Air Fryer figs crosswise

To make these delectable air fryer figs, gather the following fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Ingredients

• 8 fresh Mission or Brown Turkey figs, firm yet ripe
• 3 ounces goat cheese (chèvre), softened at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons honey (plus extra for drizzling)
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (stripped from your garden or local market)
• A pinch of flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)
• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil (for brushing the air fryer basket or figs)
• Fresh cracked black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Gently wash the fresh figs under cool water and pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Trim off any tough stems at the top. Place each fig on a cutting board. Using a sharp paring knife, make a deep crosswise cut (an X shape) starting from the top and cutting about three-quarters of the way down toward the base. Do not cut all the way through; the base should remain intact so the fig fans open like a blossom.
2. Gently squeeze the base of each fig to encourage the quarters to open outward slightly, creating a small pocket in the center. In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, 1 tablespoon of honey, and half of the fresh thyme leaves. Mix until smooth and well blended. Using a small spoon or a piping bag, stuff approximately 1 teaspoon of the goat cheese mixture right into the center of each fanned fig.
3. Chop your walnuts or pecans finely. Press a small pinch of the chopped nuts into the top of the goat cheese filling on each fig. Drizzle the remaining honey lightly over the top of the stuffed figs, letting a little bit run down the sides to help with the caramelization process in the air fryer. Season with a very light pinch of cracked black pepper and fresh thyme leaves.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly mist or brush your air fryer basket with a tiny bit of olive oil or line it with a perforated parchment paper liner designed for air fryers to prevent sticking. Carefully transfer the stuffed figs into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each fig to ensure proper air circulation. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 6 to 8 minutes. Keep a close eye on them during the final two minutes; you want the goat cheese to become warm and slightly golden, and the fig skins to wrinkle, soften, and caramelize without burning the nuts.
5. Remove the figs carefully from the air fryer using a spatula or tongs. Transfer them to a serving platter. Finish with a delicate pinch of flaky sea salt and an extra drizzle of raw honey just before serving.

Notes

Choosing the Right Figs: Look for figs that yield slightly to gentle pressure but are not mushy or leaking juice. Firm-ripe figs hold their shape much better during the air-frying process. Cheese Variations: If you aren’t a fan of goat cheese, creamy gorgonzola, sharp blue cheese, or even softened cream cheese mixed with herbs make fantastic substitutes. Make-Ahead Prep: You can wash, cut, and stuff the figs a few hours in advance, keeping them covered in the refrigerator. Simply pop them into the air fryer just before your guests arrive.