Air Fryer Apples Recipe

These air fried baked apples offer a delightful fusion of juicy fruit, natural sweetness, and aromatic spices. Infused with maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg, each crisp bite is enhanced with a touch of lemon and optional crunchy nuts and raisins. This healthy treat is a charming way to indulge in dessert without guilt.

I’m excited to share my Air Fryer Apples recipe that brings out the natural sweetness in every bite. I start off by using 4 medium apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, which are packed with vitamins and fiber.

I add 1 tablespoon lemon juice to help preserve their color along with 2 tablespoons maple syrup as a natural sweetener. Then, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg boost the flavor and even add a bit of antioxidant power.

Sometimes, I like to mix in 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and even toss in 2 tablespoons raisins if I feel like a touch more texture. A little butter cut into small cubes is added to round the flavors out.

I use the air fryer to achieve that perfect tender and slightly crisp finish that is like fried apples in air fryer recipes without a lot of extra fat. This recipe is a great healthy dessert or snack option.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me those cozy fall vibes with every bite. The mix of warm spices and the natural sweetness of the apples makes it taste like a little slice of autumn. I also like that it’s super easy to whip up in the air fryer without having to wait forever. Plus, I enjoy playing around with the optional nuts and raisins – they add a nice crunch and extra flavor. Lastly, knowing it’s a healthier dessert makes me feel good about treating myself.

I call these air fryer baked apples a cool, healthy dessert or a snack that just hits the spot. They’re not overly complicated – you just core a few apples, mix up some maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and stuff everything in there. Then you throw ’em in the air fryer for a bit until they’re soft and perfectly warm. Its a simple yet super tasty treat that’s perfect when youre craving something sweet but don’t wanna spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Crunchy, fiber packed apples add natural sweetness and essential vitamins to dish.
• Lemon juice brightens flavor with a tang, helps prevent browning and balances sweetness.
• Maple syrup adds rich natural sweetness; its simple carbs give energy and warmth.
• Cinnamon brings a spicy aroma that complements apples and may support healthy blood sugar.
• Walnuts/pecans offer crunchy texture, healthy fats, protein and extra fiber for a boost.
• Raisins provide tiny bursts of sweetness and natural sugars, adding a chewy texture.
• Butter enriches taste with smooth mouthfeel, but dont overdo it.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 2 tablespoons raisins (optional)
• 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small cubes

How to Make this

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.

2. Wash the apples, then carefully core them using an apple corer or a small knife, making sure to leave a bit of the bottom intact.

3. Brush the insides and outsides of the apples with lemon juice to help prevent browning.

4. In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.

5. Spoon the spice mixture generously into the hollowed cores of each apple.

6. If you’re using chopped walnuts or pecans and raisins, sprinkle them into the cavities over the spice mixture.

7. Place the small butter cubes on top of the filling in each apple.

8. Arrange the apples in the air fryer basket in a single layer so they cook evenly.

9. Air fry the apples for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are tender when tested with a fork.

10. Let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving and enjoy your healthy dessert or snack!

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer with a basket
2. Apple corer or a small knife and a cutting board
3. Small bowl for mixing maple syrup, cinnamon and nutmeg
4. Measuring spoons for the lemon juice, maple syrup and spices
5. Pastry brush to spread the lemon juice
6. Spoon for scooping the spice mixture into the apples
7. Fork to test if the apples are tender

FAQ

Air Fryer Apples Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have lemon juice, you can use a splash of lime juice or even a light white vinegar mixed with water
• Instead of maple syrup, honey or agave nectar works pretty well as a sweetener
• If you’re out of ground cinnamon, try using pumpkin pie spice for a similar warm flavor
• You can substitute ground nutmeg with a pinch of allspice which gives a nutty kick
• For butter, coconut oil or margarine are good alternatives when you’re in a pinch

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you dont overcrowd the air fryer basket so each apple cooks evenly; if they’re too squished, some parts might be underdone.
2. Let the apples cool for a couple minutes after they come out so that the flavors gets a chance to settle in properly, it really helps the filling thicken a bit.
3. Experiment a bit with the spices and nuts – if you like them crunchier or a bit sweeter, a small tweak with extra nuts or a little more maple syrup could really uplevel the taste.
4. Keep an eye on the time during air frying; since air fryers can vary a lot, check your apples a little early to make sure they dont overcook.