These Air Fryer Apples with Cinnamon taste like eating apple pie filling! Crisp apples with a little maple syrup for that perfect gooey caramelization. Read on for the best apples to use and how to make them in the oven if you don't have an air fryer. 😊
This recipe was inspired by my Caramelized Air Fryer Pineapples and Air Fryer Peaches I like to make in the summer and Air Fryer Pears with Cinnamon I make in the winter. This recipe pairs great with Greek yogurt or on top of pancakes in the fall.
As a dietitian, I love apple recipes, and this was the very first recipe I perfected in my air fryer. It's one of the most delicious ways to satisfy a sweet tooth during apple season in the fall!
So whether you just went apple picking or you grabbed some apples at a local grocery store, here's an easy way to turn them into a recipe. I hope you love it as much as I do! 😊
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love These Air Fryer Apples
- Video of How to Make Air Fryer Apples
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make Air Fryer Apples
- Variations
- Equipment
- Storage for Air Fryer Apples
- How to Serve Air Fryer Apples
- Dietitian Tip
- Expert Advice for Air Fryer Apples
- FAQs
- Related
- Perfect for Pairing
- Looking for Nutrition Education?
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
Why You'll Love These Air Fryer Apples
- Nutrition - apples contain fiber that supports a healthy gut. This recipe is the perfect healthy dessert and it's free of refined sugars and naturally gluten-free.
- Sweet- if you like the filling of an apple pie, you'll love this recipe. It has so much flavor from the inherent sweetness of the apples that becomes even more prominent when they're cooked.
- Few Ingredients - all you need is 4 simple ingredients to make this easy apple recipe. There's no need for brown sugar or melted butter that is found in recipes like an air fryer apple crisp. And while I do love an apple crisp, this option has a similar flavor profile, but with less added sugar and saturated fats.
- Quick - air frying is so much quicker than baking apple slices in the oven. From start to finish, your air fryer baked apples will be ready in just 10-15 minutes whereas they would take twice as long in the oven.
Video of How to Make Air Fryer Apples
Here's a video of how to make this recipe that I hope is helpful! Don't forget to check out the recipe card below for the full recipe.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
*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 - since an apple is the main ingredient for this delicious recipe, which variety of apple you choose is important! I suggest using a crisp, sweet apple like Honeycrisp (Honey Crisp) or Cosmic Crisp because they hold up well to cooking. You could also use a Fuji, Gala, or Golden Delicious.
- Cinnamon - a little cinnamon because you really can't beat the apple & cinnamon flavor duo. Cinnamon is a good source of antioxidants so it can help with immune health.
- Pure Maple Syrup - just enough to sweeten the dish a bit. This is also key to caramelization. I prefer the taste of maple syrup over other sweeteners like honey or agave nectar for this recipe, but you can use whatever sweetener you like.
- 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. If you prefer, feel free to use olive oil instead.
- Optional: add vanilla extract to amp up the sweetness even more.
How to Make Air Fryer Apples
Below are the instructions for how to make Air Fryer Apples with process shots that I hope are helpful! Don't forget to check out the recipe card at the bottom for the full recipe.
Step 1 - Using a sharp kitchen knife, cut apples about 1 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℉ (190°C) 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 cooking times will vary depending on your air-fryer. The apples are done when they are a golden brown color.
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 the cook time.
Variations
The best part about air fryer apples is you can customize them based on your preference! Below are some ideas, but feel free to get creative.
- Pumpkin Spice - If you love the combination of pumpkin and apple in the fall, replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice!
- Different Shapes - instead of cubes, do sliced apples or apple fries for a fun spin.
- Sweeter - sweeten these up even more by using a cinnamon sugar mixture. Just add a bit of brown sugar to the cinnamon!
Don't love apples? Trade them out for pears and make Air Fryer Pears instead!
Equipment
You'll need an air fryer for this recipe. I have the Ninja AF101 which is 5 quart capacity and perfect for small recipes like these air-fried peaches. The Ninja DZ401 is great for a larger two-basket option.
If you prefer a different brand, I recommend COSORI.
Storage for Air Fryer Apples
- Refrigerator - store leftover apples 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. The best way to eat them is the way you enjoy them! Here are some of my favorites:
- Breakfast - elevate a warm bowl of oatmeal by topping it with these air fryer apples. 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 eat them mixed in a small bowl with Siggi's Skyr, almonds, and chia seeds. It's an easy snack that is a good balance of carbs, protein, heart-healthy fats that also support hormones and brain health, and gut healthy fiber.
- Easy Dessert - add a scoop of 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 pair nicely as an easy side dish or served on top of pork chops or chicken thighs.
Dietitian Tip
Did you know that apples have a soluble fiber called pectin? Pectin not only keeps you full longer, but it also acts as a prebiotic and helps to support a healthy gut! These air fryer apples are a tasty way to incorporate apples into your diet!
Expert Advice for Air Fryer Apples
- Leave the skin on your apples for extra fiber.
- For easy cleanup, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper sprayed with a cooking oil spray.
- 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.
- To caramelize the apples evenly, shake halfway through cooking.
FAQs
While healthy means something different to everyone, these are a nutrient-rich option. Apples are a good source of dietary fiber to support gut health. They also contain antioxidants and other nutrients including potassium and Vitamin C. Avocado oil used in this recipe is a source of heart-healthy fats that also support brain health and hormone health. This recipe is also gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free. Nutritional information is included in the recipe card below.
Absolutely! Follow the same recipe and place the apples on a parchment lined baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray in the oven at 400℉ (200°C) for 30-40 minutes until they are browned and pierced easily with a fork.
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.
When it comes to what type of apple to use, I suggest Honeycrisp if you like sweet apples. If you like tart apples, Granny Smith Apples and Pink Lady are great options for baking according to Bon Appetit.
Related
Looking for other dietitian recipes like this? Try these:
Perfect for Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Air Fryer Apples:
Looking for Nutrition Education?
Here are some of my educational posts you may enjoy:
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
Easy Air Fryer Apples with Cinnamon, (Quick Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 large apple, diced I use Honeycrisp, but any variety of apple will work! (2 cups or 285 g)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (1.5g)
- ½ tablespoon maple syrup or honey, (8ml)
- ½ tablespoon avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil, (8ml)
Instructions
- Using a sharp kitchen knife, cut apple in about 1 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, maple syrup, and avocado oil until fully coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375℉ (190°C) 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 cooking times 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.
Video
Notes
- Leave the skin on your apples for extra fiber.
- For easy cleanup, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper sprayed with a cooking oil spray.
- 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.To caramelize the apples evenly, shake halfway through cooking.
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!