Air Fryer Apples
These air fryer apples taste like the warm, cinnamon-spiced filling from your favorite apple pie, but made with just 5 ingredients and ready in 15 minutes! Enjoy them over oatmeal, yogurt, or ice cream for an easy breakfast, snack, or cozy fall dessert.
Apple season is finally here! Apple picking is a regular weekend activity here in New England, which means I typically have more apples than I know what do with (JK, of course I know what to do with them!). I usually turn them into my healthy apple crisp or vegan apple bread, but these air fryer apples have quickly become one my new favorite ways to use them.
Imagine eating spoonfuls of the very best part of apple pie: the gooey, caramelized filling. That’s exactly what these air fryer apples taste like. The apples become soft, jammy, and warmly spiced. Think of them as a shortcut to apple pie, without making a crust or turning on the oven.
It starts with diced apples that get tossed with cinnamon and maple syrup, then air fried about 10-12 minutes. Just like with my air fryer peaches, the air fryer helps caramelize the edges while keeping the center soft and tender.
Table of Contents
All the Best Parts of Apple Pie, Minus the Crust
- Shortcut to apple pie: They taste like warm apple pie filling, without the crust, rolling pin, or wait time.
- Just 5 simple ingredients: Nothing complicated, just apples, cinnamon, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla.
- Ready in 15 minutes: Pop them in the air fryer and you’ll be snacking on warm, cinnamon apples before the oven would even preheat. A quick way to turn fresh apples into something warm and cozy!
- So many ways to serve them: Eat them straight from the bowl, spoon them over oatmeal or yogurt, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. An apple a day, right?!
Just 5 Ingredients
You only need 5 simple and wholesome ingredients. They’re naturally sweetened with maple syrup and completely vegan and gluten-free!
- Apples: I used two Honeycrisp apples because they’re sweet and hold their shape, but any variety will work.
- Cinnamon: The cozy spice that makes these taste just like your favorite apple pie or apple crisp.
- Maple Syrup: Adds sweetness and a subtle maple flavor without any refined sugar. I also use it in my gluten-free apple bread.
- Coconut Oil: Helps the apples caramelize and brown in the air fryer. Be sure to use refined coconut oil if you don’t want a coconut flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: A small splash helps round out the warm cinnamon flavor.
Choosing Your Apples
I love using Honeycrisp apples for this recipe because they’re sweet, crisp, and hold their shape well after cooking. I use them in my single-serve apple crisp too! But there are plenty of other varieties, and you can even do a mix of sweet + tart apples.
- Honeycrisp: Sweet, crisp, and hold their shape well.
- Fuji: Naturally sweet and juicy.
- Pink Lady: Firm with a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
- Granny Smith: Tart and firm, especially good mixed with sweeter apples.
- Jonathan: Crisp with a slightly tart flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Apples
This is a quick overview. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full recipe with measurements!
- Step 1: Wash, core, and dice the apples into evenly sized, bite-sized pieces. Peeling is optional; I usually leave the skins on for less prep and a little extra fiber.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with cinnamon, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until evenly coated.
- Step 3: Spread the apples in as even a layer as possible in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until the apples are golden and caramelized.
- Step 4: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, granola, coconut whipped cream, or yogurt.
My Apple Air Frying Notes
- Dice evenly: Make sure the apples are cut into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Smaller pieces = softer, more jammy apples, while larger pieces = more bite.
- Adjust the sweetness: Depending on your apples, you can adjust the amount of maple syrup. Sweeter apples may need less maple syrup, while tart apples like Granny Smith might need a little more.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give the apples some room to caramelize and don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through for an even bake.
- Make them extra cozy: Add a pinch of nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, or cardamom.
Want to Switch Things Up?
- Want more spice? Add nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice.
- Prefer softer apples? Cut the apples into smaller pieces or cook them for a few extra minutes.
- Don’t have an air fryer? Bake the coated apples in a baking dish at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, until tender. They won’t caramelize quite as much as they do in the air fryer, but they’ll still be delicious!
Serving Air Fryer Apples
My favorite way to enjoy them? Warm with a big scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream and crunchy granola. There is just something about warm fruit + cold ice cream + crunchy granola. I will never say no!
Other delicious ideas:
- Spoon over overnight oats or a warm bowl of oatmeal (try my cinnamon apple quinoa porridge!)
- Layer with vegan yogurt and granola
- Serve with vanilla ice cream
- Pile onto pancakes or waffles
- Enjoy straight from the bowl. No judgment, that’s usually how mine disappear!
If You Somehow Have Leftovers…
These apples are best enjoyed warm, but leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-6 minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, until warmed through.
They also make a great make-ahead topping for oatmeal, yogurt, and breakfast bowls!
Frequently Asked Questions
Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are two of my favorites. Honeycrisp are naturally sweet and hold their shape well, while Granny Smith add a more tart flavor. You can even mix the two for a sweet-tart combination!
Peeling is completely optional! I usually leave the skins on because it saves time and adds a little extra fiber, but you can peel the apples if you prefer a softer texture.
The apples will still become tender without oil, but they won’t caramelize as much, which is why I use coconut oil in this recipe. It caramelizes the edges and creates a beautiful golden color.
Overcrowding the basket is usually the reason. Give the apples room for hot air to circulate and shake the basket halfway through cooking.
Got More Apples? Try These Next
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and ★★★★★ star rating below. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations!
Air Fryer Apples
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 apples
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Wash, core, and dice the apples into evenly sized, bite-sized pieces. Peeling is optional; I usually leave the skins on for less prep and a little extra fiber.
- Toss the apples: In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with cinnamon, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until evenly coated.
- Air fry: Spread the apples in as even a layer as possible in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until the apples are golden and caramelized.
- Serve: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, granola, coconut whipped cream, or yogurt.
Notes
- Apple variety: Honeycrisp are my favorite because they’re sweet and holds their shape well. Granny Smith, Fuji, Pink Lady, or a mix works too!
- Oil-free option: You can omit the coconut oil, although the apples may not caramelize as much.
- Dice evenly: Make sure the apples are cut into similar-sized chunks so they cook evenly. Smaller chunks = softer, saucy apples. Bigger chunks = more bite.
- Adjust the sweetness: Depending on your apples, you can adjust the amount of maple syrup. Sweeter apples may need less maple syrup, while tart apples like Granny Smith might need a little more.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give the apples some room to caramelize and don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through for an even bake.
- Make them extra cozy: Add a pinch of nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, or cardamom.
- Don’t have an air fryer? Bake the coated apples in a baking dish at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, until tender. They won’t caramelize quite as much as they do in the air fryer, but they’ll still be delicious!
I love how simple these are to make. Not a lot of ingredients and they taste amazing!!