Ingredients
For the Air Fryer Roasted Peaches
- 3 medium ripe peaches (approximately 1 lb after removing pits)
- 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
For the Bourbon BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Peaches: Wash and dry your peaches. Cut them in half, remove the pits, and lightly coat the cut surfaces with neutral cooking oil. There is no need to peel them—the skins soften during roasting and blend into the sauce.
- Roast the Peaches in the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the peaches in the air fryer basket, cut-side facing up, making sure they are not overcrowded. Air fry for 10–14 minutes, or until the peaches are soft with lightly browned, caramelized edges. You want some color on those peaches—that caramelization brings additional depth and sweetness.
- Build the BBQ Sauce: Allow the roasted peaches to cool just enough to handle safely. Roughly chop them and transfer them to a medium saucepan. Add the ketchup, brown sugar, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, molasses, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly combined.
- Simmer and Develop the Flavor: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent the sugars from sticking or burning. Allow it to simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the peaches are fully tender and the sauce begins to thicken. The goal is a thick, flavorful BBQ sauce, not peach soup.
- Blend the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Using an immersion blender, carefully pulse the sauce until you reach your desired consistency. For a slightly chunky sauce: pulse just until most of the peaches break down, leaving small, soft pieces throughout. For a smoother sauce: continue blending until completely smooth. If using a countertop blender, work in small batches and follow hot liquid precautions.
- Adjust the Consistency: Return the blended sauce to the saucepan over low heat if it needs additional thickening. Simmer for another 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently. Keep in mind that BBQ sauce thickens slightly as it cools. If it becomes too thick, stir in a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Give your BBQ sauce a final taste. Want it sweeter? Add a small amount of brown sugar or honey. Want more tang? Add a splash of apple cider vinegar. Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne. Want a smokier flavor? Add a pinch of smoked paprika. Adjust gradually.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the sauce to cool slightly before transferring to a clean jar or airtight container. Brush it onto grilled chicken, toss with crispy wings, glaze your ribs, or spread on a burger. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for tenders or fries.
Chef Ken's Notes & Storage
Chef Ken’s Tips:
1. Use ripe peaches. Ripe peaches have a sweeter flavor and soften more easily during roasting.
2. Don’t skip the air fryer. Roasting adds flavor that you won’t get from simply blending raw peaches into ketchup.
3. Control your texture. Small pieces of peach throughout add great texture, but a longer blend creates a smoother finish.
4. Add the sauce toward the end of grilling. Because this recipe contains brown sugar, molasses, and natural fruit sugars, it can burn if exposed to high heat for too long.
5. Give it time to cool. The sauce thickens as it cools, so don’t over-reduce it while it’s still hot.
Storage:
• Refrigerator: Store in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator for 5–7 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Leave room for expansion.
• Reheating: Warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if needed.
• Note: This is a fresh, homemade sauce and is not shelf-stable. Do not store at room temperature.
What Goes Well With Peach Bourbon BBQ Sauce:
Smoked ribs, grilled chicken thighs, crispy wings, pulled pork sandwiches, grilled burgers, and smoked sausage.
FAQs:
• Without bourbon: Replace bourbon with an equal amount of apple juice or water.
• Frozen peaches: Thaw and thoroughly drain first. Pat dry before air frying.
• Peeling peaches: Not necessary; skins soften and blend smoothly.
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