Warm, tender Air Fryer Fried Apples bring the cozy essence of fall right to your kitchen in just 13 minutes. This guilt-free twist on classic fried apples delivers the perfect balance of sweet, caramelized fruit without the heavy oil of traditional pan-frying.
Perfect as a quick dessert, breakfast topping, or snack, these apple bites pack impressive nutrition with 14g of fiber per serving while satisfying your sweet tooth. The air fryer transforms fresh apples into a delectable treat that’s both wholesome and indulgent.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Fried Apples
- Apples: 3 medium-sized, quartered and cubed (thin-skinned variety works best)
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, adds warmth and classic flavor
- Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons, for caramel-like sweetness
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted for perfect coating
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Apples: Quarter and remove seeds from apples. Remove thick peels if needed, then cube into bite-sized pieces.
- Season & Mix: Combine melted butter with apple cubes in a bowl. Mix cinnamon and sugar separately, add 2/3 to the apple mixture.
- Air Fryer Setup: Line air fryer basket with parchment paper and arrange seasoned apples evenly.
- First Cook: Air fry at 320°F for 5 minutes for initial softening.
- Second Cook: Give apples a gentle stir, then continue cooking for 3 more minutes until tender.
- Final Touch: Transfer to serving bowl and sprinkle with remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Cooking Tips
The secret to perfect air fryer apples is in the size of your apple chunks! Try to cut them into similar-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes) so they cook evenly. If you notice some pieces getting too soft while others are still firm, just pick out the done ones and give the firmer pieces a little more time. And here’s a handy tip: if your apples are very fresh and juicy, pat them dry with a paper towel before adding the butter – this helps them get that lovely caramelized outside!
Apple Choices
Sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji work amazingly in this recipe. These types hold their shape well while cooking and have just the right balance of flavors. If you’re using super sweet apples like Red Delicious, you might want to cut back on the brown sugar a bit. Using tart Granny Smiths? Feel free to add an extra sprinkle of brown sugar to balance things out!
Serving Ideas
These warm, cinnamon-spiced apples are like a hug in a bowl! Spoon them over vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert, or add them to your morning oatmeal for a cozy breakfast. They’re also fantastic with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of Greek yogurt. Want to make it extra special? Add a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of chopped nuts!
Storage Tips
If you have any leftover fried apples (though they’re so yummy, you probably won’t!), just pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you want to enjoy them again, warm them up in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 320°F, or give them a quick zap in the microwave. They’ll taste almost as good as fresh!
Air Fryer Fried Apples Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 3 apples
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Wash the apples then cut them into quarters and remove the seeds. If the peel is dense and tough, cut it off. If the peel is thin, it can be left. Cut apples into cubes and put in a bowl.
- Add melted butter. Mix together cinnamon with sugar, add 2/3 of the resulting mixture.
- Mix the apples with the butter, cinnamon, and sugar. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and add the apples. Cook at 320F for 5 minutes.
- Then stir and bake for another 3 minutes. Apples are ready when they become soft. Larger or tougher apple pieces may take longer.
- Transfer the apples to the bowl.
- Sprinkle it with the remaining sugar and cinnamon and serve!
