I can still picture the golden afternoon sunlight streaming through my kitchen window as I peeled a couple of bright Pink Lady apples. The air felt crisp outside, but in here, it was warm, cozy, and filled with the promise of something sweet and simple. Air Fryer Apples were about to happen — my favorite way to make a comforting treat in minutes. If you crave tender, caramelized apples kissed with cinnamon, this easy recipe is calling your name. Perfect for dessert or a snack, it tastes like apple pie filling but comes together faster than you can imagine.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll only need a handful of wholesome ingredients to make these cozy Air Fryer Apples:
- Apples: Pink Lady, Honey Crisp, or Gala work beautifully. Their natural sweetness and firm texture hold up well.
- Maple syrup: Adds that warm, caramel-like sweetness. Honey can work too if needed.
- Refined coconut oil: Gives a neutral, light flavor. Olive oil is fine if that’s what you have.
- Cinnamon: Essential for that classic apple spice flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Apples
Step 1 — Prep the apples
First, peel your apples. I like to use Pink Lady for their balance of sweet and tart. Core them carefully and cut into 1-inch chunks. The small, even pieces help them cook quickly and evenly.
Step 2 — Toss with seasoning
In a medium bowl, gently toss your apple cubes with 1 tablespoon maple syrup, melted refined coconut oil, and cinnamon. The syrup will help everything stick and start that caramelization process.
Step 3 — Air fry to perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. While it warms, spray the basket lightly with non-stick spray. Add your apples in a single layer — avoid crowding so they cook evenly.
Air fry for 10 to 14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they turn golden, tender inside, and crisp on the edges.
Step 4 — Finish and serve
Right after cooking, while still warm, drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of maple syrup and give them a gentle toss. The syrup melts beautifully over the hot apples, making them sticky and shiny.
Best Apples for Air Frying
Crisp, sweet varieties like Pink Lady, Honey Crisp, and Gala shine here. They hold their shape, don’t turn mushy, and develop rich flavor. Softer apples like Red Delicious won’t work as well.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve these warm Air Fryer Apples all kinds of ways. They’re divine with vanilla ice cream, frozen yogurt, a dollop of whipped cream, or spooned over oatmeal. Or simply enjoy them straight from the bowl — sweet and cozy all by themselves.
FAQs
Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes! While maple syrup gives the best warm flavor, you can swap in honey if you like. It will still caramelize nicely in the air fryer.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds until warmed through.
Do I need to peel the apples first?
I do recommend peeling. The skins can toughen in the air fryer and distract from the tender, soft texture you want.
Air Fryer Apples Recipe Card
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Air Fryer Apples
- Total Time: 24
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Sweet, tender, cinnamon-spiced Air Fryer Apples, ready in minutes — perfect cozy dessert or snack anytime.
Ingredients
2 red apples (Pink Lady, Honey Crisp, or Gala), peeled, cored, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons real maple syrup, divided
1 tablespoon melted refined coconut oil (or olive oil)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Non-stick spray
Instructions
1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F and spray basket lightly.
2. Toss apple cubes with 1 tbsp maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and cinnamon.
3. Arrange apples in air fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Air fry 10–14 minutes, shaking basket halfway, until golden and tender.
5. Remove apples and toss with remaining 1 tbsp maple syrup while warm.
6. Serve warm as desired.
Notes
Use maple syrup for the best flavor but honey can substitute.
Refined coconut oil is recommended for a neutral taste.
Enjoy immediately or refrigerate up to 4 days.
Reheat leftovers in microwave for 30–45 seconds before serving.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 14
- Category: Dessert Recipes
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 191
- Sugar: 29
- Sodium: 4
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 0
Related Recipes to Try
If this cozy recipe makes you smile, you might also love my Easy apple crisp for a cozy dessert, or for a bigger apple treat, check out the Ultimate apple crisp recipe for fall flavors. Looking for a snack to pair? My Cinnamon muffins for a perfect snack pairing or Soft pumpkin oatmeal cookies for a seasonal treat are just right.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick, cozy dessert or snack, these Air Fryer Apples are a must-try. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do — please leave a comment or rating and let me know how they turn out in your kitchen!
For even more inspiration, check out what I’m pinning over on Pinterest — you’ll find plenty of ideas to keep your kitchen cozy and sweet.
