That warm cinnamon smell drifting out of the air fryer? Smells like fall at grandma’s house. These Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples take everything cozy about baked apples and speed it up without sacrificing flavor. They’ve been making the rounds latelyand with good reason. Sweet, spiced, and a little crisp on the edges, they’re the kind of snack you sneak bites of before dinner.
It’s just apples, cinnamon, and a little maple magic. Toss it all together, pop it in the air fryer, and in minutesboom. Tender, golden apples that taste like pie filling without the fuss. These are comforting like your mom’s skillet apples, but way easier and ready in under 15 minutes. All from pantry staples, no oven required. This easy air fryer cinnamon apples recipe is a keeper for busy weeks or lazy weekends.
I started making these during a chilly October in 2020, when the oven felt like too much for a simple sweet craving. My husband wandered into the kitchen saying, “Smells like apple pie in a carnival tent.” I realized if you slice the apples just thick enough, they stay tender but don’t turn to mush. After years of hunting for weeknight shortcuts, this trick’s now in regular rotation at our houseand on this blog.
Yesica Andrews
Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples Recipe You Need to Try
Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples are a delicious and easy dessert that you can whip up in minutes. This Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples recipe features tender apple slices coated in a sweet brown sugar cinnamon mixture, making it a perfect guilt-free treat. Enjoy warm, flavorful apples that taste like autumn in every bite.
Cut apples into slices ½ inch thick and discard the core.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove.
Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract to the melted butter. Stir until combined.
Add apple slices to the cinnamon mixture and stir until all apples are evenly coated.
Place the coated apples in the air fryer basket.
Cook at 380 degrees F for 10 minutes, checking around 8 minutes for desired doneness.
Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
Ensure all apple slices are fully coated in the cinnamon sugar mixture before air frying. If your air fryer basket tends to stick, lightly brush or spray with oil before adding apples. Cooking times may vary based on air fryer models and apple slice thickness. Peeling apples is optional.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: These Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples go from prep to plate in just 15 minutes. Dessert in a snap? Yes, please!
Minimal Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need, making this a perfect last-minute treat.
Cozy Nostalgia: Simple flavors like cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar come together for that warm, familiar taste of home.
Healthier Treat: No deep frying, no heavy doughjust apples sweetened with love and a touch of spice, offering a lighter alternative.
Key Ingredients and Tools
Great recipes start with the basics! Here’s what you’ll need:
Apples: Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best texture as they hold their shape well. Small or large apples workjust adjust slice size.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps the cinnamon mixture adhere beautifully to the apple slices.
Brown Sugar: Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the apples.
Cinnamon: The star spice, bringing that warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of this ties the flavors together, adding a subtle depth.
And, of course, you’ll need your trusty air fryer! No oven required for this speedy treat.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples
Prep Your Apples: Wash and core the apples, then slice them about ½ inch thick. You can peel them if you’d like, but leaving the peel on adds a nice pop of color and extra fiber.
Mix Flavor Coating: Melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stove. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, fragrant mixture.
Coat the Apples: In a large bowl, toss the apple slices thoroughly with the cinnamon mixture until they’re evenly coated. They’ll look glossy and smell amazing at this point!
Air Fry: Arrange the coated apple slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F (195°C) for 10 minutes. Begin checking around 8 minutes to ensure they’re cooked to your preferred tendernessevery air fryer can vary!
Pro Tip: If your air fryer tends to stick, lightly spray the basket with a high-heat cooking oil before adding the apples or use parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers.
Troubleshooting Tips
Sticking Slices: Spritz the air fryer basket with a little oil before cooking, or use parchment paper made for air fryers to prevent sticking.
Too Soft or Too Firm: Adjust the cook time based on your preference and apple variety. For firmer slices, check at the 8-minute mark. For softer, more tender apples, add an extra minute or two.
Uneven Coating: Ensure you mix the apple slices and cinnamon mixture thoroughly in a large bowl to achieve even coverage before air frying.
Serving and Storage
Once your apples are golden and tender, here’s what to do next:
Sweet Desserts: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for something extra special.
Light and Simple: Enjoy them as-is for a cozy afternoon snack, or toss them on oatmeal, yogurt, or pancakes for a delicious breakfast.
Storage: Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes, or briefly in the microwave for a quick refresh.
Component
Storage Tip
Reheating
Apples
Fridge, up to 3 days
Air fryer: 375°F for 2 minutes
Apples (with toppings)
Fridge, separate toppings
Add toppings after reheating
Expert Insight on Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples
The air fryer excels at cooking cinnamon apples, achieving perfect caramelization without the need for excessive oil. This method locks in the fruit’s natural sweetness and maintains a delightful texture, resulting in a light yet richly flavored dessert. It’s a truly efficient way to enjoy delicious cinnamon apples.
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The Story Behind My Best Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples
After several rounds of adjusting spice levels and cooking times, I finally nailed this Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples recipe. Early attempts were too soft or too tart, but each try brought me closer to perfectly tender, fragrant apples that my family loves. This recipe reflects those lessons and a lot of patient tasting.
FAQs ( Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples )
Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
Frozen apples can work but may release extra moisture, potentially making the dish softer. For best results, thaw and pat them dry before air frying. This helps maintain the crisp texture while still bringing out the cinnamon flavors.
What type of apples are best for the dish?
Firm apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith work great here. They hold their shape well during cooking and balance the sweetness with a slight tartness. These varieties complement the cinnamon perfectly in easy air fryer cinnamon apples.
How do I prevent apples from sticking in the air fryer?
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil before adding the apples. Tossing the apples with a little oil also helps them brown evenly and prevents sticking. Avoid overcrowding to ensure good air circulation.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh for optimal texture, but you can prepare the apples ahead and store them in the fridge. Reheat gently in the air fryer or microwave to retain flavor and warmth. Avoid long storage to keep the apples from becoming mushy.
What are some serving ideas for this meal?
This meal pairs wonderfully with oatmeal, yogurt, or even vanilla ice cream. You can also add it as a topping for pancakes or waffles. Its warm cinnamon flavor makes an excellent complement to breakfast or dessert dishes.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples are incredibly quick and easy, delivering tender, warmly spiced bites you’ll love. In just 15 minutes, you can enjoy a comforting homemade treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
For variations, try a drizzle of maple syrup instead of brown sugar, or add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully in the air fryer. Remember, firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp will hold their shape best during cooking.
I hope you enjoy this simple recipe as much as my family does. Share your favorite apple variations or serving ideas in the comments below!
