There’s a soft hush in the kitchen when the oven (or in our case, the air fryer) warms up — like Sunday afternoons at Grandma’s when she’d float apple scents through the house. These baked apples are simple, sweet, and feel like a hug on a plate.
Why make this recipe
Sometimes you want a dessert that remembers you — not fussy, just honest and warming. These Air Fryer Baked Apples take plain apples and turn them into something that tastes like family stories and front-porch evenings. If you’re in a hurry but still hankering for something homey, this recipe pairs beautifully with little treats like three-ingredient air fryer cookies, bringing together quick comfort and a touch of indulgence.
How to make Air Fryer Baked Apples
This is one of those easy, satisfying recipes that feels like it took all afternoon, even when it didn’t. Core the apples, fill them with the sweet cinnamon mix, top each with butter, and let the air fryer work its magic. Within twenty minutes you’ll have tender, caramel-kissed apples that smell like a memory.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium apples
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter
- optional toppings: vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce
Directions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Core the apples and place them in a bowl.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle the mixture inside each apple.
- Place a small piece of butter on top of each apple.
- Arrange the apples in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with ice cream or caramel sauce.
How to serve Air Fryer Baked Apples
Serve these warm from the air fryer in little bowls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel. For a Southern touch, add a sprinkle of chopped pecans and a dusting of extra cinnamon. They’re lovely on a cold morning with coffee or as a gentle finish to a family supper.
How to store Air Fryer Baked Apples
Let cooled apples sit in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 4–6 minutes or in the microwave for 30–60 seconds until warmed through. If you’ve added ice cream, store apples separately to keep textures nice.
Tips to make Air Fryer Baked Apples
- Choose apples that hold their shape, like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala, for a tender center but not mushy skin.
- Don’t overfill the cavity — the sugar will melt and caramelize.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook the apples in batches so they don’t touch and cook evenly.
- For a cinnamon-sugar crisp, sprinkle a pinch of extra brown sugar on top before air-frying.
- If you like a cinnamon-sugary treat with a Mexican twist, try one of my other favorites like healthy baked churro bites for a snacky companion to these apples.
Variations (if any)
- Nutty: Add chopped pecans or walnuts into the sugar-cinnamon mix for crunch.
- Oaty crumble: Top each apple with a tablespoon of oat crumble (oats, butter, brown sugar) for a mini crisp.
- Boozy (adult): Splash a little bourbon or rum into the sugar before filling for depth of flavor.
- Spiced: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cloves for warm spice notes.
FAQs
Q: What apples are best for baking in an air fryer?
A: Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, and Pink Lady hold their shape nicely while getting tender inside. Granny Smith works if you like a tart contrast to the sugar.
Q: How can I tell when the apples are done?
A: They should be tender when pierced with a fork but not collapsing. About 15–20 minutes at 350°F is usual, but size and variety change timing a bit.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes — bake them, cool, and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or microwave before serving and add fresh toppings.
Q: Can I use coconut sugar or maple sugar instead of brown sugar?
A: Yes, you can substitute, though the flavor and caramelization will be slightly different — still delicious, just a different kind of sweet.
Q: Are these suitable for kids?
A: Absolutely. They’re mild, naturally sweet, and a great way to serve fruit as a dessert.
Conclusion
If you’d like a few more takes on this cozy treat, I always enjoy seeing how other home cooks riff on a simple idea — like the lovely twist at Air Fryer Baked Apples – Upstate Ramblings or the warm, pie-like version over at Air Fryer Baked Apples [Tastes like apple pie!] This Healthy Kitchen. Take a breath of that sweet steam, call someone you love, and share a warm bowl — recipes are best when they bring folks together.
Come on back and tell me how yours turned out; there’s always room at my kitchen table.
Air Fryer Baked Apples
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Core the apples and place them in a bowl.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle the mixture inside each apple.
- Place a small piece of butter on top of each apple.
- Arrange the apples in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with ice cream or caramel sauce.