Air Fryer Apples

These Air Fryer Apples are healthy, delicious, and a great snack for any day. They’re perfectly soft and sweet, made with just 4 ingredients, and so versatile!

Looking for ways to use up apples you have on hand? Or just craving the sweet, tart, juiciness of everyone’s favorite fruit? These air fried apples will have you eating a serving of fruit (and more) every day. 

This recipe is so quick to make and the apples are so perfectly buttery, sweet, and cinnamon-y. So easy, so versatile, and so delicious!

Ingredient notes

Here is an overview of the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom for quantities.

• Apples – I like to use Granny Smith for this recipe. They hold their shape the best and the tart flavor is so good with the sweet maple butter.
• Butter – Use unsalted butter.
• Cinnamon – Add as much or as little as you like. 
• Maple Syrup – This is optional, but adds a delicious warm sweetness to the apples. It’s totally not necessary, especially if you’re giving these to your kiddo for baby-led weaning.

How to make this recipe 

Detailed measurements and instructions can be found at the bottom of the page on the printable recipe card.

These air fryer baked apples are such an easy way to make your fruit taste like dessert! First, combine apples, melted butter, and cinnamon in a bowl. 

Transfer the mix to the air fryer, then cook at 380ºF until tender. Toss with maple syrup if desired, then serve. Check out my favorite ways to serve them below!

Expert tips for success

• Apple picking: I recommend crisp, firm, and slightly tart apples that will hold their shape well. My favorites are Granny Smith but see below for other great options.
• Use freshly sliced apples. While you can slice them a little bit in advance, the fresher, the better. If you prep them too early, they’ll go brown.
• To peel or not to peel. It can go either way. I prefer to remove the peel before slicing and air-frying the apples, but if you want to leave it on, that’s fine too. 
• Slice the apples evenly. We want all the slices roughly the same size so they cook at the same rate. 
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Air fry the apples in as much of a single layer as possible so they cook evenly. 
• Keep in mind that all air fryers and apples are different. Check back early to make sure you don’t overcook the apples, then add time as needed. 
• Serve for baby-led weaning. Since they’re soft, they’re a safe way to serve apples. And it certainly helps that they taste delicious!

Recipe FAQs

How to serve air-fried apples

There are so many delicious ways you can serve up these air-fried apples (if you don’t eat them with a fork straight out of the air fryer, that is.) Here are just a few ideas:

• Side dish. They make a delicious, sweet side dish next to something more savory such as Air Fryer Pork Chops, roasted chicken, Stuffed Turkey Breast, you name it.
• Breakfast. Use them as a topper for oatmeal, waffles, pancakes, or French Toast, or mix them into a bowl of yogurt. 
• Dessert. Layer them over a scoop of vanilla ice cream, on a slice of cake, or serve them warm and topped with whipped cream.

Make-ahead, storage, and freezing

Air-fried apples are best right away, but any leftovers will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. 

To reheat, warm in the microwave or back in the air fryer until heated through. They also taste great cold! 

More Apple Recipes to Try

Cakes

German Apple Cake

Pies, Crisps, & Tarts

Apple Crumble Pie Recipe

Cakes

Apple Strudel Recipe

Bread & Muffins

Apple Cinnamon Bread