If you’re looking for a quick, cozy treat that makes your kitchen smell heavenly, Air Fryer Apples are about to become your new obsession! Sweet apples kissed with cinnamon and finished with buttery sugar—all ready in under 15 minutes—this recipe proves that magic really can happen in your air fryer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Fast: These Air Fryer Apples go from counter to table in just 15 minutes—hello, instant gratification!
- Warm & Cozy Flavor: The combination of buttery cinnamon and vanilla wraps every slice in comfort-food vibes you’ll crave all year long.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Joy: You probably already have everything you need—no fancy or hard-to-find ingredients here!
- Family (and Air Fryer) Friendly: A fuss-free recipe that’s fun for all ages, and your air fryer does almost all the work for you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how simple this ingredient list is—every item plays a key role in making these Air Fryer Apples deliciously sweet, soft, and cinnamon-fragrant. Here’s why each one matters:
- Gala Apples (4 small/medium): Their natural sweetness and tender flesh turn soft and jammy in the air fryer, but you can use your favorite variety!
- Cinnamon (1½ tsp, separated): The heart and soul of this recipe—gives apples that classic, irresistible warmth.
- Canola Oil (1 T): Helps the apples crisp up at the edges while keeping them moist and glossy. Vegetable oil is a great sub!
- Vanilla (1 tsp): Just a splash amplifies the cozy, dessert-like flavor.
- Butter, melted (2 T): This is what gives the apples a luxurious, rich finish.
- Sugar (2 T): Sweetens and caramelizes, giving each bite that golden, slightly crunchy bite.
Variations
This recipe is pure comfort as written, but it’s also endlessly customizable—use whatever you have on hand or adjust for dietary needs. Here are a few tasty ways to make these Air Fryer Apples your own:
- Pear-fect Twist: Swap out apples for pears for a softer, slightly floral version that feels ultra-elegant.
- Maple Magic: Drizzle warm apples with maple syrup instead of sugar for extra autumnal flavor (bonus: it’s naturally sweetened!).
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the apples post-air fry for a toasty, satisfying crunch.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or your favorite vegan butter, and choose a plant-based sweetener if needed.
How to Make Air Fryer Apples
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Start by coring your apples and slicing them into generous ½-inch pieces. Leave the skins on for extra color and nutrition, or peel if you prefer a softer texture—totally up to you! The thicker slices hold up beautifully in the air fryer.
Step 2: Toss with Flavor
In a large bowl, gently toss your apple slices with the canola oil, vanilla, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon until every slice is glossy and beautifully speckled with spice. This little oil-vanilla bath helps the apples caramelize without drying out.
Step 3: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Arrange the apples in a single layer in the basket (if they overlap a bit, that’s okay—they’ll shrink as they cook). Let the air fryer work its magic for about 10 minutes, giving the basket a shake halfway through to encourage even cooking and golden edges.
Step 4: Finish with Buttery Cinnamon Sugar
Right after air frying, transfer the hot apples to a mixing bowl. Add the melted butter, sprinkle over the remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon and sugar, and toss until every piece is glistening. Serve immediately while they’re warm and fragrant!
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Apples
- Choose the Right Apples: Firm varieties like Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold their shape best and offer both sweetness and a tender bite.
- Even Slices for Even Cooking: Try to keep your apple slices roughly the same thickness so they cook at the same rate and turn out tender all around.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give your apples a bit of breathing room in the air fryer basket—if necessary, work in batches for the most golden, caramelized finish.
- Shake for Magic: Don’t skip shaking the basket halfway through! It ensures every edge gets a little bit of that scrumptious, golden flavor and helps them cook evenly.
How to Serve Air Fryer Apples
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce turns your Air Fryer Apples into an elegant (yet effortless) dessert. For crunch, try a handful of toasted nuts or a few oats sautéed in butter.
Side Dishes
These apples are lovely as a breakfast topping—think Greek yogurt, pancakes, or your favorite oatmeal bowl. For dessert, serve them with vanilla ice cream or even spooned over French toast for brunch with flair.
Creative Ways to Present
I love layering Air Fryer Apples in parfait glasses with yogurt and granola, tucking them into puff pastry for a speedy turnover, or serving in ramekins with a little extra cinnamon for a gorgeous, individual treat. Bonus: They’re even pretty enough for a simple fall dinner party side!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Air Fryer Apples cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay delicious for up to five days—perfect for quick, cozy snacks all week long.
Freezing
Place cooled apples in a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen for a taste of autumn any day of the year.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your Air Fryer Apples in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or warm them in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. They’ll be nearly as delicious as the day you made them—no one will ever guess they’re leftovers!
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of apple for Air Fryer Apples?
Absolutely! While Gala apples are sweet and hold their shape well, you can use Honeycrisp, Fuji, Granny Smith, or even Pink Lady. Just note: tart apples like Granny Smith will be less sweet but still deliciously tangy.
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Do I have to peel the apples?
Nope! It’s entirely personal preference. The peel adds color, nutrients, and a bit of texture, but if you prefer your Air Fryer Apples completely soft, peeling is the way to go.
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How do I keep Air Fryer Apples from sticking?
You can lightly spritz the air fryer basket with oil before adding your apple slices, though it’s not always necessary since the apples are tossed in oil. Just avoid overcrowding so the hot air can circulate underneath.
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Can I double this recipe in the air fryer?
If you need to feed a crowd, it’s best to cook the apples in batches. Overlapping too many slices at once will cause them to steam rather than roast, so keep that air flowing for the best results!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about a bowl of warm, spiced Air Fryer Apples—whether you’re treating yourself or feeding a houseful of friends. I truly hope you give this recipe a try soon and let your air fryer work a little bit of autumnal magic in your own kitchen. Enjoy every sweet, cinnamon-laced bite!
PrintAir Fryer Apples Recipe
These Air Fryer Apples are a delicious and healthy dessert option that is quick and easy to make. With a perfect blend of cinnamon and sweetness, these air-fried apples are sure to become a favorite!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 small/medium Gala apples
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, separated
- 1 T canola oil (vegetable oil will also work)
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 T melted butter
- 2 T sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Remove cores and slice apples into 1/2 inch slices. Toss in oil, vanilla, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set air fryer to 380°F.
- Cook Apples: Place apples in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Final Touches: Transfer cooked apples to a bowl and toss with butter, remaining cinnamon, and sugar. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can customize the sweetness by adjusting the amount of sugar used.
- Experiment with different apple varieties for unique flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
