Air-Fried Apples: A Quick, Crunchy Treat

Air fryer apples are a quick, easy, and healthy snack or dessert option. They are soft, sweet, and cinnamon-y, tasting like apple pie filling. You can use any variety of apple, though crisp and sweet-tart varieties like Honey Crisp, Gala, or Fuji are recommended. The preparation is simple: slice the apples, toss them in a mixture of oil or butter, cinnamon, and sugar or maple syrup, and air fry for 10–15 minutes. Serve them as a snack, with ice cream or whipped cream for dessert, or as a topping for oatmeal, pancakes, or French toast.

Choosing the right apples

• Crispness and Firmness: Look for apples that are crisp, firm, and sweet. Apples that hold their shape and texture during cooking are ideal. Popular varieties include Gala, Fuji, Honey Crisp, Golden Delicious, and Pink Lady. These apples will give you a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Tartness: If you prefer a tarter flavour, go for Granny Smith apples. They are sour by nature but can be a great choice if you want a more pronounced tangy taste.
• Sweetness: For a sweeter option, choose apples like Honey Crisp, Pink Lady, or Gala. These varieties are known for their natural sweetness, which can enhance your air-fried dessert or snack.
• Availability: Consider what apples are in season or readily available in your area. Using fresh, locally sourced apples can make your dish even more delicious.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best apple for air frying is the one you enjoy eating! If you have a favourite variety that you like out of hand, chances are it will taste great air-fried as well.

When preparing your apples for the air fryer, cut them into slices or cubes of uniform size to ensure even cooking. You can peel the apples if you prefer, but it is not necessary, as the skin can add fibre and texture to your dish.

Preparing the apples

Next, you'll need to peel, core, and slice the apples. You can cut them into cubes or slices, aiming for a thickness of around 1/2 an inch. If you want to make baked apples, cut the apples in half through the stem, then use a knife or spoon to remove the core, stem, and seeds.

Once your apples are prepared, toss them with a small amount of oil or melted butter, cinnamon, and, optionally, a little vanilla extract. You can also add a tablespoon of light brown sugar or maple syrup to taste.

Now your apples are ready for the air fryer!

Air fryer settings

The first step to making air fryer apples is to preheat your air fryer. The ideal temperature for this is between 375°F and 380°F.

Once preheated, add the apple slices to the air fryer basket. It is important to ensure that the apple slices are in a single layer and do not overlap too much, or else they will not cook properly. Spritz the basket with cooking oil if desired, but this is not necessary as the apples have already been tossed in oil.

Air fry the apples for 10-15 minutes, depending on the desired texture. For softer apples, add an extra minute or two to the cooking time. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Once the apples are golden, slightly crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside, they are ready to be removed from the air fryer. If you prefer your apples to be super soft, you can add an extra minute or two to the cooking time, keeping a close eye on them to ensure they do not burn.

It is important to note that air fryers can vary widely in terms of cooking times and temperatures, so adjustments may be necessary depending on the specific model and brand of air fryer being used.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer apples are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, dessert, or even a side. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Snack

• Enjoy the air fryer apples on their own. They are delicious and healthy, making for a great afternoon snack.
• For an indulgent snack, serve the apples with some vanilla ice cream, frozen yoghurt, or whipped cream.
• Spread a layer of cream cheese or ricotta on a slice of toasted crusty bread and top with slices of baked apple. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey.

As a Dessert

• Top your favourite ice cream (e.g. vanilla, salted caramel, or cinnamon) with warm, cinnamon-spiced baked apples. The contrast between the cold ice cream and warm apples is delightful. Add some caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
• Serve the apples with shortbread cookies or baked puff pastry, along with a dollop of whipped cream, for a true "apple pie" experience.
• Create a sweet and savoury sandwich with baked apples, ham or turkey, and Brie cheese on rustic bread.

As a Side

• Air fryer apples pair well with pork. Try them with bacon-wrapped pork chops or roasted pork.
• They also go great with roasted chicken.
• Serve the apples as a side with breakfast. They are delicious on top of pancakes, French toast, waffles, or oatmeal. You can also spoon them over apple pie overnight oats or a savoury casserole like a tater tot breakfast casserole.

Storage

Storing your air-fried apples is simple. If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also freeze them for up to two months. To reheat, simply microwave for about 30 seconds to one minute, or pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for around two to four minutes.

If you want to prepare your apples in advance, it's best to cut them as close to the time you will cook them as possible, as apples are not ideal for meal prepping and will brown quickly.

Frequently asked questions