Air-Fried Cinnamon Apples: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cinnamon apples are a delicious treat, and making them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare them. Air fryer cinnamon apples are a healthy dessert option that can be made in just 10 to 15 minutes. The apples are coated in a cinnamon and sugar or cinnamon and maple syrup mixture and then cooked in the air fryer until tender and lightly caramelized. The end result is a tasty snack that can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping for ice cream, oatmeal, or yogurt.

Choosing the right apples

• Gala apples, which are a good balance of sweet and crisp.
• Fuji apples, which are also sweet and crisp.
• Honey Crisp apples, which are crisp, firm, and sweet.
• Golden Delicious apples, which are sweet.
• Pink Lady apples, which are sweet and tart.
• Jonagold apples, which are crisp and sweet.
• Red Delicious apples, which are sweet.

If you prefer a tart apple, you can also use Granny Smith apples.

Preparing the apples

First, select the right type of apples. Sweet and crisp apples work best for this recipe. Popular choices include Gala, Fuji, Honey Crisp, Golden Delicious, and Pink Lady apples. You can also use tart apples like Granny Smith if you prefer a tangy flavour.

Next, wash and cut the apples. Remove the cores and slice the apples into uniform pieces, about 1/2-inch thick. You can choose to peel the apples or leave the skin on, depending on your preference. If you plan to peel the apples, it is recommended to do so just before cooking to prevent browning.

After slicing, toss the apples with a small amount of oil, such as canola oil, vegetable oil, or melted coconut oil. This step ensures that the apples don't stick to the air fryer basket and adds a bit of flavour. You can also add other ingredients like vanilla extract or cinnamon to the oil mixture for extra flavour.

Once the apples are coated, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, trying not to overlap them too much. If needed, you can lightly spritz the basket with cooking oil, but this is usually not necessary.

Now, it's time to air fry! Set your air fryer to a temperature between 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer, but on average, the apples will take about 10-15 minutes to cook. Be sure to shake or toss the apples halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Finally, once the apples are soft and tender, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a bowl. At this point, you can add additional ingredients like melted butter, cinnamon, sugar, or maple syrup to taste. Toss the apples until they are evenly coated, and then they are ready to serve!

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for air-frying cinnamon apples can vary depending on the type of air fryer and the desired texture. Here is a detailed guide:

Preparation:

Before air-frying, the apples should be washed, peeled, and sliced or chopped into cubes or bite-sized pieces. Some recipes suggest removing the apple cores and slicing the apples into 1/2-inch-thick slices, while others recommend dicing the apples into 1-inch cubes. It is preferable to cut the apples as close to the cooking time as possible to prevent browning.

Temperature:

The ideal temperature for air-frying cinnamon apples is between 375°F and 400°F. However, it is important to note that not all air fryers cook the same way, and temperatures may need to be adjusted slightly depending on the model. Therefore, it is recommended to check on the apples regularly during the cooking process to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Time:

The cooking time for cinnamon apples in an air fryer can range from 8 to 15 minutes. For softer apples, a shorter cooking time of around 8 to 10 minutes is recommended. However, if you prefer your apples to be slightly crispier, you can air fry them for up to 15 minutes. It is important to shake or toss the apples halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning. Additionally, it is recommended to check the apples every two minutes after the halfway mark to prevent overcooking or burning.

Storing and reheating

Storing

Most sources agree that cinnamon apples can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, one source suggests that they can be stored for up to five days.

If you want to keep your cinnamon apples for longer, you can freeze them in a sealed container for up to one month.

Reheating

To reheat your cinnamon apples, you can either microwave them for around 30 seconds to one minute, or put them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about two to four minutes. If you are reheating from frozen, allow them to thaw first. You can also add more melted butter before serving.

Serving suggestions

Cinnamon apples cooked in an air fryer are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Side Dish

Air fryer cinnamon apples can be served as a side dish for breakfast or brunch. They pair well with French toast, pancakes, waffles, and French toast casserole. You can also spoon them over oatmeal, your favourite waffles, or on the side of some French toast casserole. They are also delicious with savoury dishes like a Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole.

As a Dessert

These apples are a tasty dessert option on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yoghurt. For extra indulgence, top them with whipped cream or your favourite whipped topping and a drizzle of caramel or butterscotch sauce. Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans would also be a perfect addition, providing a bit of texture and crunch.

With Other Dishes

Air fryer cinnamon apples are a great complement to other dishes, especially pork and chicken. Try them with bacon-wrapped pork chops, roasted chicken, or pork tenderloin. You can also serve them with air fryer pork chop bites or air fryer boneless pork chops.

Frequently asked questions