Speedy Air Fryer Apple Bliss

Craving a warm, comforting, and irresistibly sweet treat that comes together in a flash? Look no further than these incredible Air Fryer Baked Apples. Far from being just a simple dessert, these cinnamon-infused wonders are a true testament to the magic an air fryer brings to your kitchen. Filled with a delectable cinnamon oat topping, they offer a delightful contrast of tender, spiced apple and a crunchy, golden crisp. Whether enjoyed on their own as a guilt-free indulgence or crowned with a luxurious scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, these baked apples are designed to satisfy. Best of all, they utilize everyday pantry staples and are ready to tantalize your taste buds in just 15 minutes. No air fryer? No problem! We’ll show you how to achieve the same delicious results in your conventional oven.

Baked apple topped with ice cream on a white plate, ready to be enjoyed as a delightful dessert.

As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, my thoughts invariably drift to warm, comforting fall desserts. While my immediate instinct might sometimes lean towards chocolate or a pint of ice cream (let’s be honest, we all have those moments!), when I’m looking for something wholesome yet utterly satisfying, air-fried baked apples are my undisputed champions. They strike the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity, made from ingredients I always have on hand, transforming into a fragrant, delicious treat in under twenty minutes.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its remarkable ease. Forget complicated pastry or lengthy baking times. All it takes is halving a couple of apples, scooping out the core, and then generously filling each cavity with a buttery, cinnamon-spiced oat crisp. A quick trip to the air fryer, and you’re rewarded with a heavenly aroma wafting through your home – the quintessential scent of autumn. The outcome is a wonderfully soft, warmly spiced apple, perfectly complemented by a sweet, crunchy topping that provides an addictive textural contrast. It’s a dessert that feels incredibly special but requires minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

The versatility doesn’t end there. Enjoy your freshly baked apple just as it is, allowing its natural sweetness and spice to shine. Or, elevate it to a gourmet experience by adding your favorite accompaniments. A scoop of melting vanilla ice cream, a cloud of freshly whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce can transform this simple dish into an extraordinary dessert. These air fryer baked apples aren’t just a treat; they’re a celebration of fall flavors, a simple pleasure that brings warmth and joy with every bite.

A Rich History of Baked Apples

Baked apples boast a venerable culinary history, with their roots deeply embedded in European and early American cooking traditions. Long before the advent of modern kitchen gadgets, they served as a cherished dessert, especially during seasons when fresh fruit was abundant. These humble yet delicious preparations frequently appeared in 18th-century cookbooks, celebrated for their affordability, adaptability, and the comforting warmth they provided. Their enduring popularity speaks volumes about their timeless appeal.

Across continents, various cultures have embraced and adapted baked apples to suit their unique palates. In Germany, for instance, the tradition of “Bratäpfel” is deeply woven into the fabric of Christmas celebrations. These festive apples are often elaborately filled with a rich mixture of marzipan, finely chopped nuts, and aromatic spices, then typically served alongside a luxurious vanilla sauce. Similarly, in colonial America, baked apples were a household staple, valued for their simplicity and the way they utilized readily available produce. Early American cookbooks frequently featured recipes for these hearty and satisfying desserts, highlighting their significance in everyday meals.

Fast forward to the modern kitchen, and the baked apple has found a revitalized life, particularly with the widespread adoption of the air fryer. This innovative appliance has transformed a classic, offering a quick and convenient method to prepare this beloved dish without sacrificing any of its traditional charm. Today, air fryer baked apples stand out as a go-to fall dessert, a healthy and satisfying sweet snack, and a delightful treat whenever sugar cravings hit. Their journey from historical comfort food to a contemporary air fryer sensation underscores their universal and enduring appeal.

Why These Air Fryer Baked Apples Are a Family Favorite

I’ve been making variations of baked apples for well over a decade, but it was the arrival of my air fryer and a toddler that truly solidified this version as a permanent fixture in my kitchen. During those wonderfully chaotic years of bedtime routines and endless energy, I needed desserts that were not only delicious but also incredibly easy and hands-off. This air fryer recipe fit the bill perfectly, allowing me to whip up a wholesome sweet treat without adding more stress to my evening.

Since then, these cinnamon baked apples have become an undisputed family favorite. My child, who can be a discerning critic when it comes to fruit, will happily devour an entire apple half, especially when there’s a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting on top. It’s a joy to watch them enjoy something so simple yet so satisfying.

What truly speaks to the deliciousness of this recipe is the consistent reaction from friends and neighbors. Whenever I share these air-fried apples, the first question is always, “Can I have the recipe?” I’ll never forget the high praise from a neighbor who, after taking a bite, exclaimed, “These taste like a perfect cross between a comforting apple pie and a chewy oatmeal cookie, but so much lighter!” That sentiment perfectly encapsulates what makes these baked apples so special – all the flavor, none of the fuss, and a lighter feel that leaves you perfectly satisfied without being overly full.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Air Fryer Baked Apples

If you’re still not convinced, here are even more reasons why these air fryer baked apples are destined to become a staple in your dessert repertoire:

  • Effortless Preparation in Just 15 Minutes: In today’s fast-paced world, time is precious. This recipe is a godsend, allowing you to create a gourmet-tasting dessert from scratch in less time than it takes to preheat a conventional oven. From prep to plate, you’re looking at about 20 minutes total, making it perfect for spontaneous cravings or last-minute entertaining.
  • A Healthy Dessert That Truly Satisfies: Unlike many conventional desserts laden with excessive sugar and unhealthy fats, these air fryer baked apples are a lighter, more wholesome option. Packed with fiber from the apple and oats, they provide sustained energy and curb those pesky sugar cravings without the guilt. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to enjoy a sweet treat while maintaining a balanced diet.
  • A Fun and Innovative Way to Use Your Air Fryer: If your air fryer is typically reserved for savory dishes like fries or chicken, get ready to unlock its dessert potential! This recipe showcases how versatile your appliance truly is, delivering perfectly tender apples with a crisp topping that’s hard to achieve so quickly in an oven. It’s an exciting way to explore new culinary avenues with your air fryer.
  • Made Exclusively with Pantry Staples: You won’t need to make a special trip to the grocery store for obscure ingredients. This recipe relies on common items you likely already have in your kitchen: apples, butter, cinnamon, oats, flour, and a touch of maple syrup. This accessibility makes it an ideal dessert for any time, any day.
  • Endless Customization Options: While delicious as is, these baked apples are a fantastic canvas for your creativity. Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra crunch, some dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy burst of flavor, or a drizzle of your favorite sauce. The possibilities are truly limitless, allowing you to tailor each apple to your exact preference.
  • Naturally Gluten-Free and Vegan Adaptable: With simple swaps (like certified gluten-free oats and plant-based butter), this recipe can easily accommodate various dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful treat.

New to the world of air frying? Unlock its full potential! Be sure to get your free printable Air Fryer Cooking Chart. It’s packed with essential cooking times and temperatures for all your favorite foods, plus invaluable tips and tricks to help you master your air fryer and make the most of every meal.

Cooked baked apples nestled perfectly within an air fryer basket, showcasing their golden-brown topping.

Selecting the Perfect Apples for Baking

The choice of apple is paramount to the success of your baked apples, as different varieties offer distinct flavor profiles and textures when cooked. My personal, hands-down favorite for baking, and indeed for all my apple-centric recipes – including my delectable Easy Apple Cake and comforting Apple Cinnamon Rolls – is the **Pink Lady** apple. This versatile apple strikes a harmonious balance between sweet and tart, and importantly, it holds its shape beautifully under heat, preventing a mushy outcome.

However, if Pink Lady isn’t available or you prefer other options, several other apple varieties perform exceptionally well in baking:

  • Granny Smith: Known for its vibrant tartness and firm texture, Granny Smith apples are excellent for baking. They retain their structure and provide a wonderful tangy counterpoint to the sweet oat topping. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, this is your go-to.
  • Golden Delicious: These apples are sweeter and become wonderfully tender when baked. They offer a mellow flavor that pairs well with cinnamon and oats, creating a truly comforting dessert.
  • Honeycrisp: As their name suggests, Honeycrisp apples are delightfully sweet and maintain a lovely crispness even after baking, adding an extra layer of texture to your dish. Their juice content also helps keep the apple moist.
  • Fuji: Another excellent choice, Fuji apples are firm, very sweet, and hold their shape well, making them ideal for a robust baked apple.
  • Braeburn: These offer a good balance of sweet and tart, with a firm flesh that won’t turn to mush during the air frying process.

Ultimately, the best apple is often the one you enjoy most or simply what’s on sale and looks fresh! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different varieties to discover your personal favorite, or even combine two types for a more complex flavor profile.

Simple Ingredients, Incredible Flavor

Essential ingredients for air fryer baked apples artfully arranged on a rustic wooden board.

There’s a special kind of joy that comes from whipping up a delicious dessert using ingredients you already have readily available in your pantry. This air fryer baked apples recipe perfectly embodies that feeling! It calls for basic, wholesome components that, when combined, create something truly extraordinary. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for this quick and easy recipe (you’ll find the full, precise measurements listed in the printable recipe card further down):

  • Apples: The star of the show! Choose a firm, baking-friendly variety like Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
  • Butter: A small amount of melted butter is used both to brush the apple halves, preventing them from drying out and adding richness, and as a binding agent for the delicious oat topping. For a vegan alternative, simply swap in your favorite plant-based butter or coconut oil.
  • Cinnamon: The quintessential spice for apples, cinnamon infuses the fruit with its warm, aromatic notes, enhancing the apple’s natural sweetness and giving the dessert its characteristic comforting flavor.
  • Old Fashioned / Rolled Oats: These provide the delightful chewiness and texture for our crisp topping. Rolled oats hold their shape well, giving you that satisfying crumble. Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but the texture will be softer.
  • Flour: A small amount of all-purpose or whole wheat flour helps bind the topping ingredients together, ensuring it crisps up beautifully without crumbling excessively. For a gluten-free option, almond flour or oat flour works wonderfully.
  • Maple Syrup: Our natural sweetener of choice, maple syrup adds a rich, complex sweetness that complements the apples and cinnamon perfectly. It also contributes to the topping’s crispy texture. Honey or rice malt syrup can be substituted if preferred.

This simple combination of ingredients proves that you don’t need a lengthy list or exotic components to create a truly memorable and delightful dessert. Gather your essentials, and let’s get baking!

Easy Steps to Perfect Air Fryer Baked Apples

Preparing these air fryer baked apples is a breeze, making them ideal for cooks of all skill levels. Follow these simple steps for a warm, spiced dessert that’s ready in minutes:

  1. Prepare the Apples: Start by washing your apples thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut each apple in half through the stem. Next, using either a spoon or a small melon baller, gently scoop out the core, stem, and any seeds from each apple half. You want to create a small well in the center to hold the delicious topping.
  2. Apple halves, cored and generously covered with cinnamon on a wooden board, ready for the next step.
  3. Season the Apples: Take a small amount of melted butter (about a teaspoon for two apples) and brush it lightly over the cut sides of the apple halves. This not only adds richness but also helps to prevent the apples from drying out during cooking. Immediately after, sprinkle about half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon evenly over the buttered surfaces. This ensures every bite is infused with warm, inviting spice.
  4. Create the Oat Topping: In a small mixing bowl, combine all the topping ingredients: the old-fashioned/rolled oats, the remaining melted butter, maple syrup, flour, and the rest of the cinnamon. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined and crumbly.
  5. Apple halves generously topped with a mixture of oats and spices, nestled in an air fryer basket, ready to cook.
  6. Fill and Air Fry: Spoon the oat topping mixture evenly into the cored centers of each apple half. Don’t be shy; press it down gently to ensure it adheres well. Carefully transfer the filled apple halves into your air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded for even cooking.
  7. Perfectly cooked baked apples with golden-brown, crispy oat topping, still warm in the air fryer basket.
  8. Cook to Perfection: Set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and cook for 15 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and variety of your apples and the specific model of your air fryer. The apples should be beautifully softened, and the topping golden and crisp. If they need a little more time, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes and check for tenderness.
  9. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, carefully remove the air fryer baked apples from the basket. Serve them warm, on their own, or with your favorite toppings. A scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce are all fantastic additions. These are best enjoyed fresh, while the apple is tender and the topping is delightfully crunchy!

No Air Fryer? How to Make Baked Apples in a Conventional Oven

Don’t have an air fryer, or simply prefer using your traditional oven? You can still enjoy these delightful baked apples with equally delicious results. The process is just as straightforward, though it will take a little longer. Here’s how to adapt the recipe for your oven:

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). While the oven heats, prepare your apples as described in steps 1 and 2 above: halve and core them, then brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon.
  2. Prepare the Topping: Mix the oat topping ingredients together in a small bowl, exactly as you would for the air fryer version.
  3. Assemble in a Baking Dish: Spoon the oat topping evenly into the cored centers of each apple half. Carefully arrange the filled apple halves in a small baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are not touching too closely to allow for even baking.
  4. Bake Until Tender: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. The baking time will depend on the size and variety of your apples. You’re looking for apples that are soft and tender when pierced with a fork, and a topping that is golden brown and wonderfully crisp.
  5. Prevent Over-Browning: If you notice the topping beginning to brown too quickly before the apples are fully tender, simply cover the baking dish loosely with a piece of aluminum foil. This will protect the topping while allowing the apples to continue cooking through.
  6. Serve Warm: Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven and serve warm with your chosen accompaniments. The oven method yields a beautifully comforting baked apple, rich in flavor and aroma, ready to be enjoyed!

Troubleshooting Tips from Experience

Having made these air fryer baked apples countless times – often as a go-to healthy dessert without unnecessary added sugar – I’ve encountered a few common hiccups along the way. Learning from these experiences has allowed me to perfect the recipe, ensuring consistently delicious results. Here are my top troubleshooting tips to help your baked apples turn out perfectly every time:

  • Is the Topping Falling Off? This is a common issue, especially if the topping is too loose. After spooning the oat mixture onto the apple halves, use the back of a spoon to gently press it down. This helps the topping adhere to the apple’s surface and ensures it crisps up evenly without migrating during cooking.
  • Are Your Apples Too Dry? Some air fryers can be quite efficient at circulating hot air, which can sometimes lead to drier apples. To combat this, add a splash – about 1 to 2 tablespoons – of water to the bottom of your air fryer basket before cooking. This creates a small amount of steam, keeping the apples moist and tender from the inside out.
  • Are the Apples Turning Too Mushy? If your baked apples are consistently turning out too soft or mushy, you might be using an apple variety that breaks down quickly when heated, such as Red Delicious. For a firmer bite and better structural integrity, opt for varieties like Pink Lady or Granny Smith, which are known to hold their shape better during baking.
  • Still Firm After 15 Minutes? Air fryer models can vary in power and efficiency. If your apples are still a bit too firm for your liking after the initial 15 minutes, don’t hesitate to cook them for an additional 2–3 minutes. Check for tenderness again with a fork. You might need to adjust the timing slightly for your specific appliance or apple size.
  • Does the Topping Look Dry Before Baking? Don’t worry if the oat topping appears a bit dry or crumbly before you put the apples in the air fryer. As the butter and maple syrup melt and warm up during the cooking process, they will bind the ingredients together, creating that perfectly golden and crisp texture. Trust the process and let it bake before making any adjustments.
  • Topping Browning Too Quickly? If your air fryer is particularly powerful and the topping starts to get too dark before the apple is tender, you can loosely cover the top of the apples with a small piece of aluminum foil for the last few minutes of cooking.

These small tweaks and observations can make a significant difference in the final outcome. Once you get a feel for your air fryer and the preferred tenderness of your apples, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and hard to mess up. Enjoy the process of creating these perfect autumn treats!

Optimal Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Hacks

Through careful experimentation (and a few unfortunate soggy reheats), I’ve discovered the best practices for storing, freezing, and reheating these delightful air fryer baked apples. The goal is always to maintain that coveted crisp topping and soft, tender apple center, ensuring your leftovers are just as enjoyable as when they were freshly made. Here are my tried-and-tested hacks:

  • Storing Leftovers:
    • Cool Completely: The most crucial step! Always allow the baked apples to cool down completely to room temperature before storing them. Placing warm apples directly into a container will create condensation, leading to a soggy topping and mushy texture.
    • Airtight Container: Once cooled, transfer the apples to an airtight container. This prevents air exposure, which can dry out the apples or make the topping stale.
    • Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator. The apples will keep well for up to 2 days. While they are still delicious the next day, they are undoubtedly best enjoyed on the day you make them when the topping is at its crispiest.
  • Freezing for Later:
    • Texture Change: Be aware that freezing can slightly alter the texture of the apples, making them a little softer upon reheating. However, the flavor remains fantastic.
    • Single Layer Freeze: For best results, place the cooled baked apples in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking tray. Freeze them until they are solid (this prevents them from sticking together).
    • Transfer to Bag/Container: Once frozen solid, transfer the individual apple halves to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
    • Storage Duration: They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
    • Toppings: If you plan to freeze, skip adding ice cream or cream until serving time, as these do not freeze and reheat well with the apples.
  • Reheating to Perfection:
    • From Refrigerator: For refrigerated apples, reheat them in your air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for 5–7 minutes. This lower temperature and shorter time will warm them through gently and help bring back some of that delightful crispness to the topping.
    • From Frozen: If reheating from frozen, you can place them directly into the air fryer. Cook at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes, checking periodically, until they are heated through and the topping is crisp again. Alternatively, you can bake them in a conventional oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes. Cover loosely with foil if the topping starts to brown too much.

By following these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy the comforting taste of air fryer baked apples long after they’ve been prepared, ensuring no delicious bite goes to waste!

More Essential Tips for This Easy Recipe

To ensure your air fryer baked apples are nothing short of spectacular every single time, here are a few more invaluable tips gathered from years of making this beloved recipe:

  • Efficient Butter Management: This recipe calls for melted butter in two places: a small amount for brushing the apples and the rest for the topping mixture. To save time and minimize dishes, melt the total amount of butter required (1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon) all at once. Then, use a small pastry brush or a clean finger to quickly brush a bit over the cut sides of your apple halves. Once that’s done, simply mix what’s left of the melted butter with the rest of your topping ingredients. It’s a small trick that makes a big difference in workflow.
  • Adjusting Cook Time for Apple Firmness: While 15 minutes at 180°C/350°F is typically the sweet spot for perfectly tender baked apples, remember that appliance models vary, as do apple sizes and varieties. If, after the recommended cooking time, your apples still feel a bit too firm for your liking when tested with a fork, don’t hesitate to extend the cooking time by another 2 to 3 minutes. Check for tenderness, and repeat if necessary, until they reach your desired level of softness. It’s better to cook a little longer than to overcook and end up with mushy apples.
  • Versatile Oven Baking Option: As mentioned, if an air fryer isn’t part of your kitchen arsenal, or if you’re cooking a larger batch, you can absolutely make these in a conventional oven. Simply preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the prepared apples for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and if the topping starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent them with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the apples continue to soften.
  • Experiment Beyond Apples: The air fryer isn’t just for apples! This same method can be adapted for other fruits, offering a quick and healthy dessert option. Consider trying pear halves, stone fruits like peaches or nectarines (when in season), or even firm plums. Adjust cooking times as needed, and enjoy the delightful variations this simple technique can inspire.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the best results, avoid stacking or overcrowding the apple halves in your air fryer basket. Air circulation is key to achieving that perfectly crisp topping and even cooking. If you’re making a larger batch, work in two separate rounds.
  • Serving Temperature is Key: While delicious at room temperature, these baked apples truly sing when served warm. The warmth enhances the spices and softens the apple to a melt-in-your-mouth consistency, making for a truly comforting experience.
Delightful baked apple, crowned with a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream, presented on a pristine white plate.

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Nutrition Information (Per Apple Half)

As someone deeply committed to providing wholesome and nutritious meals for my family, I always pay close attention to the nutritional value of our everyday treats. These air fryer baked apples perfectly exemplify how a dessert can feel wonderfully indulgent while remaining light, satisfying, and crafted from whole, natural ingredients. They offer a delightful way to enjoy something sweet without compromising on health goals.

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per apple half, calculated without any additional toppings like ice cream or whipped cream. Please note that these values can vary based on apple size, exact ingredient measurements, and specific brands used:

  • Calories: Approximately 150 kcal
  • Total Fat: Approximately 6g
  • Saturated Fat: Approximately 3.5g
  • Carbohydrates: Approximately 22g
  • Sugars: Approximately 14g (primarily natural sugars from the apple and maple syrup)
  • Fibre: Approximately 3g
  • Protein: Approximately 2g
  • Sodium: Approximately 30mg

These figures highlight that air fryer baked apples offer a good source of dietary fiber and are relatively low in sodium, making them a healthier alternative to many processed desserts. For the most precise and personalized nutritional information, especially if you have specific dietary requirements, I highly recommend using a trusted nutrition calculator like Cronometer or checking the labels of your specific ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Baked Apples

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats for the topping?

While you can certainly use quick oats in a pinch, be aware that the texture of your topping will be softer and less crisp. Quick oats are pre-cooked and finely cut, which means they absorb liquid faster and don’t maintain their structure as well as rolled oats during air frying. If you’re aiming for that satisfying, chewy, and distinctly crunchy crumble-like topping that characterizes this recipe, I highly recommend sticking with old-fashioned or rolled oats. However, if a smoother, more uniform texture is what you’re after, or if quick oats are all you have, they will still yield a delicious result.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Transforming this recipe into a delicious vegan treat is incredibly simple. The only non-vegan ingredient is butter. To make it entirely plant-based, just swap out the traditional butter for an equal amount of your favorite plant-based butter alternative or coconut oil. Maple syrup is naturally vegan, and all the other core ingredients – apples, oats, flour, and cinnamon – are plant-based by default. I’ve prepared this vegan version for friends with dietary preferences, and it turned out just as flavorful and satisfying; in fact, they even asked for the recipe!

How do I make this cozy fall dessert gluten-free?

Making this baked apple recipe gluten-free is quite easy with a couple of straightforward substitutions. First, ensure you are using certified gluten-free oats. Many oat brands are naturally gluten-free but can be cross-contaminated during processing, so look for a specific “gluten-free” certification on the package. Second, replace the all-purpose or whole wheat flour in the topping with a suitable gluten-free alternative like almond flour or oat flour. I’ve personally tested this recipe using almond flour, and it works exceptionally well; the topping binds together perfectly and imparts a lovely, subtle nutty flavor that complements the apples beautifully.

What other spices can I use besides cinnamon?

While cinnamon is undeniably the classic and most beloved spice pairing for apples, don’t hesitate to unleash your culinary creativity and experiment with other warm, aromatic spices to switch things up! A pinch of nutmeg can add a rich, deep note, while cardamom offers a unique, slightly floral and citrusy warmth. For a true taste of autumn, try a blend of pumpkin pie spice, which typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. These warm spices complement apples beautifully, allowing you to give your easy, low-calorie dessert a subtly different and exciting twist with each preparation. Feel free to mix and match to find your perfect spice blend.

Explore More Air Fryer Delights

If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and efficiency of air frying, there’s a whole world of culinary possibilities waiting for you beyond these delicious baked apples. The air fryer is a versatile appliance capable of creating a wide array of sweet and savory dishes, often with less oil and in less time. Expand your air fryer repertoire with these fantastic recipes:

  • Air Fryer Banana Bread
  • Air Fryer Apple Crisps
  • Air Fryer Apple Pies
  • Air Fryer Banana Muffins
  • Air Fryer Brownies
  • Air Fryer Roasted Almonds
  • Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
  • OR see all Air Fryer Recipes for even more inspiration!

Whether you’re looking for quick breakfasts, satisfying snacks, or decadent desserts, your air fryer is a powerful tool to help you achieve delicious results with minimal fuss. Dive in and discover your next favorite air fryer creation!

If you’ve had the pleasure of trying this incredibly easy and delicious air fryer baked apple recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Please take a moment to pop a comment below and share your thoughts, and don’t forget to leave a star rating – your feedback helps other home cooks discover and enjoy this wonderful dessert!

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📋 RECIPE

baked apple topped with ice cream on a white plate.

Air Fryer Baked Apples

Yield:
2
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
20 minutes

Air Fryer Baked Apples are the perfect quick dessert when you’re craving something sweet. These cinnamon baked apples are filled with a delicious oat crisp and can be enjoyed on their own or topped with ice cream or cream. Made with everyday ingredients and ready in just 15 minutes. They can also be made in the oven if you don’t have an air fryer.

Ingredients

  • 2 Apples (I use Pink Lady)
  • 1 teaspoon Butter, melted
  • ½ teaspoon Cinnamon

Topping Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup Old Fashioned / Rolled Oats
  • 1 tablespoon Butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup (or honey or rice malt syrup)
  • 1 teaspoon Wholemeal / Whole Wheat Flour, (can sub for almond meal or all purpose flour / plain flour)
  • ½ teaspoon Cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Cut apples in half through the stem and use a knife or a spoon to remove the core, stem and seeds. Brush a teaspoon of butter evenly over the cut sides of the apples, then sprinkle over ½ teaspoon of cinnamon.
  2. Mix topping ingredients together in a small bowl, then spoon on top of the apple halves evenly.
  3. Place the apple halves carefully into the air fryer basket, then cook on 180C / 350F for 15 minutes or until softened.
  4. Serve warm with ice cream or cream if desired.

Notes

TIPS FOR MAKING AIR FRYER BAKED APPLES

  • I love using Pink Lady apples when baking, but Granny Smith, Golden Delicious or Honeycrisp would all work well.
  • This recipe uses melted butter for brushing over the apples and in the topping. Melt your butter all at once (1 tablespoon + 1 tsp) and use a bit to brush over the apple halves, then mix what’s left with the rest of the topping ingredients.
  • I find 15 minutes is perfect for these baked apples but if you find the apples are still a bit firm cook for a few minutes longer.
  • You can cook these in the oven if you don’t have an air fryer – 180C/ 350F for 20 minutes or until the apples are soft & the topping is browned.
  • If you have any baked apples leftover store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Information:

Yield: 2
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 247Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 65mgCarbohydrates: 43gFiber: 7gSugar: 25gProtein: 3g

© Cassie Heilbron


Cuisine:

Western

/
Category: Dessert

Originally published November 26, 2019. Updated July 02, 2025 with enhanced information and tips; no changes to the core cooking instructions.