You know those nights when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly why I fell in love with these Air Fryer Baked Apples! They’re my go-to dessert when I need something quick, healthy, and satisfying. I first tried this recipe when my neighbor brought over a basket of fresh-picked apples – talk about perfect timing! Now it’s become our family’s favorite weeknight treat. The best part? You probably have all the ingredients in your pantry right now. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have warm, cinnamon-kissed apples that taste like you’ve been baking all afternoon.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Baked Apples
Trust me, once you try these baked apples, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them! Here’s what makes them so special:
- Crazy fast – From prep to plate in under 20 minutes (I’ve timed it while chasing my toddler around the kitchen!)
- No guilt – All natural sweetness from the apples and just a touch of honey – way better than store-bought desserts
- Pantry magic – Uses ingredients you likely have right now (that half-used jar of cinnamon? Perfect!)
- Make it yours – Swap in your favorite nuts, drizzle with caramel, or add a scoop of ice cream for special occasions
Seriously, these apples are life-changing – warm, comforting, and so simple they practically make themselves!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Baked Apples
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these cozy, cinnamon-spiced treats:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 1 tbsp honey (the good, sticky stuff!)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (I always add an extra pinch because why not?)
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (freshly grated if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1 tbsp butter, melted (real butter makes all the difference)
- 1 tbsp chopped walnuts (optional, but adds lovely crunch)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
No honey? Maple syrup works beautifully! For nuts, pecans or almonds make great swaps. If your apples are super sweet, you can reduce the honey by half – taste as you go. My secret? A tiny splash of vanilla in the honey mixture makes it extra special. And don’t skip coring the apples – leaving the bottom intact creates a perfect little cup for all that deliciousness!
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this! Just grab:
- Your trusty air fryer (mine’s a basic model that works perfectly)
- A small mixing bowl (I use the same one for everything)
- A pastry brush or spoon (for that delicious honey coating)
That’s it! No special tools required – just simple kitchen basics.
How to Make Air Fryer Baked Apples
Okay, let’s get cooking! These apples come together so easily, but I’ll walk you through each step to make sure they turn out perfect every time:
- Prep those apples: Core them carefully, leaving about 1/2 inch at the bottom intact – this creates a little “bowl” for all the yummy filling. (Pro tip: If you don’t have an apple corer, just use a melon baller or small spoon!)
- Mix the magic: In your small bowl, stir together the honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg until it forms a thick syrup. Taste it – if you want more spice, go for it! This is your chance to make it yours.
- Fill ’em up: Use your pastry brush or spoon to coat the inside of each apple generously with the honey mixture. Don’t be shy – get it into all the nooks!
- Air fry time: Place your apples in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for air to circulate. Set to 180°C (350°F) for 12-15 minutes. Check at 10 minutes – smaller apples cook faster!
- The grand finale: When they’re tender but still holding their shape, drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle walnuts if using. The smell will have everyone running to the kitchen!
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Baked Apples
Here are my hard-earned secrets for apple perfection:
- Test doneness by poking with a fork – it should slide in easily but the apple shouldn’t collapse
- If your honey mixture is too thick, warm it for 10 seconds to make brushing easier
- Smaller apples? Start checking at 8 minutes. Bigger ones might need up to 18 minutes
- Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving – they’ll be piping hot inside!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Baked Apples
Oh, the possibilities! These warm, spiced apples are delicious straight from the air fryer, but here’s how I love to dress them up:
- Classic pair: A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top (my kids call this “apple pie in a bowl”)
- Breakfast twist: Serve with Greek yogurt and granola for a fancy morning treat
- Decadent upgrade: Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt – trust me on this one!
- Simple elegance: Just a dusting of powdered sugar lets the apple flavor shine
My husband’s favorite? Topped with a dollop of whipped cream and extra cinnamon. Whatever you choose, serve them warm for that cozy, just-baked feel!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
These apples taste best fresh, but if you’ve got leftovers (rare in my house!), here’s how to keep them delicious:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days – any longer and they get too soft
- Reheating: Pop them back in the air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for 2-3 minutes to revive that just-baked warmth
Pro tip: The walnuts stay crunchiest when added right before serving!
Air Fryer Baked Apples Nutrition
Here’s the best part – these baked apples taste indulgent but are actually pretty good for you! Nutrition varies slightly based on your exact ingredients, but here’s the general breakdown per apple (without extra toppings):
- Calories: About 120
- Sugar: 18g (all natural from the apple and honey!)
- Fiber: 4g (keeps you full longer)
- Fat: Just 3.5g (mostly from that delicious butter)
Compared to traditional apple desserts, you’re saving loads of calories and sugar while still getting that warm, comforting flavor. Now that’s what I call a win!
FAQ About Air Fryer Baked Apples
Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! Pears work beautifully with this same method – just reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes. For stone fruits like peaches, cut them in half and remove the pit before air frying. Properly selecting and storing fresh produce is key for the best results.
Do I need to peel the apples? Nope! The peel helps the apples hold their shape and adds extra fiber. Just give them a good wash first. (Though if you prefer peeled apples, go for it!)
What if my apples are too sweet/tart? Taste your apples first! For tart ones, add an extra teaspoon of honey. Super sweet? Cut the honey in half and let the natural sugars shine. If you are looking for other sweet air fryer treats, check out these air fryer donut holes.
Can I make these ahead? They’re best fresh, but you can prep the apples up to 4 hours ahead. Just brush with lemon juice to prevent browning, then add the honey mixture right before cooking.
Why did my apples collapse? They might have cooked too long or been too ripe. Next time, check earlier and use firmer apples – Granny Smiths never let me down! For more tips on using your appliance, see this guide on air fryer cooking techniques.
Share Your Experience
I’d love to hear how your Air Fryer Baked Apples turned out! Did you add any special twists? Drop me a note below – your tips might help another home cook discover their new favorite dessert.
Print
Irresistible Air Fryer Baked Apples in 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and healthy dessert made with fresh apples cooked in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Core the apples, leaving the bottom intact.
- Mix honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl.
- Brush the inside of the apples with the mixture.
- Place the apples in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 180°C (350°F) for 12-15 minutes.
- Drizzle with melted butter and walnuts before serving.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- Adjust cooking time based on apple size.
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American