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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!

Baked apples tossed in cinnamon and maple syrup in a serving dish.

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!

Reasons you’ll love this recipe

  • Simple ingredients. Just three (or four) ingredients are needed for this delicious recipe…and I bet you already have them on hand! 
  • Quick to make. Five minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cook time. It doesn’t get better than that!
  • Super versatile. Serve these as a side dish with a savory meal, as an oatmeal topper, or even as a dessert. The possibilities are endless!
  • Perfect for baby-led weaning. Softening the apples in the air fryer makes them safe for babies to eat.

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.

Ingredients for making apples in the Air Fryer.
  • 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.

Steps for making apples in the Air Fryer.

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 sure helps that they taste delicious!

Recipe FAQs

Can you air fryer fruits and vegetables?

Heck yes, you can! While cooking veggies in the air fryer is definitely more common, there are fruits (like apples) that you can cook in the air fryer too. And they’re so good! 

Looking for air fryer veggie recipes? Check out my Air Fryer Asparagus, Air Fryer Carrots, Air Fryer Broccoli, Air Fryer Zucchini, Air Fryer Cauliflower, or Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts.

What apples are best for baking?

My favorite apples to use are Granny Smith. Their firm texture holds up nicely in the air fryer and their sweet-tart flavor is perfect for baking.

If you can’t find Granny Smith apples, then use another firm, sweet-tart apple like Jonagold, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious. 

If you can’t find any of those, don’t get too hung up on the kind of apple. Really any kind will work: Gala, Pink Lady, Fuji, Honey Crisp, etc., and your fried apples will still be delicious! 

Are air-fried apples safe for babies?

Yes, they are if your baby is ready to start solids. Raw apples and dried apples are a major choking hazard for babies so serving soft, baked apples from the Air Fryer is a perfect way to introduce them to your little one. Just skip the maple syrup! Air Fryer apples were one of my son’s favorite foods when we started solids.

Sliced apples in a white bowl next to a small bowl of maple syrup.

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! 

Oatmeal with apples and pecans.

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5 from 1 vote

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!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 4 apples, peeled and sliced
  • 1 Tbsp butter melted
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 Tbsp maple syrup, optional

Instructions 

  • Combine apples, melted butter, and cinnamon in a bowl.
  • Transfer to air fryer basket.
  • Air fry at 380 degrees F for 8-10 minutes or until the apples are tender.
  • Toss with maple syrup if desired.

Notes

  • Apple picking: I recommend crisp, firm, and slightly tart apples that will hold their shape well. My favorites are Granny Smith but see post above 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 sure helps that they taste delicious!

Nutrition

Calories: 147kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 25mg | Potassium: 219mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 186IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 0.2mg
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About Julia Foerster

Hi, I'm Julia! Born in Germany, I call Canada now my home and love to share my favorite dishes with you! Here you'll find hundreds of recipes, all made from scratch, with lots of tips and detailed step-by-step instructions.

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