If you’re craving a warm, cinnamon-scented dessert that comes together effortlessly, Air Fryer Baked Apples are about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine tender apples filled to the brim with a luscious oat, brown sugar, and nut topping, baked until bubbling and perfectly golden, all in a fraction of the time you’d need for the oven. This healthier take on a classic cozy dessert captures everything wonderful about fall—or any season when apples shine. With a satisfying crumble and sweet, spiced aroma, these Air Fryer Baked Apples deliver on comfort with zero fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part is how simple these ingredients are—you probably have most on hand already! Each one adds its own magic, from sweetness and spice to crunch and creaminess. Here’s what you need for Air Fryer Baked Apples:
- Apples: Choose crisp, slightly tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for perfect texture and a touch of tang.
- Brown Sugar: Offers deep, caramel-like sweetness that makes the filling extra luscious.
- Old-Fashioned Oats: Brings chewy texture and wholesome heartiness to the filling.
- Ground Cinnamon: The star spice, giving these apples their signature warm, cozy flavor.
- Nutmeg: Adds a subtle pinch of nutty spice that makes the apples taste more complex.
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional): For a delightful crunch and buttery richness – use whichever you like best, or skip if you’re nut-free.
- Unsalted Butter, melted: Helps the topping brown beautifully and adds melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla deepens the sweet, aromatic flavor in every bite.
How to Make Air Fryer Baked Apples
Step 1: Core the Apples
Start by washing and coring your apples. Use an apple corer or small paring knife to remove the core, carefully leaving the bottom intact. This creates a perfect little “well” for all the cozy filling to sit without leaking out the bottom. Got kids helping? Let them scoop out the seeds—just keep an eye on those fingers!
Step 2: Prepare the Oat Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, old-fashioned oats, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and the chopped nuts if you’re adding them. Pour the melted butter and vanilla extract over the top, then mix everything together until the mixture is fully coated and clumps together. The filling should feel moist but crumbly, ready to be packed into your apples.
Step 3: Stuff the Apples Generously
Spoon the oat mixture into each cored apple, really packing it in so you get plenty of that irresistible crumble in every bite. Don’t be afraid to let the filling mound over the top—a little overflow just gets extra golden and delicious as it bakes.
Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Arrange the filled apples in your air fryer basket, giving each one a little space if possible. Air fry them at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know the Air Fryer Baked Apples are done when the fruit is tender, and the topping turns golden and caramelized. Bigger apples may need an extra minute or two, so check with a fork for softness. The kitchen will smell like an autumn bakery—pure joy!
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let your Air Fryer Baked Apples cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle (and saves your tongue!). Serve them right in the basket or transfer gently to plates for that true “wow” presentation. Now the only question is: vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce?
How to Serve Air Fryer Baked Apples
Garnishes
The classic finish is a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, which melts into the steamy, spiced center for pure magic. For extra flair, drizzle your apples with warm caramel sauce, sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar, or top with a pinch of extra cinnamon or nuts. A dollop of whipped cream is always welcome, too!
Side Dishes
If you’re making a dessert spread, Air Fryer Baked Apples pair beautifully with a cinnamon latte, hot apple cider, or coffee. As part of a cozy brunch, try serving them alongside French toast, pancakes, or a cheese plate—it’s a sweet contrast to savory bites. These apples even play well as a topping for oatmeal or Greek yogurt.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, set out a “build-your-own” apple bar with little bowls of toppings like chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or dried fruit for guests to choose from. For a rustic touch, place the apples on a wooden board with serving spoons, or plate individually on small dessert dishes with a caramel drizzle. You can even hollow out the apples a little more and cut them in half for bite-size treats!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Air Fryer Baked Apples (a rare feat!), let them cool fully before transferring to an airtight container. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them a delicious make-ahead treat for weeknight desserts or unexpected guests.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze baked apples for longer storage. Wrap each apple tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the refrigerated apples back in the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes at 325°F until warmed through and the topping has regained its crunch. Alternatively, use the microwave in short bursts—just know the topping might soften a little. Freshen them up with a touch more cinnamon or a new drizzle of caramel if you like.
FAQs
Can I make Air Fryer Baked Apples without nuts?
Absolutely! The nuts are completely optional. Simply omit them from the filling if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free dessert. The apples are still wonderfully flavorful and texturally satisfying.
Which apple varieties are best for Air Fryer Baked Apples?
Firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith hold their shape beautifully and offer a balance of sweetness and tang. Avoid very soft apples, as they can become mushy when baked.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
You can use quick oats in a pinch, though the filling will be a bit softer and less chewy. Old-fashioned oats provide the best texture, but either will work deliciously for these Air Fryer Baked Apples.
How do I prevent my apples from splitting in the air fryer?
Be sure not to overfill the apples, and avoid scooping out too much of the flesh when coring. Leave about 1/2 inch at the bottom, and keep an eye on them near the end of cooking to prevent overbaking.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
You can use coconut sugar, maple sugar, or even a mix of honey and granulated sugar for a slightly different flavor profile. Each sweetener will bring its own unique twist to your Air Fryer Baked Apples.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about a simple dessert that feels special with hardly any effort—exactly what you get from Air Fryer Baked Apples. Whether you’re treating yourself on a Tuesday night or impressing guests at a fall dinner, this recipe is a surefire success. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself making “baked apples night” a new tradition!
Print
Air Fryer Baked Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delicious Air Fryer Baked Apples, a perfect dessert option for a cozy night in. These apples are stuffed with a sweet and crunchy filling, then air fried to tender perfection. Enjoy the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with a hint of vanilla, all in a wholesome and satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Apples:
- 4 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji work well)
Filling:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Core the apples: Leave the bottom intact to form a well for the filling.
- Mix the filling: Combine brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, nuts, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Stuff the apples: Fill each apple with the mixture, pressing down gently.
- Air fry: Place apples in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 15–18 minutes until tender and golden.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before enjoying.
Notes
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for added decadence.
- Adjust cooking time based on apple size and type.
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