If you have a craving for a warm, cozy treat that’s incredibly simple to make, this Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples Recipe is an absolute must-try. These tender apple slices, perfectly coated in cinnamon and sugar, turn beautifully caramelized in the air fryer, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and spice with every bite. Whether you want an easy snack, a quick dessert, or a delightful side dish, this recipe brings out the comforting flavors of fall any time of the year with a fresh, homemade touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each component adds a burst of flavor or texture that complements the natural sweetness and slight tartness of the apples.
- 4 medium-sized apples: Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness, both give great texture and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter: Provides richness and helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the apple slices.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and assists in caramelization.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and depth to the dish.
- A pinch of salt: Enhances the flavors and balances out the sweetness.
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Keeps apples vibrant and adds a subtle zesty note.
- Optional: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving: Elevates the apples into an indulgent dessert.
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Start by washing your apples thoroughly. You can peel them if you want a softer texture, but leaving the peel on adds a lovely chewiness and color. Core each apple carefully to remove the seeds and core, then slice them into evenly thick pieces about a quarter inch thick. Uniform slices ensure they cook perfectly all the way through.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and just a pinch of salt. This mixture is the flavor powerhouse of the recipe — rich butter melds with the sweet sugar and fragrant cinnamon, creating a mouthwatering coating for the apples.
Step 3: Toss the Apples
If you’re including lemon juice, toss the apple slices in it now to prevent browning and add brightness. Next, add the apples to the bowl with the cinnamon sugar mixture and gently toss until every slice is fully coated, promising that irresistible caramelized finish once cooked.
Step 4: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Turn your air fryer on to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and let it preheat for 3 minutes while you prepare the basket.
Step 5: Arrange Apple Slices for Air Frying
Lay the coated apple slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Keep in mind that overcrowding blocks hot air circulation, so cook in batches if you need to. This step ensures that each slice crisps and caramelizes perfectly.
Step 6: Cook Until Tender and Caramelized
Air fry the apples for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to encourage even cooking and browning. When they’re tender yet slightly crisp on the edges, it’s time to take them out and enjoy the sweet fragrance filling your kitchen.
Step 7: Serve Warm
The best part: serve these warm cinnamon sugar apples as they are, or add a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to make them downright irresistible.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch, while a light dusting of powdered sugar offers a pretty finishing touch. Fresh mint leaves are another lovely option that brings a little color and freshness to the presentation.
Side Dishes
These cinnamon sugar apples pair perfectly with breakfast favorites like pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal, adding warmth and a natural sweetness that complements maple syrup beautifully. They also shine alongside roasted pork chops or grilled chicken for a sweet-savory twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the air-fried apples with Greek yogurt and granola for a layered parfait. Or use them as a topping on vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a quick apple crisp-inspired dessert. You can even fold them into a warm bowl of rice pudding to give it an extra burst of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They remain tender and flavorful but are best enjoyed slightly warmed to regain that freshly cooked appeal.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked apple slices by spreading them on a baking sheet and popping them into the freezer until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for about 2 months, making it easy to enjoy this treat anytime you want a quick snack or dessert.
Reheating
Reheat your apples in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes to restore their crispness. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave works too, but air frying keeps their texture delightfully intact.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can experiment with Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady apples depending on your flavor preference.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on not only adds texture and nutrients but also helps the slices hold their shape better during cooking.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes, you can roast the cinnamon sugar apples in a conventional oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. However, the air fryer speeds up cooking and gives a nicely caramelized texture with less effort.
Is this recipe suitable for a sugar-free diet?
You can substitute the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to reduce sugar content while still enjoying the delicious cinnamon flavor.
What other spices can I add besides cinnamon?
Feel free to mix it up with nutmeg, allspice, or even a dash of ginger powder for a more complex and warming spice profile that complements the apples beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples Recipe enough if you’re looking for an easy, delicious treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside. With minimal ingredients and quick cooking time, it’s a fantastic way to bring comfort and joy to your day with the wonderful aroma and flavor of cinnamon-spiced baked apples. Give it a try—I promise it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen, too!
Print
Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar 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
A quick and easy recipe for air fryer apples, perfect as a warm, cinnamon-sweetened snack or dessert. Sliced apples are coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar mix, then cooked in the air fryer for a tender, caramelized treat that pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Apples
- 4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
Optional
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Begin by washing and drying the apples thoroughly. Peel the apples if desired or leave the peel on to add extra texture to the final dish.
- Core the Apples: Use an apple corer or a paring knife to remove all seeds and the core from each apple.
- Slice the Apples: Cut the apples into evenly sized ¼-inch thick slices to ensure uniform cooking.
- Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until everything is fully blended.
- Add Lemon Juice (Optional): If using, drizzle lemon juice over the apple slices to prevent browning and enhance their flavor.
- Coat the Apples: Add the apple slices to the bowl with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, tossing gently until all slices are evenly coated.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and preheat for about 3 minutes.
- Arrange the Apple Slices: Place the coated apple slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding by cooking in batches if necessary.
- Air Fry the Apples: Cook the apples for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to promote even caramelization.
- Remove and Serve: Once tender and lightly caramelized, carefully remove the apples from the air fryer. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
- Peeling the apples is optional; keeping the skin adds more texture and nutrients.
- Lemon juice is optional but helps to keep the apple slices from browning and adds a touch of brightness.
- Cook the apples in batches if your air fryer basket is small to ensure even cooking.
- Serve immediately for best taste, especially when pairing with ice cream or whipped cream.
