Air Fryer Apples Recipe
There’s something so cozy about warm, cinnamon-spiced apples on a crisp autumn day, isn’t there? These air fryer apples hit all the right notes—sweet, a little tangy, with a touch of spice. Plus, they’re super easy to make and satisfyingly healthy. If you’re looking for a quick and delicious way to enjoy apples this season, this air fryer apples recipe is one you’ll want to bookmark.
I remember the first time I tried this, I was craving something comforting but didn’t want to spend ages in the kitchen. I thought, “Why not toss some apples in the air fryer?” They turned out beautifully caramelized and tender, with a flavor that reminded me of homemade apple pie filling. Now, they’ve become my go-to snack when I need a little pick-me-up (especially when I’m trying to avoid that Halloween candy bowl)!
🍏 Why air fryer apples are your new favorite treat
So, what makes this recipe so special? Well, first off, it’s a great way to enjoy the natural sweetness of apples without adding a ton of sugar. Just a touch of maple syrup brings out their flavors, while cinnamon gives it that classic fall aroma. And because we’re using an air fryer, there’s no need for heavy oils or long baking times. In under 15 minutes, you get golden, slightly crisp apples with a soft, warm center—perfect for topping oatmeal, pairing with ice cream, or simply enjoying on their own.
The origin story: a healthy twist on classic apple desserts
Baked apples have been around for centuries, enjoyed by cultures all over the world as a comforting dessert. Traditionally, they’re made in the oven with sugar and butter, often stuffed with nuts and spices. But as much as I love a good baked apple, waiting around for them to cook can feel like forever! The air fryer is a modern solution that speeds up the process and allows for a lighter version with coconut oil and maple syrup. This recipe captures all the essence of a baked apple, but in a fraction of the time.
Let’s talk ingredients: sweet, simple, and oh-so-satisfying
Here’s what you’ll need for these easy air fryer apples:
- Red apples: I love using sweet-tart varieties like Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Gala. These types hold up well in the air fryer, maintaining a tender yet slightly crisp texture. If you’re in a pinch, Granny Smith apples work too, but they’ll be a little more tangy.
- Maple syrup: Real maple syrup is key for that deep, caramel-like sweetness. You’ll use a bit for cooking and a bit more after air frying for an extra boost of flavor.
- Coconut oil: I recommend refined coconut oil, which doesn’t have a coconut flavor. It adds a subtle richness to the apples without overpowering them. If you don’t have coconut oil, melted butter or olive oil are good substitutes.
- Cinnamon: This is where the magic happens! Cinnamon adds warmth and spice, enhancing the natural sweetness of the apples. You could also add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves if you’re feeling fancy.
Essential kitchen tools: keep it simple
You really don’t need much for this recipe, which is one of the things I love about it. Here’s what to have on hand:
- Air fryer: An air fryer is obviously the star here. Any model will do, but if you have a smaller basket, you may want to work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Mixing bowl: You’ll need a bowl to toss the apple cubes with syrup, oil, and cinnamon.
- Sharp knife and peeler: Since we’re peeling and dicing apples, a good peeler and knife make the job easier and faster.
Step-by-step: how to make air fryer apples (with my little tips!)
Alright, let’s get cooking! Grab your ingredients and follow along.
- Preheat your air fryer
Set your air fryer to 380°F and give the basket a quick spray of non-stick spray. This helps prevent any sticking and ensures the apples get a nice golden color. - Prepare the apples
Peel, core, and cut your apples into bite-sized cubes, around 1 inch each. I like to keep the pieces uniform so they cook evenly. Toss the apple cubes in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and cinnamon. Make sure each piece is well-coated—this step is what gives them that gorgeous flavor. - Air fry the apples
Add your coated apples to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Try not to overlap them too much; if they’re piled up, they won’t cook evenly. Air fry for 10-14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep an eye on them—they’re done when they’re golden and slightly crisp on the outside but soft inside. - Finishing touch
Once they’re done, transfer the warm apples to a bowl and toss them with the remaining tablespoon of maple syrup. This adds a fresh layer of sweetness and a lovely glaze. And that’s it—your air fryer apples are ready to enjoy!
Recipe variations to try
Want to make this recipe your own? Here are a few variations and adaptations:
- Vegan caramel drizzle: For a decadent twist, drizzle your apples with a quick vegan caramel sauce. Just heat some coconut cream and maple syrup together until thickened, and pour over the apples before serving.
- Spicy chai apples: Add a pinch of ginger, cardamom, and cloves along with the cinnamon for a chai-spiced version.
- Lower-sugar option: Skip the maple syrup and toss your apples with just a little coconut oil and cinnamon. They’ll still be deliciously sweet!
- Pumpkin spice apples: Substitute pumpkin pie spice for cinnamon to give your apples a cozy fall flavor that pairs perfectly with pumpkin-flavored everything.
- Crispy apple chips: Slice your apples into thin rings instead of cubes and air fry for a little longer (around 18-20 minutes), until they’re crispy.
Serving ideas: make it extra special
These air fryer apples are versatile and go with just about anything! Here are some fun ways to serve them:
- Over oatmeal: Add a scoop of warm apples on top of your morning oatmeal for a comforting, fall-inspired breakfast.
- With vanilla ice cream: The hot apples and cold ice cream are a match made in heaven. It’s like apple pie without the crust!
- On toast: Spread some almond butter on whole-grain toast and top with the apples for a quick, satisfying snack.
- With yogurt: Add them to Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of granola for a tasty and filling breakfast parfait.
Drink pairings: coffee, cider, or a cozy tea?
For morning or brunch, these apples go wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea. The spices in chai complement the cinnamon on the apples beautifully. In the evening, try serving them with a glass of apple cider (either hard or non-alcoholic) for a double dose of apple goodness!
Storage and reheating tips
If you have leftovers (which might be unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until they’re warmed through. You can also microwave them for about 30 seconds, but they won’t be as crisp. These don’t freeze well, so enjoy them fresh!
Scaling up or down
This recipe is easy to adjust depending on how many people you’re serving. Just double or triple the ingredients if you’re feeding a crowd, but remember to air fry in batches if you’re increasing the quantity. Overcrowding the air fryer will prevent the apples from getting that lovely caramelized texture.
Troubleshooting tips: avoiding soggy or burnt apples
If your apples come out too soft, it’s likely because they were cut too small or the air fryer was overcrowded. For crispy edges, keep your cubes around 1 inch and don’t skip the halfway shake. If they’re burning, try reducing the temperature slightly or shortening the cooking time.
Ready to try these air fryer apples?
There you have it—a quick, easy, and healthy recipe that’s perfect for fall. Whether you’re snacking on them alone or adding them to your favorite dishes, these air fryer apples are bound to become a new favorite. Give them a try, and feel free to get creative with your own twists. There’s really no wrong way to enjoy warm, cinnamon-spiced apples!
FAQs
1. Can I use green apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Green apples like Granny Smith are a bit more tart, but they work well if you like a tangier flavor.
2. Can I make this recipe without maple syrup?
Absolutely. The apples are naturally sweet, so if you’re avoiding added sugar, skip the maple syrup and just use the cinnamon and coconut oil.
3. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can bake the apples in a 400°F oven for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
4. Can I add other spices?
Yes! Nutmeg, ginger, or even pumpkin pie spice make great additions if you want to experiment with different flavors.
5. How can I make these apples crispier?
For a crispier texture, slice the apples thinly and cook them longer, like apple chips. Just watch them closely so they don’t burn!
Air Fryer Apples Recipe
Warm, caramelized air fryer apples with cinnamon and maple syrup. Perfect for topping oatmeal or ice cream!
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Ingredients
- 2 red apples, pink lady, honey crisp, or gala, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch bite-sized cube
- 2 Tbsp real maple syrup, divided
- 1 Tbsp melted coconut oil, refined has no taste
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer
Set your air fryer to 380°F and give the basket a quick spray of non-stick spray. This helps prevent any sticking and ensures the apples get a nice golden color. - Prepare the apples
Peel, core, and cut your apples into bite-sized cubes, around 1 inch each. I like to keep the pieces uniform so they cook evenly. Toss the apple cubes in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and cinnamon. Make sure each piece is well-coated—this step is what gives them that gorgeous flavor. - Air fry the apples
Add your coated apples to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Try not to overlap them too much; if they’re piled up, they won’t cook evenly. Air fry for 10-14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep an eye on them—they’re done when they’re golden and slightly crisp on the outside but soft inside. - Finishing touch
Once they’re done, transfer the warm apples to a bowl and toss them with the remaining tablespoon of maple syrup. This adds a fresh layer of sweetness and a lovely glaze. And that’s it—your air fryer apples are ready to enjoy!
Notes
Serving ideas: make it extra special
These air fryer apples are versatile and go with just about anything! Here are some fun ways to serve them:
- Over oatmeal: Add a scoop of warm apples on top of your morning oatmeal for a comforting, fall-inspired breakfast.
- With vanilla ice cream: The hot apples and cold ice cream are a match made in heaven. It’s like apple pie without the crust!
- On toast: Spread some almond butter on whole-grain toast and top with the apples for a quick, satisfying snack.
- With yogurt: Add them to Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of granola for a tasty and filling breakfast parfait.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-14 minutes
- Category: Dessert