If you’re searching for a cozy, quick treat that tastes like a hug in a bowl, Air Fryer Apples are exactly what you need. These tender apple slices are swirled with buttery brown sugar and cinnamon, caramelized to golden perfection right in your air fryer, and finished with a hint of vanilla that fills your kitchen with pure happiness. With minimal ingredients and hardly any prep, they’re a go-to snack or easy dessert, destined to become a family favorite you’ll crave all year long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Air Fryer Apples lies in their simplicity—just a handful of everyday ingredients transform into something truly special. Each one brings its own magic, from sweetness to fragrance to a luscious, melty finish.
- Apples: Go for firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji; they hold their shape and offer a wonderful mix of sweet and tart.
- Melted butter: This adds richness and helps the coating cling to every slice for perfect caramelization.
- Brown sugar: Just the right amount melts into a buttery blanket, sweetening your apples and adding deep, caramel notes.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for warmth and that classic, comforting apple-cinnamon combo.
- Vanilla extract: A little dash brings out the fruitiness of the apples and rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
- Pinch of salt: Don’t skip it—this tiny bit heightens all the flavors and makes the sweetness pop.
How to Make Air Fryer Apples
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Start by coring and slicing your apples into even pieces, about 1/2-inch thick. Uniform slices ensure they cook consistently, creating the perfect bite in every piece. No need to peel unless you prefer them that way—the skin softens beautifully and even adds a little color.
Step 2: Mix Up the Magic
In a medium bowl, toss those apple slices with melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Make sure every slice gets coated in this sweet, fragrant mixture. This step is where the transformation begins—suddenly you’ve got a bowl full of apples that already smell like dessert.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Arrange the apple slices in a single layer in the basket—don’t overcrowd, as good airflow is key to getting that hint of caramelization. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Watch as the apples soften and the edges take on an irresistible golden glow.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once your Air Fryer Apples are fork-tender and caramelized around the edges, transfer them to a serving bowl. Enjoy them warm on their own for the purest treat, or get decadent with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of creamy yogurt. Every bite is a revelation.
How to Serve Air Fryer Apples
Garnishes
Give your Air Fryer Apples a finishing touch with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a graze of freshly grated nutmeg. For a show-stopping presentation, drizzle with honey or a spoonful of caramel sauce just before serving. Even a handful of toasted pecans or granola can provide lovely crunch.
Side Dishes
Though they shine on their own, Air Fryer Apples pair beautifully with everything from classic pancakes and waffles at brunch to an after-dinner scoop of vanilla or cinnamon gelato. They also play well with oatmeal, French toast, or even spooned over ricotta toast for an unexpected treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Layer warm Air Fryer Apples into parfait glasses with Greek yogurt and granola for an elegant breakfast or snack. Turn them into a quick apple crisp by topping with a crumble and baking briefly, or serve over crepes with a dollop of whipped cream for brunch magic. You can even use them as a filling for mini hand pies—the possibilities are delightfully endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (a rare occurrence!), let the apples cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three days, making them an easy snack or dessert ready to go whenever cravings strike.
Freezing
While Air Fryer Apples are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any extras for longer storage. Spread cooled apples on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for about three months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To restore that luscious texture, reheat Air Fryer Apples in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes, or gently microwave in 20-second bursts until warmed through. Stir halfway to ensure even heating—they’ll taste almost as wonderful as the first time around.
FAQs
Can I use different apple varieties for Air Fryer Apples?
Absolutely! While firm apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji give the best structure and flavor, you can experiment with any apple you have on hand. Softer apples will become more saucy, while tart varieties like Granny Smith add a tangy twist.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is totally optional! The skin softens during cooking and adds color, fiber, and a bit of texture. If you prefer a super smooth finish, go ahead and peel—it’s completely up to your personal taste.
Can I make Air Fryer Apples without butter?
Yes, you can swap melted coconut oil or a neutral oil for the butter to make the recipe dairy-free. The apples will still caramelize nicely; coconut oil also adds a lovely subtle flavor if you enjoy it.
How do I prevent the apples from sticking to the air fryer basket?
For easy cleanup and to avoid sticking, lightly mist the basket with cooking spray or line it with perforated parchment paper designed for air fryers. Arranging the slices in a single, even layer also helps prevent clumping.
Can I double the recipe?
You can definitely double the ingredients—just cook the apples in batches so they have enough room to get properly tender and caramelized. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of caramelizing, so a little patience pays off.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Air Fryer Apples enough; they’re so quick, so cozy, and so delicious, you’ll want to make them again and again. Whether you’re warming up a chilly evening, treating yourself to something sweet, or surprising friends at brunch, give this simple recipe a try—you’re going to fall in love at first bite!
Print
Air Fryer Apples Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
These Air Fryer Apples are a quick and easy dessert or snack that’s both delicious and healthy. Sliced apples coated in warm cinnamon, sugar, and butter cook to tender perfection in the air fryer, creating a cozy treat perfect for any time of the day.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 large apples, cored and sliced
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Prepare the Apples: In a mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until evenly coated.
- Cook in Air Fryer: Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the apples are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Serve: Serve warm on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or yogurt.
Notes
- Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji for the best texture.
- You can add a sprinkle of nutmeg or drizzle with honey after cooking for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 of recipe
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
