Air Fryer Apples: Can You Do It?

can i put apples in the air fryer

Air fryer apples are a delicious, healthy snack that can be made in under 20 minutes. They are a great alternative to traditional fried apples as they require a lot less butter, and can be made with just a few simple ingredients. The air fryer makes the apple slices tender, and they can be served with a simple sauce, ice cream, or on their own.

Characteristics Values
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10-15 minutes
Total Time 15-20 minutes
Apples Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Gala, Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Cosmic Crisp, Fujis, Red Apples
Oil Canola Oil, Vegetable Oil, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil
Syrup Maple Syrup, Honey, Brown Sugar
Spices Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Pumpkin Spice, Apple Pie Spice
Other Ingredients Butter, Sugar, Vanilla Extract, Salted Butter, Light Brown Sugar, Salt

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Air fryer apple preparation

Ingredients

  • Apples (any variety of sweet or tart apples will work, but crisp apples such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji are recommended)
  • Oil (a mild-flavoured oil such as canola, vegetable, or coconut oil is best)
  • Butter (salted or unsalted)
  • Cinnamon
  • Sugar or maple syrup (optional)
  • Other spices such as nutmeg, ginger, or apple pie spice (optional)

Method

First, peel and core the apples, then cut them into slices or cubes. Toss the apples with oil, cinnamon, and vanilla (if using). You can also add a small amount of melted butter or maple syrup to the mixture if desired.

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil, if desired. Place the apples in the basket in a single layer, trying not to overlap them too much.

Air fry the apples for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The apples are done when they are soft and tender, and starting to brown.

Once the apples are cooked, you can toss them with melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar or maple syrup, if desired. Serve the apples immediately, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tips

  • It is best to cut the apples as close to the cooking time as possible, as they can brown quickly.
  • For a saucier dish, add more melted butter or maple syrup to the apples after cooking.
  • Keep an eye on the apples while they are cooking, as air fryers can vary in temperature and cooking time.
  • Line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil or a liner to make cleaning easier and to capture any juices from the apples.

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Air fryer apple serving suggestions

Air fryer apples are a versatile treat that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

As a Side Dish

Air-fried apples make a great side dish for breakfast or brunch. Try serving them with French toast, pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal. They also pair well with pork or chicken dishes for a savoury option.

As a Dessert

For a sweet treat, serve your air fryer apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, frozen yoghurt, or whipped cream. You could also drizzle them with caramel sauce or honey for an extra indulgent dessert.

As a Snack

These apples are delicious and healthy enough to enjoy as a snack on their own. But if you want to get creative, try spreading some cream cheese or ricotta on a slice of toasted crusty bread and topping it with the air-fried apples and a drizzle of honey.

As Part of a Cheese Board

Add some sliced air fryer apples to your next cheese board. They would pair well with cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, or sharp Cheddar.

As a Sandwich Filling

Create a sweet and savoury sandwich by filling two slices of rustic bread with air fryer apples, ham or turkey, and Brie cheese.

With Other Fruits

Air fryer apples can also be combined with other fruits to create delicious desserts or snacks. Try adding them to a bowl of oatmeal or yogurt with fresh or dried berries, or even a squeeze of honey.

Baked Goods

Air fryer apples can be used as a topping for baked goods such as cakes, muffins, or cookies. They can also be mixed into batters for extra flavour and texture.

Drinks

With so many options, the possibilities for enjoying air fryer apples are endless!

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Air fryer apple health benefits

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep-fat frying, and this extends to apples too. Air-fried apples can be a healthy snack or dessert, and they are simple to make.

Apples are a good source of fibre, especially if you keep the skin on. This soluble fibre helps to feed gut bacteria and stabilise energy levels. Air-fried apples can be a tasty way to get your fibre fix, and they go well with oatmeal, yoghurt, pancakes, or chia pudding.

Air-fried apples can also be a lower-sugar option for a sweet treat. The natural sweetness of the apples is enhanced by spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, meaning you need to add only a small amount of sugar or sweetener.

Air-fried apples can be a good way to manage your weight. Deep-fried foods are high in fat and calories, so swapping these for foods cooked in an air fryer may help lower your calorie intake. Air-fried apples can be a healthier way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Air-fried apples are also a safer way to cook. Deep-fat frying involves heating large amounts of oil, which can spill, splash, or catch fire. Air fryers do not pose the same hazards and are safer to use, provided you follow the instructions.

Finally, air-fried apples may help preserve nutrients. Convection heat, such as that used in an air fryer, may preserve certain nutrients during the cooking process, including vitamin C and protective plant compounds called polyphenols.

So, air-fried apples can be a tasty, healthy treat, but remember to enjoy them as part of a balanced diet.

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Air fryer apple cooking times

Air fryer apples are a great, healthy snack or dessert and can be served with ice cream, cream, or on their own.

Air Fryer Baked Apples

Air fryer baked apples are a quick and easy dessert, taking only 15 minutes to cook. To make them, cut two apples in half, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon. Then, mix together a topping of oats, butter, maple syrup, flour, and cinnamon, and spoon this mixture over the apples. Place the apples in the air fryer basket and cook at 180C/350F for 15 minutes, or until softened.

Air Fryer Apple Chips

To make apple chips in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 375F. Cut apples into 1-inch cubes and toss with melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and spices. Place the apples in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Air Fryer Apple Slices

For apple slices, peel and chop the apples, then toss them with vegetable oil. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 400F for about 14 minutes, or until tender and starting to brown.

Tips

Remember that cooking times may vary depending on the type of air fryer you have. It's a good idea to keep an eye on your apples while they're cooking to make sure they don't burn. You can also adjust the cooking time depending on how soft you like your apples.

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Air fryer apple recipe variations

Air fryer apples are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, dessert, or even a side. Here are some ways you can vary the basic recipe to create different flavours and textures:

Apple Chips

For a crispy, crunchy texture, try making apple chips in your air fryer. Simply slice your apples thinly and evenly, and air fry until they are golden and crispy. This variation is perfect for a healthy snack on the go.

Baked Apples

For a warm and comforting dessert, try making baked apples in your air fryer. Halve or quarter your apples, fill them with a mixture of butter, cinnamon, and a sweetener of your choice (such as honey or maple syrup), and air fry until the apples are soft and tender.

Apple Crisps

For a fun twist on the traditional apple crisp dessert, try making individual apple crisps in your air fryer. Peel and chop your apples, and place them in the air fryer basket. Sprinkle with a mixture of oats, cinnamon, and sweetener, and air fry until the apples are soft and the topping is crispy.

Savoury Apples

While apples are commonly used in sweet dishes, they can also be a delicious addition to savoury meals. Try air frying apples with herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, or black pepper, and serve them as a side dish with pork or chicken.

Apple Pie Filling

Create the taste of apple pie without the fuss of making a pastry by air frying apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Serve this warm and gooey apple pie filling on its own or with a scoop of ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Healthy Apples

For a nutritious snack or dessert, air fry apples with just a touch of coconut oil or olive oil and a sprinkle of cinnamon. This variation is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while staying on track with your health goals.

Frequently asked questions

Crisp apple varieties such as Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Gala, Fuji, Golden Delicious, and Pink Lady are recommended. Granny Smith apples are a good choice if you prefer a tart flavour.

Yes, you can put apples in the air fryer without peeling them. Leaving the peel on adds fibre to your snack and helps the apples hold their shape.

Preheat your air fryer to between 375F and 400F.

Air fry your apples for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Air fryer apples are a versatile dish. Serve them as a side with chicken or pork, or as a dessert with ice cream, cream, or Greek yoghurt. They also work well as a breakfast food, paired with oatmeal, yoghurt, or pancakes.

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