Air Fryer Apples are a quick and yummy treat! With fresh apples seasoned with cinnamon and sugar, they’re warm and perfectly soft. The air fryer makes them just right in no time!
They’re great as a snack or dessert, and the smell in your kitchen is amazing! I love to top mine with a scoop of ice cream. Who can resist that combo? 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Choose crisp apples like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor. If you want a tart bite, Granny Smith works great too! If fresh apples aren’t available, canned apples can be a quick option, just reduce the sugar.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness, but you can use coconut oil or even a non-dairy butter for a vegan version. Both give nice moisture and flavor to the apples.
Brown Sugar: It caramelizes wonderfully, but you can replace it with honey or maple syrup if you’re looking for a healthier alternative. Just use a little less, as they’re sweeter than brown sugar.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices elevate the flavor. You can also try pumpkin pie spice if you have it on hand—it’s a delightful blend that works well!
How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked Apples in the Air Fryer?
To achieve tender and slightly caramelized apples, it’s crucial to prepare them properly. This means slicing them uniformly, so they cook evenly. Here’s how to do it right:
- Slice apples into wedges about 1/2 inch thick to ensure quick, even cooking.
- Coating them well in the butter and sugar mixture is key for flavor. Make sure every wedge gets some love!
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This allows hot air to circulate, yielding perfectly cooked apples.
- Keep an eye on them as they cook! Different air fryers may vary slightly in cooking time, so check for tenderness at about 10 minutes.
How to Make Air Fryer Apples
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium apples (such as Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10-12 minutes to cook, making it a quick and easy option. In just around 30 minutes, you can have warm, delicious apples ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apples:
Start by washing and coring your apples. Next, slice them into wedges, aiming for about 1/2 inch thickness. This will help them cook evenly in the air fryer.
2. Mix the Coating:
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt. Mix well until it forms a nice, sticky mixture.
3. Coat the Apple Wedges:
Take the apple wedges and toss them gently in the butter-sugar-spice mixture until they are all evenly coated. Make sure every slice gets some of that tasty goodness!
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. This will help get the apples cooking right away when you place them inside.
5. Air Fry the Apples:
Place the coated apple wedges in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they cook evenly. You may need to air fry in batches if your air fryer is small.
6. Cooking Time:
Air fry the apples for 10-12 minutes. It’s a good idea to shake the basket or flip the apples halfway through cooking. You’re aiming for tender apples that are slightly caramelized.
7. Serve Them Up:
Once cooked, carefully remove the apples from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate. Enjoy them warm as is, or go the extra mile by serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top!
Enjoy your tender, cinnamon-spiced air fryer apples! They’re perfect for a cozy dessert!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Fuji, Gala, and Honeycrisp are great choices, you can use any variety you prefer. Just keep in mind that tart apples like Granny Smith will provide a different flavor profile, balancing sweetness nicely.
What Can I Substitute for Butter?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. Both will work wonderfully to keep the apples moist and add flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Air Fryer Apples?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes or warm them in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Sugar?
Yes, you can omit the sugar or use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol if you prefer. Just remember that this might change the flavor a bit, but the apples will still be delicious!
