Air-Fryer Apples

These cozy air-fryer apples are like a warm hug in a bowl! Anyone who loves simple, sweet treats will fall head over heels for these tender apple slices. The best part? They’re ready in just 20 minutes and taste like autumn in every bite.

Recipe Details

Timing & Servings: Active Time: 5 minutes, Total Time: 20 minutes, Serves: 2 people.

Nutrition Profile: Nut-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 181 Calories, 3g Fat, 39g Carbs, 1g Protein.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Small apples: You’ll need 3 small apples, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices. I love using Honeycrisp or Gala apples for their sweet flavor and perfect texture!

Pure maple syrup: Just 1 tablespoon gives these apples the perfect amount of sweetness. The real stuff works so much better than the fake syrup.

Orange zest: One teaspoon of grated orange zest adds this amazing bright flavor that makes everything pop. Don’t skip this – it’s the secret ingredient!

Neutral oil: You’ll need 1 teaspoon of canola or avocado oil. This helps everything get beautifully golden and prevents sticking.

Vanilla extract: One teaspoon of vanilla makes these apples smell absolutely incredible while they cook.

Ground cinnamon: Half a teaspoon gives you that classic apple-cinnamon combo we all love. It’s like fall in a jar!

Salt: Just 1/8 teaspoon enhances all the other flavors. Trust me on this tiny addition!

How to Make Air-Fryer Apples

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes. Lightly coat the fryer basket with cooking spray so nothing sticks.

Easy and Quick Air-Fryer Apples Version

Want to make this even simpler? You can skip peeling the apples if you don’t mind the skin! Just wash them really well and slice them up. You can also use 1 tablespoon of apple pie spice instead of the cinnamon and orange zest. It’s still absolutely delicious and saves you a few minutes!

Serving Ideas

These warm apples are perfect on their own as a cozy dessert. They’re also amazing over vanilla yogurt for breakfast or spooned over oatmeal. Try them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!

Storage

Store leftover apples in the fridge for up to 3 days in a covered container. To reheat, just pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F. You can also warm them in the microwave for 30 seconds.

Substitutions

No maple syrup? Honey works great too, just use the same amount. If you don’t have orange zest, try lemon zest or just skip it. You can swap the cinnamon for apple pie spice or add a pinch of nutmeg. No worries if you need to make changes – these apples are super forgiving!

Pro Tips

Apple choice matters: Firmer apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith hold their shape best in the air fryer.
Even slicing: Try to cut your apple slices the same thickness so they cook evenly.
Don’t overcrowd: Give those apple slices some space in the basket for the best browning.
Check halfway: Give the basket a gentle shake at the 6-minute mark for even cooking.

FAQs

Can I make these without oil?

You bet! You can skip the oil if you want. Just spray your air fryer basket really well with cooking spray. The apples might not get quite as golden, but they’ll still taste amazing.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

Sure! You can make these in your regular oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes. Just spread the apples on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just cook the apples in batches so they’re not crowded in the basket. Each batch will take the same amount of time.

Are these apples sweet enough for dessert?

They’re perfectly sweet with just the maple syrup! But if you have a serious sweet tooth, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or serve them with a drizzle of caramel sauce.

I hope you love these simple air-fryer apples as much as I do! They’re such a cozy treat that makes the whole house smell incredible. Let me know how yours turn out – I’d love to hear about any fun variations you try!