These air fryer apples are sweet, tender, and spiced just right. They taste like warm apple pie filling, but without the crust—or the extra work. I make them when I want a quick, cozy treat that’s healthy enough for breakfast and delicious enough for dessert.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s fast, simple, and fills the kitchen with the most comforting cinnamon-apple aroma. The air fryer gets the apples perfectly soft on the inside with lightly caramelized edges, and I can whip them up in under 15 minutes. Whether I’m topping oatmeal, yogurt, or just eating them with a spoon, they always hit the spot.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Apples (I like using Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala)
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg (optional)
- Maple syrup or brown sugar
- A pinch of salt
- Lemon juice (optional, to balance sweetness)
Directions
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I start by washing and slicing the apples into thin wedges or chunks—peeling is optional depending on the texture I want.
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In a bowl, I toss the apples with a bit of oil or melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, a touch of maple syrup or sugar, and a pinch of salt.
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I preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a couple of minutes.
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I spread the apples in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
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I air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the apples are golden and tender.
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I let them cool slightly before serving—they’re amazing warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2–3 people, depending on how many apples I use. It takes about 5 minutes to prep and 10–12 minutes to cook, so the total time is around 15 minutes.
Variations
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I sometimes add a splash of vanilla extract after cooking for extra flavor.
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If I want crunch, I sprinkle granola or chopped nuts over the apples before serving.
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For dessert, I top them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
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A little bit of cardamom or ginger adds another layer of spice.
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I’ve used pears in place of apples and they turn out just as good.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes or microwave them for about 20–30 seconds. They’re also great cold over yogurt or oatmeal.
FAQs
What type of apples work best?
I like firm and slightly sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. Granny Smith works too if I want a tart balance.
Can I peel the apples?
Yes, I can peel them if I want a softer texture. Leaving the skin on adds more fiber and a slight bite.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
It’s not a must, but I’ve found preheating helps the apples cook more evenly and caramelize better.
Can I make these without sugar?
Absolutely. The apples are naturally sweet, so I skip the sweetener entirely or use just a little maple syrup.
What can I serve these with?
I serve them with yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or just enjoy them as-is for a warm, healthy snack.
Conclusion
Air fryer apples are one of those easy recipes I keep coming back to. They’re quick, versatile, and packed with flavor—basically everything I want in a cozy snack or light dessert. With just a few simple ingredients, I get all the comfort of baked apples in a fraction of the time.
Print
Best Air Fryer Apples
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Snack, Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Air Fryer Apples are warm, sweet, and perfectly spiced—like apple pie filling without the crust! Quick and easy to make in just 15 minutes, they’re ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Whether you enjoy them on their own, with yogurt, or topped with ice cream, these tender cinnamon apples are a cozy treat you’ll want on repeat.
Ingredients
- 2 apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith), sliced or chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes.
- Wash and slice apples into thin wedges or chunks. Peel if desired.
- In a bowl, toss apples with oil or butter, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), sweetener, salt, and lemon juice.
- Spread apples in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until tender and lightly caramelized.
- Let cool slightly and serve warm.
Notes
- Add a splash of vanilla extract after cooking for extra depth.
- Top with granola, chopped nuts, or whipped cream for added texture and richness.
- Try pears or a mix of apples and pears for a twist.
- Skip sweetener for a naturally sweet, no-sugar version.
- Use as a topping for oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.
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