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My air fryer apples recipe features warm apples coated in maple syrup, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla. They’re healthy, versatile, and taste just like apple pie filling!
Love making desserts in the air fryer? Check out my air fryer donuts, air fryer cookies, and air fryer cinnamon rolls next.
On those rare occasions when I’m craving the flavors of a healthy apple pie but am feeling especially lazy, I make my air fried apples.
With the magic of the air fryer, you can have apples that are crisp and firm but with gooey, maple-coated centers. Cinnamon and ginger soak into every bite, making for a healthy treat for any occasion.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Ready in 15 minutes. The hardest part is waiting for them to cool off before digging in.
- Versatile. Serve them over Greek yogurt, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream, or if you’re me, dig in with a spoon and call it a day.
- Healthy. Without trying, this recipe is vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and made with little to no fat.
- Works with any type of apple. Since we’re not cooking them for long, you can use whatever apples you have on hand!
Ingredients needed
- Apples. I recommend using a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Gala, Fuji, Honey Crisp, and Granny Smith apples.
- Oil. Just a dash to get the exterior nice and crisp. I used coconut oil, but you could use olive oil, cooking spray, or butter (if not strictly dairy-free).
- Maple syrup. For sweetness and to caramelize the apples.
- Vanilla extract. For flavor.
- Spices. I used a mix of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Apple pie spice or even pumpkin spice can also work.
How to make air fryer apples
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Prep work. Preheat the air fryer to 375F/190C and place the apple slices in a bowl.
Step 2- Season the apples. Toss the apples in the oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and spices.
Step 3- Air fry. Place the apples in the air fryer basket, careful not to overcrowd, and air fry for 10 minutes or until slightly crispy.
Step 4- Serve warm over yogurt, your favorite breakfasts, or on their own.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Prefer softer apples? Peel them first.
- Add extra sweetness. A dash of brown sugar enhances the caramelized texture.
- Place them in a single layer. So the apples get equal access to the heat. Depending on the size of your basket, you may want to air fry in batches.
- Mix-ins. Fold in pecans, walnuts, or coconut flakes for flavor and crunch.
Storage instructions
To store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
To freeze: Place leftover cooled apples in a freezer-safe container and freeze them for up to three months.
Reheating: Microwave the apples in 20-second intervals or reheat in an air fryer until warm.
Frequently asked questions
Compared to many other desserts, air fried apples are made with minimal sugar and oil and are naturally high in fiber, making them a very healthy dessert.
Ways to enjoy air fried apples
Air Fryer Apples
Ingredients
- 2 large apples peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 190/375F.
- Place the cubed apples in a bowl. Drizzle the oil and maple syrup over the apples and toss together. Sprinkle the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla over the apples and mix together.
- Place the apples in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd them, and air fry for 10 minutes or until slightly crispy.
- Enjoy the apples warm over oatmeal, yogurt, or on its own.
Okay, these air fryer apples are making my fall menu STAT! I made an apple pie oatmeal with them and now can’t wait to do other combos!
Wow apples can be baked in air fryer? Arent they going to turn out “soggy”?
Okay, I just made these and added them to my oatmeal and they made it taste like apple pie! So yummy!!!
You have so many great recipes, this one is no exception!!
I don’t have an air fryer, would this work in oven?
Yes, absolutely! Try baking them at 180C/350F for around 12-15 minutes, giving them a stir halfway through.
Friends, these air fryer apples were inspired by the filling in my healthy apple pie recipe. Add this over your oatmeal, with yogurt for a protein-packed snack, or as a pancake topping.