Quick and easy Air Fryer Apples made with cinnamon and a touch of sweetness. A healthy, warm, and cozy dessert or snack ready in just 15 minutes.
Air Fryer Apples are a quick and delicious way to enjoy a warm, comforting treat without turning on the oven. Made with fresh apples, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a touch of sweetness, this easy recipe comes together in just minutes.
Whether you serve them as a healthy snack, a simple dessert, or a topping for oatmeal, pancakes, or ice cream, these tender spiced apples are sure to be a family favorite.
This will be one of your favorite air fryer recipes. You might also want to try Air fryer Candied Pecans or Air Fryer Pears.
Table of contents
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick and easy – The air fryer cooks apples in under 15 minutes, so you get the flavor of baked apples without the long oven time.
- Healthier dessert option – Uses just a touch of sugar or honey for sweetness, making it lighter than traditional baked desserts.
- Perfectly tender and caramelized – The air fryer evenly cooks the apples, giving them a soft texture with a lightly caramelized finish.
- Versatile – Enjoy them on their own, as a snack, or as a topping for oatmeal, pancakes, yogurt, or ice cream.
- Family-friendly – A simple recipe with everyday ingredients that both kids and adults love.
Ingredients
- Sweet Apples – Honeycrisp or Gala are excellent choices because they hold their shape while cooking and bring natural sweetness. You can also try Fuji, honey crisp or Pink Lady apples for variety. You can use Granny Smith apples but they are more tart.
- Butter – A little melted butter adds richness and helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick to the apples.
- Maple Syrup – Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor and natural sweetness. It pairs perfectly with warm cinnamon and apples.
- Brown Sugar – Adds depth and caramel-like flavor. If you don’t have any, try one of the The Best Brown Sugar Substitutes.
Get the complete list of ingredients at the bottom of the page.
Variations
- Coconut Oil – Substitute coconut oil for butter for a dairy-free version. It adds a subtle tropical flavor and works perfectly with the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Coconut Sugar – Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a lower-glycemic alternative. It provides a caramel-like sweetness similar to brown sugar.
- Baked – If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the apples in the oven at 375°F for 25 minutes. They will turn out tender and caramelized just like in the air fryer.
- Combine Apple Varieties – Mix a tart apple, like Granny Smith, with a sweeter variety, such as Gala or Honeycrisp. The combination of flavors and textures makes the dish more complex and delicious.
- Spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a subtle heat that balances the sweetness.
- Peeling – You don’t have to peel the apples, though leaving the skin on adds color, nutrients, and texture. Many kids prefer peeled, so choose based on your audience.
- Spices – Feel free to experiment with other flavors. Try apple pie spice, nutmeg, or drizzle with caramel sauce for a rich and indulgent treat.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the apples. Peel, core and slice the apples.
Step 2. Mix everything together. Place the apples and other ingredients in a large bowl. Toss to coat the apples well.
Step 3. Put the apples in the air fryer. Make sure the apple chips are placed in a single layer. The air fryer needs to be set at 400 degrees. They will take about 13 to 16 minutes of air frying until the apples are soft.
Step 4. Remove the apples from the air fryer. Let them sit for a few minutes and the cinnamon sugar mixture will thicken as they sit. Serve and enjoy.
Storage
Refrigerator – Store cooled apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer or microwave before serving.
Freezer – You can freeze cooked apple slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast topping – Serve warm apples over oatmeal, pancakes, french toast or waffles for a naturally sweet and cozy start to the day.
- Dessert – Pair with No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an easy, indulgent treat.
- Snack – Enjoy them on their own as a healthy, warm snack anytime.
- Yogurt parfaits – Layer air fryer apples with Greek yogurt and granola for a quick and flavorful parfait.
- Baked goods – Use the apples as a filling for crepes, turnovers, or muffins to add natural sweetness and moisture.
Tips and Tricks
- Choose firm apples – Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji hold their shape best and won’t turn mushy in the air fryer.
- Uniform slices – Cut apples into even slices to ensure they cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd – Arrange apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket for the best caramelization.
- Adjust sweetness – Depending on your apples’ natural sweetness, you can reduce or increase the sugar or maple syrup.
- Use parchment paper – Lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
- Serve immediately or keep warm – Apples are best enjoyed warm but can be kept in a low oven (200°F) for up to 15 minutes before serving.
- Experiment with toppings – Sprinkle with nuts, drizzle with Homemade Caramel Sauce or chocolate, or add a dollop of yogurt or ice cream for a more decadent treat.
More Air Fryer Desserts
More Easy Apple Desserts
- Southern Fried Apples Recipe
- Deep Fried Apples Recipe
- Apple Crisp
- Fried Apple Pies
- Apple Crostata Recipe
Try making these air fryer apples and come back to leave a comment and a star rating! I love hearing your feedback.
Air Fried Apples
Ingredients
- 4 Sweet Apples Honeycrisp or Gala work great
- 2 Tbsp Melted Butter
- 2 Tbsp Maple Syrup
- 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
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Instructions
- Peel, core and slice the apples. Place the apples and all of the other ingredients in a large bowl.
- Toss to coat the apples well.
- Then place the apples in a single layer in the air fryer.
- Cook the apples in the air fryer at 400 degrees F. Cook for 13-16 minutes until the apples are soft and have browned slightly.
- Then remove the apples and let them sit for a few minutes. The coating will thicken as they sit.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
