air Fryer Apricots, you’ll want to choose ripe but still firm apricots that give slightly when pressed. I always add a touch of honey and cinnamon for that warm, cozy flavor that makes the house smell amazing. The complete ingredient list with exact measurements is in the recipe card below, but the beauty of this recipe is its simplicity!

How to Make Air Fryer Apricots

Creating these luscious Air Fryer Apricots couldn’t be simpler! Just halve and pit the apricots, brush with a honey-butter mixture, then air fry for about 8 minutes until caramelized and tender. I’ve made air fryer dehydrated apricots before, but these fresh ones cook much faster and have an irresistible juicy quality that my family absolutely loves.

Air Fryer Apricots – Easy Sweet & Healthy Dessert Recipe

These Air Fryer Apricots transform fresh fruit into a caramelized, juicy dessert in just minutes. With a touch of honey, cinnamon, and butter, they’re the perfect quick treat that tastes indulgent while still being wholesome.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 13 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 125

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 fresh apricots ripe but still firm
• 2 tablespoons butter melted
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar packed
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch salt optional

For Serving (Optional)

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Chopped pistachios or other nuts

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Small Bowl
• Pastry Brush
• Sharp knife

Method

 

• Wash and dry the apricots. Cut them in half along the natural seam and gently remove the pits.
• In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt (if using). Stir until well mixed.
• Using a pastry brush, coat each apricot half with the honey-butter mixture, making sure to get some into the cavity where the pit was.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for 2 minutes if your model requires it.
• Place the apricot halves cut-side up in your air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them. Work in batches if necessary.
• Air fry at 350°F for 7-9 minutes until the apricots are caramelized and tender when pierced with a fork.
• Carefully remove the apricots from the air fryer (they’ll be hot!) and transfer to serving plates.
• Drizzle with any remaining honey-butter mixture and serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or chopped nuts if desired.

Notes

For best results, choose apricots that are ripe but still firm. Too soft, and they’ll turn mushy; too hard, and they won’t develop that luscious, jammy texture. Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket – work in batches if needed for proper air circulation. These apricots are best enjoyed immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 325°F.

1. Prepare the apricots: Wash and dry the apricots thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, cut them in half along the natural seam and remove the pits.

1. Make the sweet coating: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well mixed.

2. Coat the fruit: Brush each apricot half with the honey-butter mixture, making sure to get some into the cavity where the pit was.

3. Air fry to perfection: Place the apricot halves cut-side up in your air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Air fry at 350°F for 7-9 minutes until they’re caramelized and tender when pierced with a fork.

4. Serve and enjoy: Transfer to serving plates and drizzle with any remaining honey mixture. Serve warm with optional toppings!

Pro Tips for Making This Air Fryer Apricots

My Secret Trick: I always add a tiny pinch of salt to the honey-butter mixture. It might sound strange, but it actually enhances the natural sweetness of the apricots and creates a more complex flavor profile.

For perfectly caramelized Air Fryer Apricots, make sure your apricots are ripe but still firm. Too soft, and they’ll turn mushy; too hard, and they won’t develop that luscious, jammy texture we’re looking for.

Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket! I always work in batches if needed, keeping the first batch warm in the oven. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation and you won’t get that beautiful caramelization.

I’ve found that adding the spices (like cinnamon) to the butter mixture rather than sprinkling them directly on the fruit helps distribute the flavors more evenly and prevents any bitter burnt spots.

Fun Variations for Air Fryer Apricots

Switch Up the Sweeteners

Instead of honey, try maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile. When I’m feeling indulgent, I’ll use brown sugar with a splash of bourbon – David absolutely loves this grown-up version for our date nights after the kids are in bed!

Add Complementary Spices

While cinnamon is our family favorite, these apricot air fryer treats are amazing with:

• Cardamom and a touch of orange zest (Emma’s preference)
• Vanilla bean seeds and a sprinkle of nutmeg
• Five-spice powder for an unexpected but delicious twist

Create a Stuffed Version

Try filling the apricot cavities with:

• A small spoonful of mascarpone or cream cheese mixed with honey
• Chopped pistachios and a drizzle of honey (Lily’s absolute favorite)
• A mix of crushed amaretti cookies and butter for a crunchy surprise

Make It a Complete Dessert

Turn your Air Fryer Apricots into a showstopper by serving them:

• Over vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of caramel sauce
• Alongside pound cake with a dollop of whipped cream
• Chopped and folded into yogurt with granola for a special breakfast treat

What to Serve With Air Fryer Apricots

These Air Fryer Apricots make the perfect base for so many delicious dessert combinations! My go-to pairing is a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream – the cold creaminess against the warm, caramelized fruit is simply heavenly. Emma always asks for a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios.

For a lighter option, try serving with Greek yogurt drizzled with honey. The tanginess perfectly complements the sweet, jammy apricots. When I make air fryer dehydrated apricots, I store them for later use, but these fresh ones deserve to be enjoyed immediately!

If we’re hosting friends, I’ll put together a dessert board with the apricots as the centerpiece, surrounded by shortbread cookies, dark chocolate squares, and a small bowl of mascarpone cheese. It’s always a hit and looks much fancier than the 15 minutes it took me to prepare!

How to Store and Reheat

While these Air Fryer Apricots are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I use glass containers with snap-on lids to keep them fresh without picking up flavors from the fridge.

To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 325°F until warmed through. This revives that wonderful caramelized exterior without overcooking the fruit. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too about 20 seconds but you’ll lose some of that lovely texture contrast.

I sometimes make a double batch just to have leftovers for breakfast the next day. They’re amazing chopped up and stirred into oatmeal or yogurt for a special morning treat!

Nutritional Benefits

These Air Fryer Apricots offer a healthier dessert alternative packed with vitamins A and C, potassium, and dietary fiber. Using the air fryer means less added fat than traditional desserts while still delivering that satisfying sweetness. They’re a treat I feel good about serving to my family when we want something special without the sugar crash.

FAQs

How to dry apricots in air fryer?

For dried apricots, slice them into quarters, remove pits, and air fry at 175°F for 3-4 hours, checking occasionally. Flip halfway through. They’re ready when leathery but still slightly pliable. This differs from my caramelized Air Fryer Apricots recipe above.

How to dehydrate apricots in air fryer?

Wash and halve ripe apricots, removing pits. Arrange cut-side up in a single layer. Dehydrate at 135°F for 6-8 hours, depending on desired dryness. Store in airtight containers after completely cooling for a healthy snack alternative.

Can you dry apricots in an air fryer?

Absolutely! While traditional dehydrators work well, your air fryer is perfect for drying apricots too. Use the lowest temperature setting (usually 135-175°F), ensure good air circulation, and be patient—proper dehydration takes several hours for the best texture and flavor.

What temperature do you cook apricots in air fryer?

For caramelized fresh Air Fryer Apricots, cook at 350°F for 7-9 minutes until tender and golden. For dehydrating, use the lowest setting (135-175°F) for several hours. The higher temperature creates a dessert-like treat, while lower temps are for preservation.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Apricots are one of those simple pleasures that prove you don’t need complicated ingredients or techniques to create something truly special. I love how this recipe transforms humble apricots into a dessert worthy of company, yet simple enough for a Tuesday night treat. Whether you’re serving them with ice cream for a decadent finish to a meal or enjoying them with yogurt for a healthier option, these warm, caramelized fruits are sure to become a favorite in your household just as they have in mine. Give them a try the next time apricots are in season your family will thank you!

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