Air Fryer Apples Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy, fall-inspired dessert or snack that doesn’t require a lot of time or ingredients, these air fryer apples are perfect. Just a handful of simple ingredients, a quick toss in the air fryer, and you’ll have warm, caramelized apple bites that are a little crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of cinnamon-maple goodness. They’re like a lighter, healthier twist on baked apples, and they come together in under 15 minutes—no oven required!

I remember the first time I made these for my family on a chilly weekend morning. We’d gone apple-picking the day before, and I was trying to figure out new ways to use up our haul. I decided to experiment with the air fryer, hoping it might work some magic on the apples, and it did! The warm, spiced aroma filled the kitchen, and by the time I brought a bowl to the table, everyone was already digging in with their spoons. Now, these air fryer apples have become a cozy tradition for us whenever we’re craving something sweet and comforting without a ton of effort.

this RECIPE

Where air-fried apples come from (and why you’ll love them)

Baked apples have been around for centuries, originally enjoyed as a way to bring warmth and comfort on cold days. In traditional European recipes, apples were stuffed with spices, honey, and nuts, then slow-baked until they were soft and jammy. The air fryer version is a modern twist on this classic, speeding up the cooking process while keeping all that warm flavor and coziness. Plus, air frying allows the apples to get a little crispy on the outside, adding a nice contrast to the tender insides. It’s like apple pie without the crust or fuss!

Ingredients you’ll need (and some flexible swaps)

• Red apples: I love using Pink Lady, Honey Crisp, or Gala apples for this recipe because they’re naturally sweet and hold their shape well. You can use other varieties, but I recommend sticking to a crisp, slightly tart apple for the best flavor. If you don’t have red apples, green apples like Granny Smith can work too—they’ll just give a more tart flavor.
• Maple syrup: The maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor. Make sure to use real maple syrup, not the artificially flavored kind. If you’re out of maple syrup, honey works well as a substitute, though it will have a slightly different flavor.
• Coconut oil: Melted coconut oil helps the apples get that golden, slightly crispy texture. I suggest using refined coconut oil if you don’t want any coconut taste. If coconut oil isn’t your thing, melted butter or even olive oil can work in a pinch.
• Cinnamon: This is the spice that brings everything together, adding warmth and a hint of sweetness. Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves if you want to take the fall flavors up a notch.

Tools you’ll need to make these apples just right

• Air fryer: Of course, this recipe is designed with an air fryer in mind. The air fryer’s convection heating allows the apples to cook quickly and evenly, giving them that slightly crispy exterior. If you don’t have an air fryer, you could use a convection oven, but you might need to adjust the cooking time.
• Mixing bowl: A simple bowl to toss the apple pieces with the syrup, oil, and cinnamon. Make sure it’s large enough to give the apples some room so they get evenly coated.
• Tongs or spoon: You’ll want something to give the apples a shake halfway through cooking, so they cook evenly. Tongs or a spoon will work, whatever’s easier for you.

Step-by-step: how to make perfect air fryer apples

1. Prep your air fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 380°F. I like to spray the basket with a little non-stick spray to make sure the apples don’t stick. This step also helps with getting that nice golden color.
2. Toss the apples: In a mixing bowl, add your cubed apples, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, the melted coconut oil, and cinnamon. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. You want each piece to be lightly covered in oil and spice, which will help them caramelize in the air fryer.
3. Arrange in the basket: Place the apple cubes in the air fryer basket. Try not to overcrowd them—spread them out in a single layer so they cook evenly. If they’re too piled up, they might steam instead of crisp up.
4. Air fry to golden perfection: Air fry the apples for 10-14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Depending on your air fryer model, cooking times can vary a bit. You’re looking for a golden, slightly crispy exterior with a tender interior. They should smell amazing by the time they’re done!
5. Final toss in maple syrup: As soon as the apples are done, toss them in the remaining tablespoon of maple syrup. This final touch adds a little extra sweetness and gives them a lovely, glossy finish.
6. Serve and enjoy: Serve the apples warm! They’re delicious on their own, but they’re also incredible over vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or oatmeal.

Variations to make these apples your own

There are so many ways to customize these air fryer apples! Here are a few of my favorite twists:

• Vegan caramel drizzle: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle the apples with vegan caramel sauce (made from dates or coconut milk) right before serving.
• Nutty crunch: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for some crunch. You can toss the nuts in with the apples halfway through the air frying process, so they get lightly toasted.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cloves to the cinnamon mix for a more complex spice profile. Pumpkin spice blend also works if you’re in a fall mood!
• Crispy topping: Crumble some granola or crushed graham crackers over the apples after cooking for an apple crisp vibe without the baking dish.
• Make it creamy: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped coconut cream on top to make this a full dessert.
• Apple pie filling: Add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the apples before air frying to thicken the juices slightly. It gives them more of an “apple pie filling” consistency.

Serving suggestions: dress it up or keep it simple

Serve these warm air fryer apples over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert that everyone will love. They’re also fantastic as a topping for oatmeal, bringing a touch of sweetness and warmth to your morning bowl. If you’re hosting brunch, add them to pancakes or waffles with a little extra cinnamon on top.

For a more casual snack, simply enjoy the apples as-is or alongside a handful of nuts for a filling treat. The slight crunch from the air fryer makes them feel like a snack and dessert all in one.

Drink pairings that complement the flavors

To make this treat extra cozy, I love pairing it with a warm drink. Here are some options that go beautifully with these cinnamon-spiced apples:

• Hot apple cider: Apple-on-apple might sound like overkill, but trust me—it’s delicious! The warm, spiced cider really brings out the apple flavor in the dessert.
• Chai latte: The spices in a chai latte (think cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves) match perfectly with the warm, spiced apples. Try it with a touch of vanilla for a creamy finish.
• Ginger tea: If you like a little zing, a warm ginger tea adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet apples.
• Cinnamon-spiced hot chocolate: For a rich pairing, make a hot chocolate with a dash of cinnamon. It’s a decadent option, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need!

How to store and reheat air fryer apples

If you have leftovers, you can store these air fryer apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F. They’ll regain a bit of their crispiness that way, which you wouldn’t get from a microwave. If you prefer a softer texture, the microwave works in a pinch—just heat them on low so they don’t overcook.

Scaling the recipe up or down

This recipe is easily scalable, whether you’re cooking for one or for a crowd. If you’re making a larger batch, be mindful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook the apples in batches if needed. For a single serving, just use one apple and cut the other ingredients in half.

Common questions about air fryer apples

1. Can I use green apples?
Yes, green apples like Granny Smith work well, though they’ll give a more tart flavor. It’s a nice contrast if you enjoy a slightly tangy bite.

2. Can I make these without coconut oil?
Absolutely! You can substitute with melted butter or another neutral oil, like vegetable oil, for a similar texture.

3. What if I don’t have maple syrup?
Honey or agave syrup can work in place of maple syrup. Just keep in mind they each have a slightly different flavor.

4. How do I keep the apples from sticking?
Spraying the air fryer basket with non-stick spray before cooking should do the trick. You can also toss the apples with a tiny bit more oil.

5. Can I freeze the cooked apples?
While you can freeze them, they’ll lose their crispiness once thawed. They’re best enjoyed fresh or within a few days when stored in the fridge.

Try these air fryer apples the next time you’re craving something sweet, warm, and easy. You’ll love how they bring the flavors of fall into your kitchen with almost no effort. Enjoy experimenting with the variations, and don’t forget to share with friends and family—this cozy treat is too good to keep to yourself!

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