Air Fryer Baked Apples: A Quick and Easy 15-Minute Recipe

Did you know that apples contain over 100 million beneficial bacteria, making them one of nature’s healthiest dessert options?

I’m excited to show you how to transform this nutritious fruit into a warm, comforting treat using your air fryer!

Gone are the days of waiting 45 minutes for traditional oven-baked apples. With this quick and easy air fryer method, you’ll have a delicious, healthy dessert ready in just 15 minutes.

Let me walk you through everything you need to know about making the perfect air fryer baked apples!

Check out our readers favourite air fryer snack recipes: Air Fryer Banana Chips and Japanese Sweet Potato Air Fryer.

Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 95 per serving
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Equipment Needed: Air fryer, knife, cutting board

Dietary Information

• ✓ Gluten-free
• ✓ Dairy-free
• ✓ Vegan
• ✓ Low-calorie
• ✓ No added fats
• ✓ Paleo-friendly (when using approved sweetener)

Health Benefits and Nutrition for Air Fryer Apple Slices

These air fry apples aren’t just delicious – they’re nutritious too! One serving (1 medium apple’s worth of slices) contains:

• Approximately 95 calories
• 4 grams of fiber
• 14% of your daily Vitamin C
• Zero added fats when made without oil

Compared to traditional fried apple treats or apple pie, air fryer apples have:

• 75% fewer calories
• No added fats
• Similar satisfaction level
• Higher retention of nutrients

Best Apple Varieties for Air Frying

Not all apples are created equal when it comes to air frying. Honeycrisp apples are my top choice, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and firmness.

You may choose any apple varieties that is readily available in your nearby store. The best varieties maintain their shape while becoming perfectly tender.

Which Apples Are the Best For Air Frying?

• Honeycrisp: Holds up well during cooking, develops beautiful caramelization. Delivers naturally sweet, complex flavor.
• Granny Smith: Great for a tart flavor profile, pairs wonderfully with sweet toppings.
• Fuji and Gala: Natural sweetness that intensifies during cooking. Works well but tend to become slightly softer during cooking.

Tips for Selecting the Best Apples

• Avoid mealy or soft apples, as they will turn mushy during cooking.
• Look for apples that feel firm to the touch.
• Ensure they are free from soft spots.
• Fresh, crisp apples are key for air frying.

Key Ingredients & Equipment for Air Fryer Apples

Basic Ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized apples
• 2 tablespoons honey (local honey works beautifully!)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Preparation

1. Thoroughly wash apples under cool running water and pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel
2. Core the apples using an apple corer or sharp knife and slice them into uniform ¼-inch thick rings or semicircles. There’s no need to peel them – the skin contains extra nutrients and helps the slices hold their shape.
3. Remove any seeds or tough parts of the core that remain. If you notice any browning, a quick dip in lemon water will prevent further oxidation.
4. For best results, try to make all slices as even as possible
5. Set aside prepared slices in a large mixing bowl

2. Seasoning

• In a small bowl, mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
• Sprinkle mixture over apples and drizzle them with honey
• Gently toss to coat evenly
• Ensure each slice has some seasoning on both sides

Pro tip: When using sticky seasonings like honey, warm slightly for easier coating

3. Air Frying Process For Baked Apples in Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Don’t skip this step – it ensures even cooking from the start.
2. Arrange the apple slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd – Leave space between slices for proper air circulation
3. Place basket in preheated air fryer for 4 minutes at 375°F. There is no need to open the air fryer in the first 4 minutes.
4. At the 4-minute mark, remove basket and flip each slice using tongs. Check for initial browning on the edges and rearrange any pieces that appear to be cooking unevenly. Spray with additional oil if needed.
5. Return basket to air fryer and continue cooking for 4-6 minutes. Check doneness at 4 minute (they’re done when the edges start to curl and brown slightly). Continue cooking in 1-minute intervals if needed.

Delicious Seasoning Combinations Apple in Air Fryer

While the classic cinnamon-sugar combo never disappoints, why not experiment with these exciting flavor variations?

Classic Sweet:

• Cinnamon sugar (1 teaspoon cinnamon + 1 tablespoon sugar)
• Apple pie spice blend (cinnamon + ginger + nutmeg + cardamom)
• Maple cinnamon (replace sugar with real maple syrup)
• Vanilla bean and brown sugar

Healthy Options:

• Cinnamon and monk fruit sweetener
• Pure cinnamon (no added sweetener)
• Nutmeg and erythritol
• Stevia and pumpkin pie spice

Serving Suggestions and Storage

Fresh from the air fryer, these apple slices are incredibly versatile. Serve them:

• Over vanilla Greek yogurt for a protein-rich breakfast
• Alongside a scoop of low-fat ice cream for dessert
• Packed in lunch boxes (they’re delicious at room temperature!)
• As a topping for overnight oats or hot cereal

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.

You can also microwave them for about 30 seconds, though it may soften the texture.

Common Issues with Air Fry Baked Apples

1. Baked Apples Turn Out Soggy or Mushy

• Make sure to pat the apple slices dry with a paper towel before seasoning.
• Adjust cooking time and temperature. If slices are thicker, they may need a little more time to cook and crisp up.
• Make sure the apple slices are spread out in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding.

2. Baked Apple Are Not Crisping Up

• Lightly spray or brush the apple slices with oil before cooking.
• Increase the cooking time. Give them an additional 2-3 minutes if they are still too soft.
• Check the apple variety. Fuji or Gala tend to become softer during cooking. Use firmer varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith if you’re looking for a crispier texture.

3. Difficulty Removing the Apple Slices

• Place parchment paper or a silicone mat in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with oil before placing the apple slices inside. This will help prevent sticking.

Final Tips for Success

1. Clean basket between batches
2. Slice uniformly (¼-inch thick)
3. Preheat to 375°F (3 mins)
4. Pat slices dry before seasoning
5. Don’t overcrowd the basket
6. Flip halfway through cooking (4 mins)
7. Use firm apples (Honeycrisp/Granny Smith)
8. Mix 1 tsp cinnamon + 1 tbsp sugar per 2 apples
9. Check at 6 mins, add time as needed
10. Let cool 2-3 mins to crisp