If you’re looking for a cozy, quick dessert (or snack!) with big fall vibes, my go-to is always Cinnamon Air Fryer Apples. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have tender, caramelized apples tossed in warm cinnamon – all with minimal prep and a fraction of the fuss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 15-Minute Treat: These Cinnamon Air Fryer Apples come together faster than you can preheat your oven!
- Hearty & Wholesome: Enjoy all the natural sweetness of apples, boosted by the warmth of cinnamon and a drizzle of pure maple syrup.
- Mess-Free Magic: No need to babysit a skillet or oven tray – just toss everything together, air fry, and dig in.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Go totally classic, add ice cream, or throw them over your morning oatmeal – you do you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cinnamon Air Fryer Apples is in its simplicity. With just a few pantry and fridge staples, you’ll unlock those irresistible caramelized edges and soft, spiced centers that make this recipe an instant classic.
- Apples (2 large): Any variety works, but crisp types like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji hold their shape and get deliciously tender without going mushy.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): The star of the show – choose a fresh, fragrant cinnamon for that cozy flavor everyone loves.
- Pure Maple Syrup or Sweetener of Choice (1 tbsp): Maple syrup adds gorgeous depth and caramel notes; feel free to swap for honey, agave, or brown sugar if you prefer.
- Oil or Butter (2 tsp, or omit for fat free): A splash helps with caramelization and gives the apples a silky finish – but you can skip it for a lighter bite.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Cinnamon Air Fryer Apples is how customizable they are. You can easily adjust the flavors, sweetness, or even change up the technique based on what you love or what’s in your pantry.
- Add Nuts: Toss in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for toastiness and crunch in every bite.
- Go Berry: Add a few fresh or frozen berries to the apples before air frying for a juicy, tangy twist.
- Spice Swap: Try pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, or ground ginger for a flavor upgrade beyond classic cinnamon.
- Sugar-Free Version: Use a zero-calorie sweetener and skip the oil or butter to make this dessert extra light.
How to Make Cinnamon Air Fryer Apples
Step 1: Prep Your Apples
Start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping your apples. You can peel them for a super-smooth texture, or leave the skins on for extra color and fiber. Dice the apples into small squares, or slice them into sticks or thin chips—whatever shape makes you happiest! Don’t forget to remove and discard the cores and seeds.
Step 2: Toss and Season
In a large bowl, toss your chopped apples with cinnamon, maple syrup (or your chosen sweetener), and melted butter or oil if using. Make sure everything is evenly coated for that crave-worthy, spiced-up flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
While you preheat your air fryer to 400°F, grease the tray or use an air fryer liner. Spread the apples out in a single layer so they cook evenly and get those delicious crispy edges. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, cook in batches to avoid crowding.
Step 4: Shake and Finish
Air fry for 7 minutes, then carefully open the fryer and shake the apples to flip them. Continue cooking for another 8 minutes—or until your Cinnamon Air Fryer Apples are caramelized and golden brown to your liking. Let them cool just slightly before serving—they’ll be piping hot and wonderfully fragrant!
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Air Fryer Apples
- Nature’s Candy Sizing: Cut apples into uniform pieces so they cook evenly and caramelize beautifully—no mushy bites!
- Perfect Air Fryer Layer: Resist the urge to overcrowd your basket; a single, spacious layer guarantees crisp, golden results every time.
- Shake for Even Crisp: Don’t skip the mid-cook shake—this step helps every apple chunk get that cinnamon-kissed, toasty finish.
- Flavor Infusion: For an extra burst, let the apples sit in the cinnamon-syrup mixture for a few minutes before air frying to soak up even more flavor.
How to Serve Cinnamon Air Fryer Apples
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of extra cinnamon, a few chopped nuts, or a light dusting of powdered sugar transforms these Cinnamon Air Fryer Apples into a true show-stopper. Whipped cream or vanilla yogurt makes a dreamy topping too—trust me!
Side Dishes
Pair your warm apples with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for dessert, or serve alongside pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal for a cozy breakfast treat. They also make a delightful side to pork chops or roast chicken for a sweet-savory twist!
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning the apples into mini mason jars for portable snacks, or layering them into a parfait with granola and creamy yogurt. For a party, serve with toothpicks and caramel dip—instant apple “nachos” everyone will love!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cinnamon Air Fryer Apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They’ll hold up beautifully and still taste warm and spiced, even cold as a sneaky midnight snack!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze your cooked apples! Let them cool, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using, and add a squeeze of lemon juice to keep flavors bright.
Reheating
To reheat, just pop your Cinnamon Air Fryer Apples back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or warm them gently in the microwave. They’ll taste just-made—soft in the center and caramelized on the edges!
FAQs
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Can I use any type of apple for Cinnamon Air Fryer Apples?
Absolutely! While I love using crisp, slightly tart-sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji, any apple you enjoy eating fresh will taste fantastic in this recipe. Just remember: softer apples cook faster, so keep a close eye to avoid mushiness.
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What’s the best way to prevent the apples from sticking to the air fryer tray?
Either grease the tray lightly with cooking spray or line it with air fryer parchment liners. This not only helps prevent sticking, but also makes cleanup breezy.
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Can I make Cinnamon Air Fryer Apples without oil or butter?
Definitely! You can skip the oil or butter for a totally fat-free version. The apples will still soften and caramelize, especially with the help of a little sweetener and the natural juices.
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Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Just be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer tray. Fry the apples in batches as needed so each piece gets crispy and golden. They come together so quickly, everyone will have a warm helping in no time.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these Cinnamon Air Fryer Apples for yourself! They’re simple enough for busy weeknights, yet special enough to stand in as dessert or a thoughtful homemade snack. Let your kitchen fill with cinnamon-scented coziness and treat yourself—you’re going to love every bite!
PrintCajun Chicken and Cheesy Grits Recipe
These Air Fryer Apples are a quick and easy snack or dessert option that’s both delicious and healthy. Cinnamon-coated apple pieces are air-fried to crispy perfection, creating a delightful treat that can be enjoyed guilt-free.
- Prep Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Snack/Dessert
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Apples:
- 2 large apples
Seasoning:
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup or sweetener of choice
- 2 tsp oil or butter, or omit for fat-free
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel and chop the apples into small squares, sticks, or chips. Remove cores and seeds.
- Season the Apples: Toss the apple pieces with cinnamon, sweetener, and optional oil or butter.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F and grease the tray.
- Air Fry: Arrange apples in a single layer, air fry for 7 minutes, shake, then bake for an additional 8 minutes until crispy.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness level to your liking.
- Experiment with different seasonings like nutmeg or cloves for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 120 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 15g
- Sodium: Negligible
- Fat: Approx. 3g
- Saturated Fat: Negligible
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 25g
- Fiber: Approx. 4g
- Protein: Negligible
- Cholesterol: 0mg
