Cinnamon spice and apples, so nice! That’s what Air Fryer Apples are made of. This simple air fried apple recipe features your favorite fall fruit in a not-too-sweet syrup with hints of maple, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Give crisp apples the tender treatment in your air fryer in under 15 minutes.
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Three cheers for desserts that somehow became acceptable to eat during dinner. Remember where you were when you first discovered pudding and canned peaches at a salad bar? Or bread served with honey butter?
Sweet potato casserole is probably the reigning champion of this, but that’s a special occasion dish, so… biggest cheer definitely goes to fried apples.
I don’t know who convinced moms (of all people) that (what amounts to) apple pie filling was an acceptable side dish on like, a random Tuesday, but thank you.
If fried apples are a beloved classic, then air fried apples are the new classic – be they on top, below, or next to any number of sweet and savory foods.
For a condensed post, click to view the web story for this air fryer recipe!
Fried Apples, Faster!
As with many other recipes, the air fryer is simply a faster, cleaner (literally and figuratively) cooking method for fried apples. And as with most ingredients, air fryer fried apples are just as tasty, if not better than, stovetop or oven roasted apples. (Personal palates notwithstanding.)
Air fried apples also prove you don’t need a lot of butter or fat to get amazing flavor and texture out of a cooked apple (but don’t let me stop you from adding it).
Plus, this cooking method is mostly hands off – just shake once halfway through. Though if you want to go completely hands free, just let your kids do the work. This air fryer apple recipe is literally that easy.
How to Cook Apples in the Air Fryer
Classic recipes don’t always need a classic cooking method. Air Fryer Apples are a fast and easy way to spice up every meal of the day. Cinnamon, brown sugar, and tender air fried apples add sweet notes to savory pork and chicken dishes. But definitely save some for dessert. Oh, and breakfast too. So many options, so little time – literally!
- PREP. Combine apples with oil and seasoning in a large bowl until evenly coated.
- ARRANGE. Arrange the apples in an even layer in the air fryer basket.
- AIR FRY. Cook at 370°F for 10-12 minutes, tossing once halfway through.
- WHISK. Whisk the maple syrup and brown sugar in a bowl until smooth.
- TOSS. Add apples to maple syrup mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- SERVE. Serve immediately as desired. See notes for serving suggestions.
Chef’s Tips!
- Use the right apple – choose apples with a naturally firm, crisp texture.
- Slice the apples just before cooking to avoid browning.
- Remember to use regular olive oil, not extra virgin, for milder flavor. If you’re particularly sensitive to the flavor of olive oil, choose a “light tasting” olive oil.
- Taste an apple to check for doneness – ideally it will be soft and easily pieced with the tip of a paring knife or fork tines, but not completely falling apart. Thicker slices will need closer to 12 minutes to fully cook through.
- If you prefer the buttery flavor of classic fried apples, mix 1 tablespoon melted butter with the maple syrup and brown sugar.
Serving Air Fried Apples
- Our favorite way? Definitely over (or under) ice cream for dessert!
- Fried apples are a classic side for pork chops and roasted chicken
- Top your favorite yogurt and granola with air fryer apples, or serve over warm oatmeal.
- Try a heaping scoop atop our French toast casserole or whole grain pancakes
- Want to serve as a side, but cut the sweet? Toss air fried apples with bacon – about 4 slices cooked and crumbled. (Tip: this goes great with pork chops or smoked sausage!)
Frequently asked questions
Choose an apple with a crisp, firm texture. Granny smith are classic, if you like ’em tart! We prefer to go sweeter – honeycrisp – but gala, fuji, and empire also work great.
Yes! Air fryer fried apples can be frozen. Spread them on a parchment lined platter or baking sheet and allow them to cool evenly and completely before placing in airtight storage. They’ll keep for 3-6 months.
Personal preference! My kids are picky, so I peel them, but you can leave the skin on.
Savory ‘n Sweet Apple Sides
- Roasted Fennel Salad with Apple
- Sausage Stuffing with Apples and Sage
- Sweet Potato Hash with Bacon and Apples
- Kale Pomegranate Salad with Apple
- Carrot Apple Soup
Did you make fried apples with your air fryer? I’d love to know how they turned out! Leave a comment and a rating below.
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Recipe
Air Fryer Apples
Print Recipe Rate this Recipe Pin RecipeRecommended Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples (we like gala, honeycrisp, and/or granny smith), cored and sliced
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- pinch kosher salt
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp packed light brown sugar
Instructions
- Combine apples, olive oil, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl until evenly coated.
- Arrange the apples in an even layer in the basket of your air fryer.
- Cook at 370°F for 10-12 minutes, tossing once halfway through, or until the apples are soft and golden brown.
- Whisk the maple syrup and brown sugar in a bowl until smooth.
- Add the warm apples to the maple syrup mixture and toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately as desired. See notes for serving suggestions.
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