There is something irresistibly cozy and delightful about the Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples Recipe that makes it an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a warm, comforting treat with minimal fuss. Imagine tender apple slices perfectly coated with a buttery cinnamon-sugar glaze, cooked to golden caramelized perfection in just minutes using your air fryer. This simple yet spectacular recipe combines the natural sweetness of apples with the spicy warmth of cinnamon, creating a snack or dessert that feels both wholesome and indulgent. Whether you’re craving a quick weekday dessert or a charming topping for your breakfast, these cinnamon apples will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this dish is delightfully straightforward. The ingredients are simple but each one plays a vital role in bringing out the rich flavors, tender texture, and perfect golden hue of the apples.
- 4 medium apples: Peeled, cored, and sliced evenly to ensure they cook uniformly and absorb the cinnamon-sugar blend.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the sugar for that mouthwatering glaze.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Brings a deep, molasses sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the tartness of the apples.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides the warm, spicy flavor that defines this dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and aroma that elevates the overall flavor.
- A pinch of salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the apples
Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into evenly-sized pieces. This is key to ensuring that every slice cooks to the same tenderness and absorbs all those wonderful flavors evenly.
Step 2: Mix the flavorful coating
In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This delicious blend is what transforms the apples into a warm, aromatic treat.
Step 3: Coat the apples
Add the apple slices to the cinnamon-butter mixture and toss gently but thoroughly, making sure each slice is fully coated with that sweet, spiced glaze.
Step 4: Preheat the air fryer
Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it warm up for about 3 minutes. Preheating helps the apples cook evenly and develop that gorgeous caramelization.
Step 5: Arrange the apples in the air fryer basket
Lay the coated apple slices in a single layer inside the basket. Be sure to leave some space between the slices so hot air can circulate freely, allowing them to cook through perfectly.
Step 6: Air fry until tender and caramelized
Cook the apples for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking and browning. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender and beautifully golden with a glistening cinnamon glaze.
Step 7: Remove and serve while warm
Carefully take the apples out of the air fryer and get ready to savor them immediately. Their inviting aroma and warm texture are best enjoyed fresh.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts adds a lovely crunch and visual appeal. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate this dish into pure decadence.
Side Dishes
These air fryer cinnamon apples are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with breakfast favorites like pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal. They also work beautifully as a warm dessert alongside a slice of pound cake or a bowl of vanilla yogurt.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the apples in small ramekins topped with granola for a delightful breakfast parfait. Or spoon them over French toast for a morning treat that feels special but still effortless. Another fun idea is wrapping them in puff pastry for a quick and stunning dessert tart.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, place the cooled apples in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep fresh for up to 3 days, making them a fantastic grab-and-go snack or topping for several meals.
Freezing
Freezing cinnamon apples can be done, but since they’re cooked, it might slightly alter their texture upon thawing. If you want to freeze them, spread cooled apples on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Use them within 2 months for best flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the apples gently in the air fryer at a lower temperature or in the microwave. A quick 2-3 minutes in the air fryer at 300°F revives their warmth and caramelized texture without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work beautifully to balance sweetness, sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp also create a deliciously tender and juicy result.
Do I need to peel the apples for this recipe?
Peeling is recommended to achieve the smooth texture and caramelization that makes this dish special, but if you prefer a bit of added texture and nutrition, leave the skins on.
Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps cook the apples evenly and encourages better caramelization. While skipping it won’t ruin the dish, you’ll get the best results with preheating.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the melted butter for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine to keep the dish completely vegan-friendly.
How do I know when the apples are done?
They’re ready when the slices are tender when pierced with a fork and have a light golden brown color with a glistening cinnamon glaze. Usually, 8-10 minutes in the air fryer is perfect.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend the Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples Recipe enough for anyone who appreciates a quick, comforting, and absolutely delicious dish. It’s amazing how just a handful of simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer come together to create something so special. Please give it a try—you might just find it becoming your go-to snack or dessert that everyone asks for again and again.
Print
Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 20m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples are a quick and delicious dessert or snack made by coating tender apple slices in a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture and air frying them to caramelized perfection. This easy recipe requires minimal prep and cooks in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for a warm, comforting treat that pairs wonderfully with ice cream, pancakes, or oatmeal.
Ingredients
Apples
- 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
Coating
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Mix coating: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well blended.
- Coat apples: Add the apple slices to the bowl and toss thoroughly to evenly coat them with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes to ensure optimal cooking temperature.
- Arrange apples: Place the coated apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space for air circulation.
- Air fry apples: Cook the apples for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking and caramelization.
- Check doneness: Remove the apples once they are tender and lightly caramelized on the edges.
- Serve warm: Enjoy immediately while warm, perfect alone or topped on vanilla ice cream, pancakes, or oatmeal.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture.
- Adjust cinnamon and sugar levels according to your taste preference.
- Ensure apple slices are similar in size for even cooking.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
