Air Fryer Apples are an absolute game-changer for cozy snacking or an easy, wholesome dessert! With just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick spin in the air fryer, you get irresistible, golden bites that are crispy at the edges, perfectly tender inside, and brimming with warm cinnamon-maple flavor.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
- Quick & Effortless: You only need about 15 minutes from start to finish—no oven, no fuss, just pure apple bliss.
- Healthier Treat: These Air Fryer Apples use a touch of natural maple syrup, making them satisfyingly sweet without excess sugar.
- Kid & Adult Friendly: The soft, cinnamon-spiced apple cubes are a delicious way to sneak more fruit into your day for all ages.
- Versatile: Serve them warm for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or dollop them over ice cream for dessert—endless possibilities!
Ingredients & Substitutions
The beauty of Air Fryer Apples lies in their minimal ingredient list, where every component shines. Each one—apples, real maple syrup, coconut oil, and cinnamon—combines to create that classic fall-inspired flavor and irresistible texture.
- Red Apples (Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Gala): Their natural sweetness and firm texture hold up beautifully during air frying, giving you caramelized, tender bites every time.
- Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and rich, earthy notes—you can swap with honey if needed, but maple really makes the flavors pop.
- Melted Coconut Oil: Opt for refined coconut oil for a neutral taste, or substitute with olive oil in a pinch; the oil ensures caramelization and a touch of crispness.
- Cinnamon: It’s the classic warm spice that defines cozy baked apples and brings all the ingredients together into one fragrant, inviting bowl.
How to Make Air Fryer Apples
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and chopping your apples into 1-inch cubes. Uniform pieces ensure even cooking and those golden, slightly crisp edges that make Air Fryer Apples so irresistible. This quick prep work is totally worth it for the sweet aroma that will soon fill your kitchen!
Step 2: Toss with Maple, Oil & Cinnamon
Spoon the apples into a large bowl and drizzle with 1 tablespoon maple syrup and the melted coconut oil. Sprinkle cinnamon generously over the top, then toss everything until every cube is evenly coated—this magical mix ensures warm, caramelized flavor touches every bite.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F and lightly spray the basket with non-stick spray. Spread the apples in a single layer, avoiding overlap so they crisp up evenly. Air fry for 10 to 14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the apples are golden at the edges and fork-tender inside.
Step 4: Final Maple Toss & Serve
Once your Air Fryer Apples are hot and bubbling, transfer them to a bowl and gently toss with the remaining tablespoon of maple syrup. This finishing touch adds a gorgeous glossy sheen and amps up that irresistible fall flavor—serve them immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve Air Fryer Apples
Garnishes
For a finishing flourish, sprinkle a bit more cinnamon or add a dusting of powdered sugar. Chopped toasted nuts (like pecans or walnuts) bring a lovely crunch, while a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns these apples into a show-stopping dessert.
Side Dishes
Pair your Air Fryer Apples with warm oatmeal, stack them over fluffy pancakes, or serve them alongside roast pork for a savory-sweet twist. They’re a perfect topping for yogurt parfaits, too, making breakfast or brunch extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering your Air Fryer Apples in mini mason jars with granola for a delightful parfait, or spoon them into tart shells for a quick and easy apple tart. They even make a fun topping for sweet potato toast or as a base for a fall-inspired “apple nacho” platter with drizzled nut butter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (good luck with that!), just pop them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. They still taste fantastic even after cooling, perfect for snacking or tossing into oatmeal during the week.
Freezing
While Air Fryer Apples are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them in a pinch. Let them cool completely, spread on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag—you may notice a softer texture upon thawing, but their sweet flavor still shines in oatmeal or baked goods.
Reheating
Warming up leftovers is simple: just microwave in a bowl for 30–45 seconds or reheat briefly in the air fryer to revive the outside crispiness. A quick reheat brings all that cozy aroma rushing back—instant comfort food!
FAQs
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Can I use green apples instead of red?
Absolutely! Green apples like Granny Smith bring a delicious tartness to Air Fryer Apples. They’ll be slightly less sweet, but pair beautifully with the cinnamon and maple syrup, creating a great balance between tangy and sweet.
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Do I have to peel the apples first?
Peeled apples tend to get more tender and caramelize evenly in the air fryer, but you can certainly leave the skins on for extra fiber and color. Just be sure to wash them well if you’re keeping the peel!
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Is it possible to double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Simply increase the quantities, but air fry in batches to ensure the apples have enough room to crisp up. Overcrowding the basket may lead to uneven cooking, so spreading out each batch is key.
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Can I use other spices besides cinnamon?
Definitely! Try nutmeg, cardamom, allspice, or pumpkin spice for a fun twist on classic Air Fryer Apples. A splash of vanilla extract or even a pinch of ginger can also add a wonderful depth of flavor.
Final Thoughts
It’s amazing how just a few simple ingredients and an air fryer can bring so much happiness to your table. If you’re searching for an effortless treat that’s both healthy and comforting, give these Air Fryer Apples a try—you’ll want to make them again and again!
Print
Air Fryer Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Air Frying
- Method: Air Frying
Description
These Air Fryer Apples are a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of apples with a hint of cinnamon and maple syrup. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they make a perfect dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 red apples, pink lady, honey crisp, or gala, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons real maple syrup, divided
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil, refined
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F and lightly spray with non-stick spray.
- Toss Apples: In a bowl, toss the peeled apple cubes with 1 tablespoon maple syrup, coconut oil, and cinnamon.
- Air Fry: Place apple cubes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Air fry for 10-14 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Coat with Maple Syrup: Once done, toss the warm apples with the remaining tablespoon of maple syrup.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream, oatmeal, or on its own!
Notes
- Maple Syrup: Highly recommend using maple syrup, but honey can be a substitute.
- Coconut Oil: Use refined coconut oil for no coconut taste, or olive oil as an alternative.
- Storing: Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a microwave-safe bowl for 30-45 seconds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
