If you’re looking for a quick and delicious way to enjoy warm, tender apples with a cozy cinnamon twist, this Cinnamon Air Fryer Apples Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. Perfectly soft with just the right amount of sweetness and buttery goodness, these apples come together in under 15 minutes and boast a flavor that’s both nostalgic and irresistible. Whether you want a quick snack, a complement to your morning oatmeal, or a warm dessert topping, this recipe hits all the right notes with minimal effort and maximum comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cinnamon Air Fryer Apples Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture—bringing together the natural sweetness of apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and a touch of buttery richness that elevates the whole dish.
- 4 small/medium apples (Gala recommended): Choose firm, sweet apples for the best texture and flavor after cooking.
- 1½ tsp cinnamon, separated: Divided use ensures the cinnamon flavor infuses throughout and finishes perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon canola oil: Helps coat the apples evenly and crisps them slightly without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aromatic note that enhances the apple’s natural sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Brings richness and a luscious mouthfeel when tossed with the cooked apples.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Balances the tartness and rounds out the flavors with a touch of caramelized sweetness.
How to Make Cinnamon Air Fryer Apples Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by removing the cores and slicing your apples into about 1/2 inch thick slices. You can leave the peel on for extra texture and nutrients or peel them if you prefer a smoother bite. Toss these slices with the canola oil, vanilla extract, and half a teaspoon of cinnamon. This coating ensures every slice is packed with flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Preheat and Arrange Apples in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Lightly spritz the basket with oil if you want, but it’s not necessary. Arrange your apples in a single layer with minimal overlapping—this helps them cook evenly and develop the best tenderness. Cooking them in batches is better than crowding the basket to achieve the perfect texture.
Step 3: Air Fry the Apples
Cook the apples at 380°F for about 10 minutes. Make sure to shake or toss the basket halfway through to shift the apples around for even cooking. Keep a close eye on them once you reach the halfway point; every air fryer cooks a bit differently, so check every couple of minutes to prevent burning and ensure softness.
Step 4: Toss with Butter, Cinnamon, and Sugar
Once the apples are tender and cooked through, transfer them to a bowl. Immediately toss with the melted butter, the remaining cinnamon, and sugar. This final step adds a decadent finish and a beautiful glistening coating that melts into the warm fruit, making each bite pure heaven.
How to Serve Cinnamon Air Fryer Apples Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish can transform these apples into a show-stopping dish. Sprinkle a few chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch and a nutty contrast. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate the sweetness and presentation even further.
Side Dishes
These cinnamon air fryer apples shine alongside brunch favorites like fluffy pancakes, waffles, or French toast. They also complement savory dishes beautifully, such as roasted pork chops or cinnamon-spiced oatmeal, creating a balance of sweet and hearty flavors on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spoon your warm apples over a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for a quick dessert with a warm-cold contrast. You can also use them as a filling for crepes or turnovers, making them a versatile addition to many sweet and savory recipes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though they rarely last long), store the apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days, with the flavors continuing to develop as they chill.
Freezing
You can freeze these cooked apples by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool them completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the apples in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds or toss them back in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes. This brings back their tender warmth and revives the juicy, buttery goodness you fell in love with.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for the recipe?
Absolutely! Gala, Fuji, and Honey Crisp are all fantastic choices because of their balance of sweetness and crispness. Just avoid very soft or mealy apples as they won’t hold up as well in the air fryer.
Is it necessary to use butter in the recipe?
Butter really adds that signature richness and mouthfeel, but if you want a dairy-free option, try using melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute, which also complements the cinnamon flavor nicely.
Can I prepare the apples in advance to save time?
It’s best to slice and toss the apples right before cooking to prevent browning and a loss of freshness. Apples brown quickly once cut, so prepping right before air frying yields the best texture and flavor.
Do I need to spray the air fryer basket with oil?
Not necessarily. Since the apples are already tossed in oil, they tend to cook well without sticking. If your air fryer basket is prone to sticking, a light spray can help, but it’s usually not required.
How can I make the apples saucier?
If you love saucier apples, add more melted butter or substitute part of the sugar with maple syrup. This will create a lovely sauce that coats the apples beautifully, perfect for drizzling over pancakes or ice cream.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Air Fryer Apples Recipe is one of those magic dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, made effortlessly in just minutes. It’s versatile, simple, and utterly delicious — perfect for brightening up any meal or satisfying a sweet craving quickly. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every tender, cinnamon-kissed bite just as much as I do!
Print
Cinnamon Air Fryer Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Apples are a quick and delicious treat featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apple slices with a touch of buttery sweetness. Perfect as a warm side dish, a delightful topping for ice cream, or simply enjoyed on their own. Ready in just 15 minutes, these apples offer a healthier, air-fried alternative to traditional fried apples, combining the crispness of fresh fruit with aromatic cinnamon and vanilla flavors.
Ingredients
Apples
- 4 small/medium apples (Gala recommended)
Seasoning and Flavor
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon (divided)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Fat and Oil
- 1 tablespoon canola oil (or vegetable oil)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Remove the cores from the apples and slice them into ½ inch thick slices. Choose whether to keep the peel or remove it based on preference. Then, in a large bowl, toss the apple slices with canola oil, vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to evenly coat.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and allow it to preheat fully before cooking the apples to ensure even, optimal cooking.
- Arrange and cook apples: Lightly spritz the air fryer basket with oil if desired (optional) to prevent sticking. Place the apple slices evenly in the basket, being careful to avoid overlapping as much as possible. Air fry the apples for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through (around 5 minutes) to facilitate even cooking and browning.
- Toss with butter and sugar: Once the apples are tender and cooked through, transfer them to a bowl. Immediately toss the warm apple slices with the melted butter, remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and sugar to enhance the flavor and create a subtle glaze.
- Serve and store: Serve the apples immediately while warm as a side dish, dessert topping, or snack. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Notes
- Slice apples just before cooking to prevent browning and maintain fresh appearance and flavor.
- Choose firm, sweet apple varieties such as Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp for the best texture and taste.
- For saucier apples, increase melted butter by about 2 tablespoons or substitute sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup for added moisture and sweetness.
- Monitor the air fryer closely after shaking the basket at the midpoint, checking every 2 minutes to prevent overcooking or burning, as air fryers vary in heat intensity.
