These Air fryer Apples with Cinnamon literally taste like you're eating apple pie filling right out of the pan! Crisp apples with a little maple syrup and cinnamon for a perfect ooey-gooey caramelization.
Be sure to read below for the best apples to use for this recipe and how to convert it to make in the oven if you don't have an air fryer yet.
This recipe was inspired by my Air Fryer Pears with Cinnamon and pairs great with greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Air-fried apples are the perfect healthy dessert to make in the fall when apple season hits!
Want more air fryer recipes? Try Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes (they go great in an egg scramble). Did you just get an air-fryer or need to brush up on the basics? Learn How to Use an Air-Fryer.
Why You'll Love These Air Fryer Apples
NUTRITION - as a dietitian, I love that this recipe contains fiber to support a healthy gut, and heart-healthy fats that are important for balancing hormones. It is also free of refined sugars and naturally gluten-free and vegan.
SWEET - the best part about this recipe is that you can satisfy your sweet tooth by basically eating dessert for breakfast without the sugar crash that comes from actually having dessert for breakfast. This is one of the very first recipes I perfected in my air fryer when I got it, and I found the perfect ratio of ingredients to make the apples sweet and tender.
FEW INGREDIENTS - all you need is 4 simple ingredients.
QUICK - this healthy snack is ready in 10-15 minutes. Way faster than it takes apples to bake in the oven.
Read more below about how to make this recipe or feel free to jump to the recipe to get cooking!
Jump to RecipeIngredients
*This Air Fryer Apple Recipe is made with 4 simple ingredients. Below are some ingredient notes. Be sure to check the printable recipe card at the bottom for the complete list of ingredients with measurements and the full recipe.
APPLE - apple is the main ingredient for this delicious recipe. I use a Honeycrisp or Cosmic Crisp because I am a fan of a crisp apple. You could also use a Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious -- choose your favorite apple variety.
Nutrition 101: Apples have a soluble fiber called pectin. Pectin not only keeps you full longer, but it also acts as a prebiotic and helps with gut health!
CINNAMON - a little cinnamon because you really can't beat the apple & cinnamon flavor duo. You can leave the cinnamon out of Air Fryer Apples, but I wouldn't recommend it.
Nutrition 101: Cinnamon is a good source of antioxidants so it can help with immune health. I even add it as an ingredient in my Immunity Booster Shot.
PURE MAPLE SYRUP - just enough to sweeten it a bit and the key to perfect caramelization. I use Pure Maple Syrup over honey for this particular recipe because I like the result better.
Nutrition 101: Maple syrup is a natural sweetener, like honey. That doesn't mean it's calorie-free, but it is free of refined sugar.
AVOCADO OIL - Avocado oil has a neutral flavor so it lets the naturally sweet apple shine through while getting a little crispy on the outside. I use Chosen Foods brand of avocado oil.
Nutrition 101: Avocado oil is rich in heart-healthy fats that help with hormone balance. It also contains other nutrients, including antioxidants.
Directions
Step 1: Using a sharp kitchen knife, cut apple in about ¾ inch pieces. Leave the skin on for some extra fiber or remove it if you prefer.
Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the diced apple with the cinnamon, pure maple syrup, and avocado oil until it is fully coated.
Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F for 2-3 minutes. Place the apples in the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry for 12-14 minutes, shaking halfway through. Be sure to watch them closely since cook time will vary depending on your air-fryer. The apples are done when they are a golden brown color.
Step 4: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Hint: Be sure to spread the apples in a single layer to let the hot air circulate. And don't forget to shake halfway through cooking.
Variations and Substitutions
If you want, you could make some substitutions based on your dietary preferences and what you have in your kitchen!
- Sweetener - feel free to use honey instead of maple syrup. You could also use Agave Syrup or Date Syrup. If you are avoiding sugar, feel free to use sugar free maple syrup.
- Oil - don't have avocado oil? No worries! Extra-Virgin Olive Oil works great here, too. You can also use unrefined coconut oil (just be aware it is higher in saturated fats) or canola oil.
- Spice - replace cinnamon with pumpkin spice or apple pie spice if you want.
Don't love apples? Trade them out for pears and make Air Fryer Pears instead!
Storage
Fridge: When it comes to how to store air fryer apples in the fridge, store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on low in the air fryer, in the oven, or in the microwave.
How to Serve Air Fryer Apples
You can eat these Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples by themselves (I totally do)! But there are many different ways to serve them so feel free to get creative with it. The best way to eat them is the way you enjoy them! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve my leftover air fryer apples:
- Breakfast - elevate a warm bowl of oatmeal by topping it with this healthy recipe. They are also the perfect addition on top of pancakes, waffles, or french toast.
- As a wholesome and delicious snack - warm apples are excellent with plain Greek yogurt or Skyr topped with walnuts, slivered almonds, or pumpkin seeds. I personally eat them mixed in a small bowl with Siggi's Skyr and almonds and chia seeds. It's an easy snack that is a good balance of carbs, protein, heart-healthy hormone balancing fats, and gut healthy fiber. It's almost too good to be true.
- Easy Dessert - if you want to indulge a bit more, turn this easy apple recipe into dessert! Scoop vanilla ice cream on top of the apples and finish with caramel sauce, whipped cream, and some extra cinnamon.
- Savory - the sweetness of these apples would pair nicely as an easy side dish with pork chops or chicken thighs.
Expert Tips for Air Fryer Apples
- If you're short on time, you can skip the preheating. The apples won't cook quite as evenly, but I tested it and they still taste great.
- Be sure to spread the apples in a single layer to let the hot air circulate.
- To caramelize the apples evenly, shake halfway through cooking.
- Leave the skin on your apples for extra fiber.
From a nutritional perspective, air fryer apples are a nourishing option. The nutritional information is found in the recipe card at the bottom of this recipe. While healthy means something different to everyone, apples are a good source of gut-healthy soluble fiber called pectin. They also contain antioxidants and other nutrients, including potassium and vitamin C.
This recipe has no refined sugars and provides heart-healthy fats from the avocado oil. It is also gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free.
Absolutely! Follow the same recipe and place the apples on a baking sheet in the oven at 400℉ for ~30-40 minutes, checking halfway through.
Nope! To make it even easier, feel free to skip the preheat. But I do find preheating it for just a couple of minutes makes a more evenly cooked end product.
I suggest using Honeycrisp. But you can use any variety or type of apple that you like. If you like tart apples, Granny Smith Apples and Pink Lady are great options for baking according to Bon Appetit.
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I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! I would love to hear from you! If you made this recipe, send me a message on instagram or tag me in a photo or story of how it turned out...I LOVE knowing there's people out there trying out my recipes! IG: @mallorythedietitian
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Apples with Cinnamon: Quick & Easy Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Apple (~2 cups or 285 g diced) I use Honeycrisp but any variety of apple will work!
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
- ½ tablespoon Pure Maple Syrup I use Maple Grove Brand. You can also use sugar free maple syrup if you prefer.
- ½ tablespoon Avocado Oil I use Chosen Foods Brand. Feel free to sub Extra virgin olive oil.
Instructions
- Using a sharp kitchen knife, cut apple in about ¾ inch pieces. Leave the skin on for some extra fiber or remove it if you prefer.
- In a large bowl, toss the diced apple with the cinnamon, pure maple syrup, and avocado oil until fully coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375℉ for 2-3 minutes. Place the apples in the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry for 12-14 minutes, shaking halfway through. Be sure to watch them closely since cook time will vary depending on your air-fryer. The apples are done when they are a golden brown color.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Notes
- Don't forget to spread the apples in a single layer to let the hot air circulate, and shake halfway through cooking!
- You can skip the preheating if you want. It just won't cook quite as evenly.
- Leave the skin on your apples for extra fiber.
- You can make these in the oven by throwing them on a baking sheet at 400 degrees F for about 30-40 minutes. Check them halfway through.
- Serve with greek yogurt and nuts or seeds for a balance of protein, carbs, and fats. A snack that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while providing great nutrition!
Jennifer
I just made these and they are SO good! Even the kids loved them! Thanks for sharing.
Mallory
Thank you so much for the review, Jennifer!! I'm so happy you enjoyed them. 🙂 It's good to know the kiddos like them too. Could be a great alternative to higher sugar desserts! I'll have to make them for my nieces and nephew soon. Have a great day!
Whitney
Soooo yummy. I was really craving apple pie so I made these for myself but I loved that they are “healthy” and shareable with my 18 month old as a little treat.
I mixed my apples in a bowl with corn Chex cereal and pecans and it was bomb. We made it a couple times and now we’re out of apples. Can’t wait to get more!
Mallory
Thank you so much for the review...everything about this makes me so happy! I'm so glad you tried the recipe and loved it and that your little one got in on the fun. Great way to give him something sweet without a bunch of added sugar or processed ingredients. <3 I'm going to have to try the chex cereal + pecan + apple mix, sounds sooo good!