These cinnamon-sweet, buttery Air Fryer Apples are tender, flavorful, and ready in just 10 minutes. Not the heavy fried apples you might expect—just a touch of butter and lots of cozy cinnamon flavor. Serve as a side, spoon over ice cream for dessert, or enjoy on their own.
We love using the air fryer for quick, delicious dishes, and these cinnamon apples are one of our favorites. They celebrate apple season with minimal fuss and maximum flavor—no long stove-side stirring required.
These apples make a perfect breakfast or brunch side alongside Air Fryer French Toast Sticks or Super Fluffy Pancakes, and they’re equally at home next to roasted or pan-seared meats or piled over a bowl of warm oatmeal.
Why you will love these Air Fryer Apples:
- Rich, concentrated flavor with less butter. Air frying concentrates the apple’s sweetness and cinnamon aromas while using only a small amount of butter for a classic taste without excess richness.
- Ready in about 10 minutes. Prep takes just a few minutes; then pop the apples in the basket and let the air fryer do the work—perfect for busy mornings.
- Versatile for breakfast, dinner, or dessert. Serve as a side with pork or chicken, spoon them over pancakes or oatmeal, or top with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel for an easy dessert.
Recipe Ingredients:
- Apples: Choose sweet, crisp varieties like Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious. Pink Lady works too. For tart apples, use Granny Smith. Peeling is optional.
- Cinnamon: Adds the signature warm flavor. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or apple pie spice if you like.
- Oil: A mild cooking oil such as canola works well. Coconut oil can be used for a subtle flavor difference.
- Vanilla: A teaspoon of vanilla extract brightens the flavor.
- Butter: A small amount of melted butter creates a buttery sauce—use more if you prefer saucier apples.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is used here, but brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey are great alternatives.
Step-By-Step Instructions:
Making these apples is quick and simple:
- Core and slice apples into 1/2-inch slices. Toss with oil, vanilla, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Arrange the apple slices in the fryer basket in as close to a single layer as possible.
- Air fry for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so the slices cook evenly.
- Transfer the cooked apples to a bowl and toss with melted butter, the remaining cinnamon, and sugar. Serve immediately.
Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Slice just before cooking to prevent browning. Apples oxidize quickly, so cut them shortly before they go into the air fryer.
- Pick firm, sweet apples. Gala, Fuji, and Honeycrisp are reliable choices for texture and sweetness.
- For saucier apples, add extra butter or a tablespoon or two of maple syrup. This creates a more caramel-like sauce.
- Watch the apples near the end of cooking. Air fryer performance varies. After shaking the basket at the halfway point, check every couple of minutes to avoid overcooking.
Recipe Storage Recommendations:
Store cooled apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–4 minutes. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for 2–3 months; thaw before reheating and add a little extra melted butter if desired.
Serving Your Air Fried Apples:
These apples are very adaptable. Serve ideas:
- Pair with pork chops or bacon-wrapped pork for a classic sweet-and-savory combination.
- Serve alongside roasted or pan-seared chicken.
- Spoon over pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or French toast for a sweet breakfast topping.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel for an easy dessert.
Other Air Fryer Recipes:
- Air Fryer Hand Pies
- Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw
- Air Fryer Potato Wedges
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast
- Buffalo Cauliflower
- Parmesan Crusted Air Fried Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Steak Bites with Lemon Garlic Butter
- Air Fried Corn on the Cob
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Air Fryer Apples
Ingredients
- 4 small/medium apples (Gala recommended)
- 1½ tsp cinnamon, separated
- 1 T canola or vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 T butter, melted
- 2 T sugar
Instructions
-
Remove cores and slice apples into 1/2-inch slices. Keep the peel if you prefer. Toss with oil, vanilla, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.
-
Preheat air fryer to 380°F. Add apples to the basket (lightly spritz oil if desired). Arrange evenly and air fry for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
-
Transfer cooked apples to a bowl and toss with melted butter, the remaining cinnamon, and sugar. Serve immediately.
-
Storage: Refrigerate up to 5 days in an airtight container or freeze up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
Notes
- Slice apples right before cooking to reduce browning.
- Choose firm, sweet apples like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
- For saucier results, add two more tablespoons of melted butter or a tablespoon or two of maple syrup instead of sugar.
- Monitor cooking times since air fryer heat can vary; check apples often after the halfway point.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.
Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question?Leave a comment below!
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