Air Fryer Apples Recipe

There’s something about warm, caramelized apples that just feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day. This Air Fryer Apples recipe brings out the natural sweetness of fresh apples and enhances it with a hint of cinnamon and real maple syrup. The best part? It all comes together in under 15 minutes, making it an easy, fuss-free treat. If you’re looking for a healthier dessert option, or just a quick snack that feels like dessert, this recipe is a fantastic choice. Trust me, once you taste these warm, cinnamon-spiced apples, you’ll be making them on repeat.

this RECIPE

A little backstory on these spiced apples 🍎

I discovered this recipe one fall afternoon when I had a serious craving for apple pie but zero interest in spending hours baking. After a little experimenting, I realized that air frying apples with some maple syrup and cinnamon could capture those classic apple pie flavors in a fraction of the time. Since then, it’s become a go-to snack in my house, especially when I want something warm, sweet, and comforting without any refined sugars. My favorite way to enjoy these is straight out of the air fryer with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—perfection!

Let’s talk ingredients: simple yet flavorful

This recipe is short and sweet, with just four main ingredients. Here’s what you need to know about each one:

• Apples: Choose a firm, sweet apple like Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Gala. These varieties hold up well in the air fryer and get nicely tender without turning mushy. If you’re out of red apples, feel free to try Granny Smith for a slightly tart twist!
• Maple syrup: This adds a natural sweetness and subtle caramel flavor that complements the apples beautifully. I love using real maple syrup for its depth of flavor. If you’re out of maple syrup, a drizzle of honey or agave works too.
• Coconut oil: Refined coconut oil is best here if you don’t want a coconut flavor. It helps the apples caramelize and gives them a slight crispness. You could also use melted butter if you prefer a richer flavor.
• Cinnamon: A must-have for that cozy, spiced flavor! Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves if you’re looking to make it even more festive.

Kitchen gear: what you’ll need (and a few tips!)

One of the reasons I love this recipe is that you don’t need any fancy tools—just an air fryer and a few basic kitchen items. Here’s what I recommend:

• Air fryer: Any standard air fryer should work. If your air fryer has a small basket, you might need to make these apples in batches to avoid overcrowding (overlapping apples won’t cook evenly).
• Mixing bowl: A medium bowl is perfect for tossing the apple cubes with the maple syrup, oil, and cinnamon.
• Tongs or a spoon: These will help you toss the apples halfway through cooking without burning yourself.

If you don’t have an air fryer, you could try baking these apples in the oven at 400°F for around 20-25 minutes. They won’t get quite as crispy, but they’ll still be delicious!

Step-by-step: my foolproof method for perfect air fryer apples

Let’s walk through the process so you can get those perfectly golden, caramelized apples. I promise it’s easier than pie (literally)!

1. Prep your air fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 380°F. Give the basket a quick spritz of non-stick spray. Preheating ensures that the apples start to caramelize right away, which brings out the best flavor.
2. Toss the apples: In a bowl, add your peeled, cored, and cubed apples. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and sprinkle with cinnamon. Toss everything together until the apple pieces are evenly coated. I like to use my hands here to make sure each piece is well-covered—just be sure to wash them after, or you’ll smell like cinnamon all day!
3. Arrange in the air fryer: Place the apples in the air fryer basket in an even layer. Try to avoid overlapping them too much; crowded apples will steam instead of crisp. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, it’s better to cook in two batches.
4. Cook and shake: Air fry the apples for 10-14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep an eye on them around the 10-minute mark—depending on your air fryer, they might cook a bit faster or slower. They’re ready when they’re golden brown, slightly crispy on the edges, and tender in the center.
5. Finish with maple syrup: Once they’re done, transfer the warm apples to a serving bowl and drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of maple syrup. This final touch adds a lovely glaze and an extra burst of sweetness.
6. Serve and enjoy: Enjoy your air fryer apples warm, straight out of the bowl, or with a scoop of ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or over oatmeal. It’s hard to go wrong!

Make it your own: fun variations to try

• Add nuts for crunch: Try tossing in some chopped pecans or walnuts before the last few minutes of air frying. They’ll toast up and add a wonderful crunch to each bite.
• Make it dairy-free: Skip the ice cream and serve with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or dairy-free yogurt instead.
• Try different spices: Along with cinnamon, add a pinch of ground ginger, nutmeg, or allspice for a warm spice blend. Pumpkin pie spice is also a fantastic option for an autumnal twist.
• Vegan option: This recipe is already vegan, but if you want to add a little extra protein, try topping your apples with a handful of granola or a spoonful of almond butter.
• Seasonal twist: For a winter holiday version, toss the apples with a bit of orange zest or a splash of vanilla extract. It adds a lovely, festive aroma that pairs perfectly with the warm spices.
• Lower-sugar option: If you’re watching your sugar intake, feel free to reduce the maple syrup by half. The apples are naturally sweet, so they’ll still taste amazing!

Serving ideas: make it feel special

Serve these warm apples in a pretty bowl with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top. If you’re making this for guests, you could go all out by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. These apples are also delicious over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a weekend brunch. For a healthier option, spoon them over Greek yogurt or oatmeal—it’s a lovely balance of warm and cold, creamy and crunchy.

Beverage pairings

Looking for a cozy drink to enjoy with these air fryer apples? Here are a few ideas:

• Hot apple cider: The warm spices in cider complement the cinnamon apples beautifully. For extra flavor, add a cinnamon stick and a slice of fresh ginger to your mug.
• Chai tea latte: The creamy, spiced flavors of a chai latte pair wonderfully with the sweet apples. You can make it at home with a tea bag, milk of choice, and a pinch of cinnamon.
• Herbal tea: Try a spiced herbal tea like ginger or cinnamon. Both will bring out the warm flavors of the apples without overpowering them.
• Iced vanilla latte: If you prefer something cold, an iced vanilla latte with almond or oat milk can provide a nice balance to the warm apples.

Storage and reheating tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or warm them up in the microwave for 30 seconds. They’re still delicious cold, but warming them up brings back that freshly-cooked flavor.

Freezing isn’t ideal for this recipe, as the apples can turn mushy when thawed. But honestly, they’re so quick and easy to make that you can whip up a fresh batch whenever the craving strikes!

Adjusting the recipe for a crowd

This recipe serves about two people, but it’s easy to double or triple if you’re feeding a crowd. Just be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket—if you’re making a larger batch, cook in multiple rounds so the apples crisp up nicely. You might also need to add a minute or two to the cooking time to get them perfectly tender.

Troubleshooting tips (just in case)

• Soggy apples: This usually happens if the basket is too full. Make sure to arrange the apples in a single layer, even if it means cooking in batches.
• Burnt edges: Keep an eye on the apples during the last few minutes of cooking. Air fryers vary, so check them at the 10-minute mark and adjust as needed.
• Too soft: If you prefer your apples with a bit more bite, reduce the cooking time to around 8-10 minutes.

Ready to make some air fryer apples?

I hope this recipe brings a little warmth and sweetness to your day! Air fryer apples are such a simple yet satisfying treat, and they’re endlessly adaptable. Give them a try, and don’t hesitate to put your own spin on them. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or breakfast topping, I’m sure they’ll become a favorite in your home, too!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use green apples instead of red?
Yes! Green apples like Granny Smith add a nice tart flavor that balances the sweetness. Just keep in mind they may be a bit firmer after cooking.

2. Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is optional, but I find it helps the apples get that perfect soft texture. If you like the added fiber and a bit more texture, you can leave the skin on.

3. What if I don’t have coconut oil?
You can substitute with melted butter or even olive oil. Butter will give a richer flavor, while olive oil is a great neutral option.

4. Can I make this recipe in advance?
These are best fresh, but you can make them ahead and reheat in the air fryer or microwave.

5. How do I prevent the apples from sticking to the air fryer?
A quick spray of non-stick spray before adding the apples should do the trick. Just make sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking.

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