Air Fryer Apples

Quick & easy air fryer apples, flavored with apple pie spices, are the perfect treat for the fall season. Spoon these sweet gooey apples over the top of ice cream, pancakes, french toast, yogurt, or oatmeal.

Yummy apple recipes

Fall means apple season and has me dreaming of crisp, juicy apples and all the yummy recipes that image conjures up. Just think of your first bite of a crisp apple or the warm filling of an apple pie and your mouth will start watering. And I love all the delicious ways you can fix them from breakfast treats to savory sides to sweet desserts, they add warmth and a touch of fall flavor to any dish.

My favorites range from these Apple Fritters for breakfast (no judging here), to Caramel Apple Cupcakes for dessert, and, of course, any chance I get to make this amazing Apple Streusel Bread that's great as is or toasted.

Why you'll love this air fryer apple recipe

Easy to Make: Just minutes of prep with a few simple ingredients and these warm, spiced apples are ready to devour.

Mouthwatering Glaze: The combination of pure maple syrup, butter, and a trio of spices creates a glaze that perfectly complements the tender apple cubes.

No Added Sugar: Just pure maple syrup that will satisfy any sweet tooth!

Fried Flavor Without the Oil: You get that satisfying caramelized exterior without the extra oil. It's a healthier twist on a classic treat that doesn't skimp on flavor or texture.

Versatile: Whether you're looking for a quick dessert, a tasty topping for pancakes or ice cream, or a sweet side dish, these apples have got you covered.

Ingredients you'll need

These simple ingredients come together to create a tasty, spiced apple treat that you'll want to make again and again. Here's what you'll need to whip up these delicious Air Fryer Apples:

• Apples: See below for the best apples to use.
• Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener creates a glaze on the apples and adds a rich, caramel-like flavor that pairs perfectly with the warm spices.
• Butter: Melted butter adds richness to the dish and helps the apples caramelize.
• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground ginger, classic apple pie spices, add warmth and depth, giving us those cozy apple pie vibes we all love. Apple Pie Spice can also be subbed for all 3 spices.

Best apples to use

For the best results, you'll want to use apples that are sweet, crisp, and firm. These qualities help the apples hold their shape and provide a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness when air-fried. Some of the types of apples to use for this recipe include Pink Lady Apples, Honeycrisp, Gala, Jonagold, and Granny Smith Apples.

These varieties have the right texture and flavor to complement the warm spices and create a deliciously tender, caramelized treat. Whether you prefer a sweeter bite or a hint of tartness, any of these apples will work beautifully in this recipe!

How to cook apples in an air fryer

Cooking apples in the air fryer is a game-changer! It's quick, easy, and brings out the natural sweetness of the apples while giving them a delicious caramelized finish. Check out the recipe card below for exact measurements.

1. Place cubed apples in a large bowl. Add maple syrup and butter then a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
2. Toss to coat.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Carefully line the bottom of the air fryer basket with parchment paper then lay the apple pieces on the paper. The size of your air fryer basket will determine how many apples you can add at a time. Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer so they bake and caramelize evenly.
4. Air fry apples for 9-12 minutes, turning halfway through, or until they are just tender. Timing can differ depending on the apple variety used, the size of the cubes, and your brand of air fryer.

If you're a fan of cozy, comforting treats with a hint of fall flavor, these Air Fryer Apples are sure to become your new favorite healthy snack. These air-fried apples turn out soft and sweet, absorbing all the flavors of the fall spices, and are irresistibly delicious! Use them as a topping for yogurt, pancakes, ice cream, or oatmeal or as a side dish for your favorite barbecue.

Recipe tips

Cut Apples Just Before Cooking: Slice your apples right before you add them to the air fryer to prevent browning. Apples brown quickly once cut, so it's best to prepare them as close to cooking time as possible.

Even Sizing: Cut the apples into uniform 1" cubes to ensure they cook evenly. This helps prevent some pieces from becoming too soft while others remain undercooked.

Try Classic Wedges: For a classic fried apple experience, cut the apples into wedges instead of cubes. An apple corer and slicer can help create even wedges, much like the beloved Cracker Barrel style.

Single Layer Cooking: Arrange the apple pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results. If necessary, cook the apples in batches.

Keep an Eye on Cooking Time: Air fryers can vary significantly in how they cook. Once you shake the basket halfway through cooking, check the apples every two minutes to ensure they're not cooking too fast or burning.

How to serve air fried apples

These fried apples are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed at any meal. Their sweet, spiced flavor makes them the perfect topping for a sweet treat or as a side dish for savory meals. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them:

Breakfast: Start your day off right by adding these tender, caramelized apples as a topping for oatmeal, pancakes, or waffles. They add a burst of flavor and a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements your morning favorites.

Side Dish: These apples pair wonderfully with savory dishes, especially pork chops. The sweetness and warmth of the apples balance out the savory, salty flavors, making these air-fried apples a delightful side for a cozy dinner.

Snack: For a quick snack, spoon the air-fried apples over a bowl of plain yogurt. The creamy yogurt and spiced apples create a yummy, healthy treat that's perfect for any time of the day.

Dessert: Kick up your dessert game by serving these warm apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, frozen yogurt, or a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of cold and creamy with warm and spiced is a great way to end any meal.

How to store and reheat leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you'll be able to resist finishing them off!), you can easily store and reheat them for later.

To store, place the cooled air-fried apples in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freeze the apples: Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze. They'll keep well for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, move the frozen apples to the refrigerator to thaw overnight.

To reheat, you have a couple of options. For a quick and crispy reheating, air fry the apples at 350°F for about 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals until they're warmed through.

More air fryer recipes

Some more yummy sweets to make in your air fryer:

• Basque Burnt Cheesecake
• Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
• French Toast Roll Ups
• Fried Ice Cream

Find lots of delicious and easy air fryer recipes right here on 2CM!

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