I can’t get over how easy and comforting air fryer apples are—seriously, this is my go-to when I want something warm and cinnamon-sweet without any fuss. Air Fryer Apples make the perfect snack after a long day, or a cozy dessert when you’re craving something a little special but still want to stick to healthier choices. There’s just something about the smell of apples and cinnamon coming from the air fryer that makes my whole kitchen feel like fall, no matter what season it is.
The first time I tried making these, I was honestly shocked by how quickly they caramelized and turned soft inside but stayed a little crisp on the edges. I’ve messed around with every kind of apple and spice combo you can imagine—sometimes just for a quick breakfast, sometimes as a late-night treat. If you love using your air fryer for easy, healthy recipes, you’ll want to make these on repeat. Trust me, once you taste that warm, maple-cinnamon magic, you’ll be hooked too!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Apples
Here’s everything you need for a batch of warm, spiced air fryer apples—super simple and totally flexible:
- 2 large apples, cored and chopped (peeled or unpeeled—your choice)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or any sweetener you like (honey, agave, or sugar all work)
- 2 teaspoons oil or melted butter (optional; skip for oil-free)
That’s it! You can slice your apples thin for apple chips, or chop into bite-sized pieces for classic air fried apples. I usually keep the peel on for extra fiber, but it’s totally up to you.
How to Make Air Fryer Apples Step by Step
This recipe is so easy, you’ll have warm, cinnamon air fryer apples in under 20 minutes. Here’s exactly how I do it for the best results every time:
- Prep your apples. Wash, core, and chop them into bite-sized cubes or thin slices—about 1/4-inch thick if you want chips. Thicker slices will be softer, while thinner ones get crispier. Peel if you want, but I usually don’t bother.
- Toss everything together. In a big bowl, stir together the apples, cinnamon, maple syrup (or your chosen sweetener), and oil or melted butter if using. Make sure the apples are well coated—this helps them caramelize beautifully.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). I like to let it run for 2–3 minutes while I’m mixing the apples.
- Arrange apples in a single layer. Spread them out on your greased or lined air fryer tray. Don’t pile them up! If there’s too much, cook in batches. Crowding leads to steaming, not roasting.
- Air fry for 7 minutes. At this point, the apples will start to soften and smell amazing.
- Shake or flip the apples. Gently toss them with a spatula or give the basket a good shake to turn them over. This helps all sides get golden.
- Air fry for another 8 minutes. Check halfway through. They’re done when the edges are caramelized and they’re as soft or crispy as you like. If you want them extra crisp, go a minute or two longer, watching closely so they don’t burn.
Let them cool for a minute—they’ll crisp up a little as they sit. That’s all there is to it!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Apples
For the best flavor, use firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith—they keep their shape and caramelize well. To avoid soggy apples, always air fry in a single layer and don’t skip the shake halfway through. Want them crispier? Slice thinner and add an extra minute or two at the end. Try mixing in a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a cozy twist. If your apples look dry, drizzle a touch more maple syrup before the last few minutes of cooking.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Air Fryer Apples
I’ve tried just about every apple in the air fryer, and honestly, firmer varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith hold up best—they don’t turn mushy and get a lovely caramelized bite. If you’re out of maple syrup, swap in honey, agave, brown sugar, or even a little date syrup. No cinnamon? Pumpkin pie spice or just a pinch of nutmeg works great too. You can skip the oil or butter for a fat-free version (still delicious!). Everything here is naturally gluten-free and vegan—just use your favorite plant-based butter or sweetener if needed.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Apples
- Ready in 20 minutes—so quick and easy
- Healthy and naturally sweet (no weird additives)
- Totally customizable with your favorite spices and sweeteners
- Almost no mess (and barely any dishes!)
- Kid-approved and perfect for little hands
- Great as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast
- Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly
Equipment Needed for Air Fryer Apples
You don’t need much to whip up a batch of air fryer apples. Here’s what I always grab:
- Air fryer (any size works!)
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon for tossing
- Peeler (optional, if you want to peel your apples)
- Air fryer liners or a silicone spatula (totally optional but make cleanup even easier)
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Apples
- Serve warm in a bowl as a cozy snack any time of day.
- Top with vanilla yogurt or a scoop of ice cream for an easy dessert.
- Spoon over oatmeal, pancakes, or waffles for a sweet breakfast upgrade.
- Pack cooled apple slices in lunchboxes for a kid-friendly treat.
- Sprinkle with toasted oats or granola for a little extra crunch and fiber.
Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Apples
If you have any leftover air fryer apples (rare in my house!), just pop them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I like tossing them back in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes—they perk right up! You can also microwave them for 30 seconds, but they’ll be softer and a bit less crisp. Still tasty either way!
Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Apples
Here’s a rough estimate for each serving of air fryer apples: about 110 calories, 28g carbs, 19g sugar, 2g fat, 4g fiber, and 0.5g protein. Keep in mind these numbers can change depending on your apple type, sweetener, and if you use oil or butter. All values are approximate!
Air Fryer Apples FAQ
- Can I make air fryer apples without oil? Absolutely! I skip the oil all the time for fat-free air fryer apples—they still turn out sweet and soft, just a little less crisp.
- What apples taste best for air fried apples? I love Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith for baked apples in the air fryer. They hold their shape and get perfectly caramelized.
- How do I get my cinnamon air fryer apples crispy? Slice the apples thin for apple chips in the air fryer and don’t overcrowd the basket. Add an extra minute or two if you want them even crispier.
- Can I make these ahead? Sure! Air fryer apple slices keep in the fridge for a few days. Just reheat in the air fryer to revive that warm, roasted apple flavor.
- Are air fryer apples healthy? Yes—these are a lighter, gluten-free, and vegan snack or dessert with no weird ingredients, especially if you use little or no added sugar.
Share Your Air Fryer Apples Experience
I’d love to hear how your air fryer apples turned out! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or tag me on social media with your creations. Got a favorite spice blend or topping? Share your best tips and tasty twists—I’m always looking for new ideas!
