Air-Fried Apples: A Quick, Healthy Treat

Air fryer baked apples are a quick, easy, and healthy dessert option. They are simple to prepare and can be made in about 15 minutes. The apples are filled with a delicious, soft, and lightly chewy mixture of cinnamon, oats, and maple syrup. The air fryer also makes cleanup a breeze. You can use a variety of apples, such as Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, or Gala, and add your own twist with spices and toppings like ice cream or whipped cream.

What apples are best for baking?

When it comes to baking apples, it's important to choose a variety that will hold its shape, retain some texture, and deliver a balance of sweet and tart flavours.

Some apples, like the Gala, can become quite mushy when baked and lose their distinct apple taste. Similarly, Red Delicious apples tend to lose their shape and become watery.

So, which apples are best for baking? Here are some top varieties to consider:

• Honeycrisp: This variety is known for its crisp texture and slightly sweet flavour. When baked, Honeycrisp apples hold their shape but melt in your mouth, making them a popular choice for baked treats.
• Russet Apples: While not a single variety, russetting can occur in some apple types, resulting in a tougher skin and a more gently yielding texture when baked. Russet apples offer a complex, balanced flavour that is slightly sweet with a hint of tartness.
• Granny Smith: These apples are crunchy and quite tart when eaten raw. During baking, they tend to soften but retain their shape. Granny Smiths are a good option if you prefer a tarter flavour in your baked goods.
• Pink Lady: Pink Lady apples have a lovely pink blush, a crunchy texture, and a flavour that starts slightly tart and ends with a sweet finish. However, when baked, they may become firmer and drier than other varieties.
• Braeburn: Braeburns are crisp, firm, and have a strong apple flavour. They pair well with warm spices like cinnamon and can add a juicy texture to your baked goods without becoming mushy.
• Cortland: Cortland apples are known for their ability to hold their shape during baking while also contributing a good balance of sweet and tart flavours.
• Crispin: Also known as Mutsu, Crispin apples are crunchy, sweet, and juicy. They are versatile and can be used in pies, salads, or as a snack.
• Golden Delicious: With a mild, sweet flavour and the ability to maintain their shape well, Golden Delicious apples are a good choice for baking. However, they may benefit from being paired with an apple that has a stronger flavour.
• Jonagold: Jonagold apples offer a honey-flavoured sweetness and are known for retaining their shape during baking. Combining them with Granny Smith apples can create a delicious balance of sweet and tart flavours.
• Northern Spy: This variety is known for its crispness and dense texture, making it an excellent choice for baking. Northern Spy apples are produced in smaller quantities, so be sure to grab them when you see them!

When baking with apples, it's always a good idea to choose a few different varieties to create a balance of flavours and textures in your final dish. Additionally, prepping your apples properly by peeling, coring, and slicing them uniformly can help ensure even cooking.

How to prepare apples for baking in an air fryer?

Preparing apples for baking in an air fryer is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, select your apples. Crisp and firm varieties such as Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Winesap, or Granny Smith work well. You can use a single type of apple or a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavour.

Next, you need to core and slice the apples. You can use an apple corer to core them, or simply slice them in half through the core and stem, then use a spoon or paring knife to scoop out the core and seeds. You can also peel the apples at this stage if you prefer, especially if you are using a tougher-skinned variety.

Once your apples are prepared, you can add your chosen flavourings. This could be as simple as a sprinkling of cinnamon and a low-calorie sweetener, or you could make a more complex filling. One option is to combine maple syrup, melted butter, cinnamon, and tapioca starch or corn starch. Mix the apples with the chosen flavourings until they are evenly coated.

Now your apples are ready to go into the air fryer. Place them in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space around each one. You can add a little water to the bottom of the air fryer to prevent any filling from burning.

Set your air fryer to between 260 and 380 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the apples for around 12 to 20 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the texture you prefer. You may need to shake the basket or turn the apples partway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Once they are soft and tender, your apples are ready to serve. You can enjoy them as they are, or top them with ice cream, cream, or yoghurt for a delicious dessert.

What temperature and how long to bake apples in an air fryer?

Baked apples are a delicious, easy dessert that can be made in an air fryer. The temperature and cooking time will depend on the type of apple used and the desired texture.

For a softer, more caramelised apple, cook at 350°F for 12-15 minutes. This temperature and cooking time combination works well for apple varieties such as Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Gala, Golden Delicious, and Granny Smith. If a crispier texture is desired, increase the temperature to 375°F and cook for a similar duration.

It is important to note that air fryers can vary in size and temperature, so cooking times may need slight adjustments. Checking the apples periodically during the cooking process is recommended to ensure they do not overcook or burn.

Additionally, the type of apple used can also affect cooking time. Firmer apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith may require a slightly longer cooking time, while softer varieties like Golden Delicious may cook faster.

For a simple preparation, brush the apples with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon before placing them in the air fryer. This method is ideal for those who prefer a more natural sweetness and want to highlight the apple's flavour.

For a more indulgent dessert, a sweet glaze or filling can be added. A mixture of maple syrup, butter, cinnamon, and starch can be used to fill the apples before cooking, resulting in a soft, lightly crisp exterior.

Overall, baking apples in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a healthy dessert. With a preparation time of just a few minutes and a cooking time of around 12-15 minutes, this treat can be enjoyed anytime without much fuss.

What to serve with air fryer baked apples?

Baked apples are a versatile dish that can be served as a dessert or a snack. They can be paired with a variety of sweet and savoury dishes to enhance their flavour and create a well-rounded meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air fryer baked apples:

Sweet Treats

• Ice cream – A scoop of vanilla, nice cream, or low-point ice cream can complement the warm, spiced apples.
• Cream – Whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yoghurt can add a creamy texture and a tangy flavour to the baked apples.
• Maple syrup – For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle some maple syrup over the baked apples.
• Chocolate – For a decadent treat, pair the baked apples with chocolate ice cream sandwiches or Parisian crepes.
• Fruit – Create a fruit salad or serve with white chocolate-covered strawberries for a refreshing and fruity dessert.

Savoury Dishes

• Breakfast options – Baked apples can be served with oatmeal, yoghurt, pancakes, or chia pudding for a nutritious and flavourful breakfast.
• Spices – A cup of chai tea can enhance the warmth of the spices in the baked apples for a cosy evening treat.
• Baked goods – Air fryer cinnamon rolls or apple muffins can be served alongside the baked apples for a more substantial dessert.

Can you bake apples in an air fryer with other ingredients?

Yes, you can bake apples in an air fryer with other ingredients. In fact, there are a multitude of ingredients that can be added to baked apples in an air fryer.

One option is to fill the apples with a mixture of oats, cinnamon, and butter or margarine. This can be made even more indulgent by adding brown sugar or maple syrup to the mixture. This filling gives the apples a soft, lightly chewy, and sweet texture.

Another option is to coat the apples in a marinade made from maple syrup, vegan butter or margarine, cinnamon, and tapioca starch or corn starch. This gives the apples a caramel-like texture and taste.

Additionally, you can add ingredients like chopped nuts, oats, granola, lemon juice, or raisins to the filling for extra texture and flavor.

When preparing the apples, it is recommended to use a firm variety such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Gala, or Pink Lady apples. These apples hold their shape well during cooking and provide a good balance of tartness and sweetness.

The cooking time may vary depending on the size and type of apples and the filling used, but generally, it takes about 15-20 minutes in an air fryer set at 350°F (180°C).

Baked apples in an air fryer are a delicious, healthy, and easy dessert or snack that can be enjoyed anytime and can be made even more special by serving them with a scoop of ice cream or nice cream.

Frequently asked questions