These delicious Air Fryer Apples are the perfectly tender and full of warm, cinnamon flavor! Air fried apples are the best topping for oatmeal, ice cream, and more.

Air Fried Apples

These delicious air fryer apples taste just like a classic apple pie filling without all the work! Cooked until softened, covered in cinnamon, butter, and maple syrup, these make an easy dessert or breakfast. Top the cooked apples with granola, stir them into oatmeal, or add them to a bowl of vanilla bean ice cream for a snack you will love!

Why you’ll love it:

• Simple – You only need four simple ingredients, all widely available at your average grocery store. The prep and cooking processes are simple, too–Just toss two ingredients together, air fry, then toss in remaining ingredients… So easy!
• Versatile – Toss these on top of ice cream, stir into oatmeal, enjoy with yogurt, top with granola, add to a spicy pork chop… The options are only as limited as your imagination! You can even customize the seasonings (try pumpkin spice for an extra boost of fall!).
• Convenient – These apples will last 5-7 days, so it’s a great meal prep recipe for tons of occasions! Make several batches and enjoy as a part of desserts, breakfasts, and snacks all week long. It’s also naturally gluten-free, grain-free, and nut-free!

Air Fryer Apple Ingredients

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for exact measurements.

• Fresh apples – I love sweet apple dishes, so I used honey crisp. Gala or Fuji would also be great sweet varieties. If you love a more tart flavor, use Granny Smith apples instead! You could even use a mix. Peel them, core them, and cut them into 1/4-inch thick slices.
• Unsalted butter – Melted. This adds a beautiful flavor to the apples, and I have not tried any butter substitutes.
• Maple syrup and ground cinnamon – The perfect flavors with apples! If you’re watching your sugars, feel free to use sugar-free maple syrup instead.

For this recipe, you’ll also need a mixing bowl and an air fryer.

How to Cook Apples in the Air Fryer

This simple recipe is the perfect low-effort recipe for the air fryer. Here’s the step-by-step guide for making the best air fryer apples.

Coat

First, get your air fryer preheating to 375 degrees F. While that’s warming up, toss your sliced apples into a mixing bowl with half of the melted butter. Toss to coat well.

Cook

Spray the air fryer basket with oil, then pour in the buttery apples. Let air fry for 14-16 minutes, tossing every 5 minutes to make sure they cook evenly.

Season

Remove the air fried apples from the basket and return them to the mixing bowl. Add in the remaining melted butter as well as the syrup and ground cinnamon. Toss to coat the cooked apples in the delicious spice and syrup, then serve immediately.

How to serve air fryer apples

We love these apples literally any and every way we’ve tried. They’re delicious plain, topped with whipped cream, or ice cream. They’re a great mix-in for oatmeal, yogurt, or cheesecake filling for easy parfaits, too. Try some with this delicious caramel sauce… It’s too good! If you top these apples with granola, you’ll notice it’s like an easy snack version of a classic apple crisp!

More ways to use cooked apples

• Top pancakes or waffles – Whip up some quick protein pancakes and top with these apples for a fall-inspired, balanced breakfast.
• Add to baked goods – Push cupcakes, cheesecakes, and muffins over the edge by adding these soft, seasoned apples. Pour them between a tasty crust and crumbly topping to make easy crumble bars.
• Serve as a side with pork – Apples and pork are best companions! These sweet, softened apples work great with a spicy pork entree like these Blackened Pork Chops.

Store

These apples are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days. The soft texture keeps well, but you might notice the syrup can get more sticky the longer it sits. A quick blast in the microwave and a stir, and it’s good as new!

Freeze

You can freeze these apples to use them later, too! Make several batches when apples are on sale, then freeze in individual portions for simple meal prep desserts. This is the perfect way to prepare ahead of time for holidays and company! Allow apples to cool completely, then spoon into a freezer-safe container. Press out all air, then freeze and enjoy within 6 months for the best flavor and texture.

Reheat

To reheat, simply microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between blasts. You could also reheat in a skillet on low or in a covered dish in the oven. If it looks like it’s drying out a bit, add a tiny bit of butter or syrup when reheating.

If you love this apple recipe, you’ll love these fall favorites!

• Cranberry Apple Kale Salad – This delicious autumn harvest salad is healthy and full of different textures and flavors! Perfect for packing for lunch.
• Slow Cooker Spiced Apples – If you struggle to choose apples or pumpkin every fall, you’re in luck! These pumpkin spiced apples have the best of both worlds.
• Easy Apple Butter – This simple recipe is AMAZING spread on biscuits or toast! It’s perfectly creamy, wonderfully spiced, and makes delicious crumble bars, too.
• Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal – This is a great breakfast recipe for holidays when there’s company around! It makes a ton, and the flavor is absolutely delicious.
• Apple Bacon Cheddar Panini – This sandwich has everything–Salty cheddar, crunchy bacon, juicy apples, and perfectly toasted bread… It’s the BEST lunch sandwich!