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.
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.
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
Ways to enjoy air fried apples
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