Air Fryer Apples are a tasty and cozy treat! You just cut up apples, sprinkle them with cinnamon and sugar, and cook them in the air fryer until they’re warm and soft.
These sweet little bites make the perfect dessert or snack. I love scooping them over vanilla ice cream for a fun twist. Who can resist warm apples? 🍏❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Choose varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji for the best flavor and sweetness. If you’re looking for substitutes, try Granny Smith for a tart kick or any other apple you have on hand. Just remember, firmer apples hold up better when cooked.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for this recipe, but you can swap it with coconut oil or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version. Both options will still give your apples a nice richness.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds warmth and depth. However, if you don’t have it, regular granulated sugar works in a pinch, or try maple sugar for a unique flavor twist.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is classic, but feel free to experiment with nutmeg or apple pie spice for extra warmth.
How Do I Ensure My Apples Cook Evenly?
For perfectly cooked apples, cut them into uniform sizes. This way, they cook evenly in the air fryer. Keeping the wedges thick—not too thin—helps maintain their structure as they caramelize.
- Preheat your air fryer to get a good sear on the apples, about 3 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange apple slices in a single layer to avoid steaming; if you’re making a large batch, do it in stages!
- Remember to shake the basket halfway through cooking; this redistributes the heat and helps with even cooking.
How to Make Air Fryer Apples
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apples:
- 3 large apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Honey or maple syrup, for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus 12-15 minutes of cooking time in the air fryer. So in about 25 minutes, you have a warm, tasty treat ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apples:
Start by washing and coring the apples. Then, cut each apple into thick wedges or large chunks. It’s important to keep the pieces the same size to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Make the Coating:
In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well combined.
3. Coat the Apple Slices:
Add the apple slices to the bowl and gently toss them in the butter and sugar mixture. Make sure each piece gets a good coating!
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. This step is key to getting the apples nice and caramelized!
5. Air Fry the Apples:
Place the coated apple slices into the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you have a lot of apples, you might need to cook them in batches to avoid crowding. This helps them cook more evenly.
6. Cook to Perfection:
Air fry the apples for 12-15 minutes. Be sure to shake the basket halfway through to ensure that they cook evenly and get that perfect golden brown color.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they are done, carefully remove the apples and transfer them to a serving plate. If you like, drizzle some honey or maple syrup on top for extra sweetness.
8. Perfect Pairings:
Serve your warm Air Fryer Apples on their own or enjoy them with a scoop of ice cream, dollop of yogurt, or mixed into oatmeal for breakfast. They are sure to be a hit!
Enjoy your warm, sweet, and fragrant Air Fryer Apples! They’re a cozy treat that’s hard to resist.
Can I Use Other Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji are great choices, you can also use Granny Smith for a tart flavor or any apple variety you have on hand. Just ensure they’re firm enough to hold their shape when cooked.
How Do I Store Leftover Air Fryer Apples?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a quick warm-up, or enjoy them cold as a refreshing snack!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Both options will still give your apples a delicious flavor without the dairy.
Are There Alternatives to Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, granulated sugar works in a pinch. For a different twist, you can also use maple sugar or coconut sugar, which will add unique flavors to the apples.