I’ll never forget the first time I made Air Fryer Apples—it was one of those rainy afternoons when I just needed something warm and comforting, but had zero patience for a complicated recipe. Air Fryer Apples swooped in to save the day! There’s something magical about how quickly they turn humble apples into a sweet, cinnamon-kissed treat, all in under 20 minutes. I love that they’re healthy enough to call a snack, but honestly, they taste like dessert at their coziest. That’s a win in my book.
The best part? You only need a few simple ingredients—just apples, maple syrup, a bit of coconut oil, and cinnamon. No fancy gadgets, no drawn-out prep, and no hard-to-find stuff. I’ve made air fried apples so many times that it’s become my go-to when I want something sweet but still want to feel good about what I’m eating. My kids beg for them as an after-school snack, and I’m not above stealing a bowlful for myself with my morning oatmeal.
These are totally vegan and naturally gluten-free, too, so everyone in my family can dig in without a second thought. I trust this method because I’ve tried every twist—different apples, more or less syrup, even swapping out oils—and it always works. If you’re looking for a quick, warm, and wholesome treat that’s as easy as it is delicious, you’re about to fall in love with this recipe. Trust me, your kitchen is about to smell incredible!
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Apples
- Ready in a snap – From start to finish, these cinnamon apples take less than 20 minutes. Perfect for those “I need something sweet now!” moments.
- Big flavor, simple ingredients – You only need apples, maple syrup, coconut oil, and cinnamon. Nothing fancy, just pure cozy goodness in every bite.
- Healthy enough for snacking – These air fried apples hit that sweet spot between dessert and wholesome snack. There’s no refined sugar, and they’re naturally vegan and gluten-free.
- Kid-approved (and grown-up loved) – My kids gobble these up, and honestly, so do I. They’re soft, warm, and just sweet enough to feel like a treat.
- So versatile – Pile them on oatmeal, swirl into yogurt, top ice cream, or just eat them straight from the bowl. They work for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
- Less mess, easy cleanup – No big pans or sticky baking sheets. The air fryer keeps things simple, and you’ll have hardly any dishes to wash.
If you’re always on the hunt for fast, feel-good treats that work for the whole family, you’ll want to put these Air Fryer Apples on repeat.
Air Fryer Apples Ingredients List
Here’s exactly what you’ll need for the best Air Fryer Apples. Make sure to do the little bit of prep—peeling, coring, and cubing—before you start. It all comes together fast!
- 2 medium red apples (such as Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Gala), peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons real maple syrup, divided (1 tablespoon for tossing, 1 tablespoon for finishing)
- 1 tablespoon melted refined coconut oil (no taste), or sub your favorite neutral oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
That’s it—simple, cozy, and nothing you can’t pronounce. Just a tiny bit of prep, and you’re ready to air fry!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Air Fryer Apples
The beauty of Air Fryer Apples is how forgiving the recipe is. Let’s talk about why I use each ingredient, and what you can swap in if you’re low on something or want to tweak it.
Apples: I usually grab Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Gala because they’re sweet and hold up well in the air fryer. Really, any crisp red apple works—Fuji and Braeburn are great too! Softer apples like McIntosh get mushier, which isn’t bad if you want a more baked-apple vibe. Just avoid anything mealy.
Maple Syrup: I love the deep, caramel flavor real maple syrup brings. If you’re out, honey works just as well (though it’s not vegan). Agave syrup is another good swap if you’re keeping things plant-based. Want less sugar? Try drizzling just a teaspoon or two instead.
Coconut Oil: Refined coconut oil keeps things dairy-free and doesn’t taste coconutty. Olive oil or any neutral oil does the trick if that’s what you have. For a nut-free version, just stick to coconut or olive oil—no worries there.
Cinnamon: Classic, cozy, and a must for that warm apple pie feel. You can play with pumpkin pie spice or add a pinch of nutmeg if you’re feeling adventurous.
Everything here is naturally gluten-free and vegan as long as you use maple or agave. That means just about everyone can grab a fork and dig in!
How to Make Air Fryer Apples (Step-by-Step)
This recipe is honestly so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making Air Fryer Apples every week. Here’s how I do it for that perfect mix of soft, sweet, and a little bit crisp around the edges—basically apple pie filling’s cool, snackable cousin. Let’s get started!
- Preheat your air fryer. Set it to 380°F. While it heats up, I like to give the basket a quick spritz with non-stick spray. Trust me, you don’t want sticky apples stuck to the bottom later.
- Prep your apples. Peel, core, and cut your apples into 1-inch cubes. Don’t stress about making them perfect—just try to keep the pieces roughly the same size so they cook evenly. If you’re working with kids, let them help with the peeling (just keep an eye on those fingers).
- Toss with flavor. In a big bowl, combine your apple cubes with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, the melted coconut oil, and cinnamon. I use my hands to toss them so every single piece gets coated—plus, it smells amazing already.
- Arrange in the basket. Spread the apples out in a single layer in your air fryer basket. This part matters! If you pile them up, they’ll steam instead of roast and you’ll lose that gorgeous golden edge. Work in batches if you need to.
- Air fry and shake. Slide the basket into the air fryer and set the timer for 10 to 14 minutes. I always shake the basket about halfway through (at the 6-7 minute mark) so the apples get evenly golden. If you forget? No big deal—they’ll still taste great, but that shake really helps with even color.
- Check for doneness. You’ll know your air fried apples are done when they’re golden-brown on the edges, a little crisp outside, and fork-tender inside. If you poke one and it gives but doesn’t fall apart, you’re golden (literally). Smaller cubes will cook faster, so check early if you chopped your apples on the small side.
- Finish with maple syrup. As soon as the apples come out, toss them with the remaining tablespoon of maple syrup. This step gives them extra shine and a caramel-y finish. Serve them up while they’re warm—they’re dreamy on their own, or over vanilla ice cream, oatmeal, or pancakes.
That’s it! These roasted apples in the air fryer are so simple but taste like a cozy hug. Don’t be surprised if they disappear before you even get a chance to plate them.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Apples
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—work in batches if your air fryer is small. Crowded apples = steamed, not crispy.
- Give the apples a good shake halfway through to make sure every piece gets golden and caramelized.
- Spray or brush your basket lightly with oil for easy cleanup and to keep apples from sticking.
- Use apples that hold their shape—Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Gala are my top choices for the best texture.
- Chop apples evenly so they cook at the same rate. Tiny cubes can burn fast; big chunks need a minute or two extra.
- Start checking at 10 minutes—every air fryer heats a little differently. Go for golden edges and fork-tender centers.
Follow these tips and you’ll get warm, spiced apples that are just the right blend of soft inside and crisped on the outside every single time!
Variations: Creative Ways to Enjoy Air Fryer Apples
This is where it gets really fun—there are so many ways to put your own spin on Air Fryer Apples! I love playing around with flavors depending on my mood (or what’s hiding in my pantry). Here are some of my favorite twists:
- Switch up the spices: Try pumpkin pie spice, apple pie spice, or a little pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg for an extra cozy vibe. Even a dash of cardamom makes them taste bakery-fancy.
- Add a pinch of salt: Seriously, just a tiny sprinkle of sea salt over the apples at the end makes the sweetness pop in the best way.
- Mix in extras: Toss in a handful of chopped walnuts, pecans, or sliced almonds before air frying for crunch. You can also add a spoonful of rolled oats and a bit more maple syrup for a vegan “crumble” feel. Raisins or dried cranberries are great for bursts of sweetness.
- Make it dessert-worthy: Sprinkle on a little brown sugar before air frying if you want extra caramelization. Or drizzle with honey for a glossy finish (not vegan, but so good).
- Go for apple chips or bites: Slice apples thin for crispy air fryer apple chips (just lower the temp to 325°F and cook longer). Or cut smaller cubes for easy apple bites—perfect for little hands!
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Every batch can be a new flavor adventure, and honestly, it’s hard to go wrong with warm, spiced apples!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Apples
Once you have a bowl of these warm air fryer apples, the hardest part is deciding how to eat them! Here are my go-to ways to serve them—trust me, there’s no wrong answer:
- Warm from the basket – Honestly, I often grab a spoon and eat them straight out of the air fryer. Cozy, spiced, and just sweet enough.
- Over oatmeal – Top your morning oats with a big scoop of cinnamon apples for instant apple pie vibes.
- Swirled into yogurt – Stir them into Greek or coconut yogurt for a healthy, dessert-like snack.
- With ice cream – Vanilla ice cream + these apples = a five-minute fall sundae.
- Pancakes or waffles – Pile them on top instead of syrup, or even tuck them inside crepes for a brunch treat.
- French toast topping – Warm apples on buttery toast is basically breakfast heaven.
No matter how you serve them, these air fried apples always steal the show. Enjoy them while they’re still warm for the best texture and flavor!
Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Apples
If you somehow end up with leftover air fryer apples (honestly, it doesn’t happen often in my house!), here’s what to do. Pop any extra apples into an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty for up to 4 days—perfect for quick snacks or tossing on your breakfast later in the week.
To reheat, just scoop out what you want and microwave for 30 to 45 seconds until they’re warm and soft again. For that just-cooked texture, you can also toss them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. They soften a bit after chilling, but the sweet, cinnamon flavor still shines through. I promise, they’re just as comforting the next day!
Air Fryer Apples Nutrition Information
Here’s the scoop on nutrition for these air fryer apples (per serving, which is about one apple): around 191 calories, 45g carbs, 7g fat, 29g sugar, 6g fiber, and 1g protein. These numbers are estimates and can vary depending on your apple variety, syrup brand, or how big you chop your pieces. I always say, use this as a general guide—if you swap ingredients or adjust portions, the nutrition will shift a bit. Still, it’s a sweet treat you can feel good about!
Air Fryer Apples FAQ
Which apples work best for air fryer apples?
I always grab crisp, sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Gala—they hold their shape and give you that perfect balance of soft inside and a little bite outside. Fuji and Braeburn are great too. Avoid mealy apples (like Red Delicious) if you want your air fried apples to be tender but not mushy. If you love a more “baked apple” texture, McIntosh or Golden Delicious will melt down beautifully.
Can I make these without oil or syrup?
You can absolutely skip the oil if you want lower fat, but the apples may not get quite as caramelized or glossy. They’ll still taste sweet and soft! As for syrup, you can leave it out or just use a teaspoon if you’re cutting sugar. The apples will cook up just fine, though they’ll have less of that sticky-sweet finish. You can even sprinkle on a little cinnamon and let the fruit’s natural sugars shine.
How do I make air fryer apple chips?
For crispy air fryer apple chips, slice your apples super thin (about 1/8-inch), skip the syrup and oil (or just use a mist), and air fry at 325°F for 14-18 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway. Keep an eye on them—they go from crisp to dark fast! Let them cool on a rack so they get even crunchier.
How do I store leftover air fried apples?
Leftover cinnamon apples in the air fryer keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready for round two, just microwave them for 30-45 seconds or toss back in the air fryer for a couple minutes to rewarm. They’ll be softer after chilling, but still super tasty.
Are air fryer apples vegan?
Yes! As long as you use maple syrup (not honey) and stick to coconut or olive oil, these warm air fryer cinnamon apples are totally vegan. They’re also naturally gluten-free and nut-free, so just about everyone can dig in.
Share Your Air Fryer Apples Experience
Did you try these air fryer apples? I’d love to hear how they turned out for you! Drop a comment below with your thoughts, tweaks, or favorite ways to serve them—your tips always help other home cooks. If you snapped a photo (especially if you went wild with toppings!), share it on social media and tag me so I can see your cozy creations. Don’t forget to rate the recipe, too! Your feedback seriously makes my day and helps more folks discover just how delicious and easy air fried apples can be.
For more easy air fryer ideas, check out my Air Fryer Grilled Cheese or try these Frozen Garlic Bread in Air Fryer for a quick savory snack.
Looking for more inspiration? Browse my latest recipes for delicious ideas!
Curious about how air fryers work? Learn more about the science behind air fryers from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Want to know more about apple nutrition? Check out the USDA FoodData Central for detailed information.
Print
Air Fryer Apples: 7 Powerful Reasons You Need This Sweet Comfort
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Air fryer apples are sweet, warm, and spiced with cinnamon. Enjoy this quick snack or dessert made with just apples, maple syrup, and coconut oil.
Ingredients
- 2 red apples (Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Gala), peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons real maple syrup, divided
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil (refined, no taste)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F and lightly spray the basket with non-stick spray.
- Place the apple cubes in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and cinnamon. Toss to coat the apples evenly.
- Spread the apple cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overlap.
- Air fry for 10 to 14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The apples should be golden, slightly crispy outside, and tender inside.
- Remove from the air fryer. Toss the warm apples with the remaining 1 tablespoon of maple syrup.
- Serve warm by itself, with vanilla ice cream, or over oatmeal.
Notes
- You can use honey instead of maple syrup.
- Substitute olive oil for coconut oil if preferred.
- Enjoy right after air frying for best texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds until warm.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 apple)
- Calories: 191
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 4mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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