If you’re craving a warm, cozy treat that’s easy to whip up and bursting with comforting flavors, the Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This delicious snack takes juicy apples, wraps them in a snuggly mix of cinnamon and sweet maple syrup, and crisps them perfectly in the air fryer to create a caramelized, tender, and slightly crispy delight. It’s quick, fuss-free, and perfect for a wholesome dessert or snack that feels like a hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity, using only a handful of ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role from the tartness of the apples to the warm spice of cinnamon and the sweet richness of maple syrup.
- 2 large apples: Choose Braeburn, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp for that ideal balance of tartness and sweetness.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Adds warmth and a classic cozy spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup: Provides natural sweetness and a subtle depth of flavor; can be swapped for your preferred sweetener.
- 2 tsp oil or butter (optional): Enhances richness and helps get the apples beautifully caramelized.
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Apples
Start by greasing your air fryer tray or lining it with an air fryer liner to prevent sticking. If you prefer, peel the apples before chopping, but leaving the skin on adds wonderful texture and nutrients. Cut the apples into small squares or sticks to ensure even cooking and maximum caramelized edges.
Step 2: Coat with Cinnamon and Sweetener
In a mixing bowl, toss the chopped apples with the cinnamon, maple syrup, and the optional melted butter or oil. This mixture will infuse every bite with a perfectly balanced sweetness and spice while helping the apples crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it heat up while you finish preparations. Preheating is key to achieving that golden, caramelized finish on your apples.
Step 4: Arrange Apples in the Air Fryer
Place the coated apples in a single layer on your air fryer tray. If your air fryer basket is small, it’s better to cook in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause steaming instead of crisping.
Step 5: Air Fry and Toss
Cook the apples for 7 minutes, then give the tray a gentle shake or stir to help the apples cook evenly and promote that irresistible golden crust forming all around.
Step 6: Finish Cooking
Return the apples to the air fryer and cook for an additional 8 minutes or until they’re tender, crispy on the edges, and caramelized to perfection. The aroma at this point will be absolutely irresistible!
How to Serve Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your finished apples with a pinch of extra cinnamon or chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts to add a lovely crunch. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate this simple snack into a dreamy dessert experience.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a warm bowl of oatmeal or creamy yogurt for breakfast or brunch. It can also be a delicious topping for pancakes, waffles, or even a complement to spiced pork or chicken for a sweet-savory twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stuffing the Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples Recipe inside puff pastry for an easy apple tart, or layer them over granola and drizzle with honey for a stunning parfait. You can also serve them in small ramekins with a sprinkle of granola for a portable snack or shareable treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The apples will keep their flavor well but might soften a bit more, which still works great for oatmeal or yogurt toppings.
Freezing
Freezing cooked apples isn’t usually recommended as the texture will become mushy upon thawing, but you can freeze the raw, coated apple pieces in a single layer on a tray and then transfer them to a bag for up to 2 months. Cook them straight from frozen in the air fryer, adding a couple extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, spread the apples on a baking sheet or air fryer basket and warm at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. This helps to revive some crispiness without turning them too mushy, unlike microwaving which tends to create sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for the Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples Recipe?
Absolutely! While Braeburn, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp work wonderfully because they hold their shape and offer a nice balance of tartness and sweetness, you can experiment with Fuji, Gala, or even Pink Lady apples depending on your preferred sweetness and texture.
Is it necessary to add oil or butter?
Oil or butter is optional but recommended to enrich the flavor and help caramelize the apples. If you prefer a lighter version, skipping it will still deliver delicious results thanks to the natural sugars in the apples and maple syrup.
How long does the Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples Recipe take to cook?
The total cooking time is about 15 minutes in the air fryer, plus a few minutes for prep. It’s a quick recipe that’s perfect when you want a warm, satisfying treat in no time at all.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply use oil instead of butter, and ensure your sweetener is vegan-friendly—pure maple syrup is perfect for this. This way, everyone can enjoy the comforting flavors of the Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples Recipe.
What can I do if my air fryer is small?
If your air fryer isn’t very spacious, cook the apples in batches. Overcrowding causes steaming rather than crisping, so giving the apples space ensures they develop that perfect caramelized edge.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick, delightful treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, don’t hesitate to try the Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples Recipe. It’s simple, flexible, and irresistibly delicious—a perfect companion to chilly days or whenever you need a little comforting sweetness. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become a beloved go-to snack or dessert you’ll want to share with everyone!
Print
Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy recipe for Air Fryer Apples, perfectly spiced with cinnamon and sweetened with pure maple syrup. These crispy, caramelized apples make a delicious and healthy snack or dessert, cooked to perfection in just 20 minutes using an air fryer.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 large apples (such as Braeburn, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
- 2 tsp oil or butter (optional for richness)
Instructions
- Prepare the air fryer and apples: Grease the air fryer tray or line it with air fryer liners to prevent sticking. Peel the apples if desired, then chop them into small squares or sticks for even cooking.
- Season the apples: In a bowl, toss the chopped apples with cinnamon, pure maple syrup or your chosen sweetener, and the optional melted butter or oil to add richness and enhance the flavor.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and allow it to preheat, ensuring the apples cook evenly and develop a caramelized exterior.
- Arrange apples for cooking: Spread the seasoned apples in a single layer on the air fryer tray to ensure even air circulation and crispy results. If your air fryer is small, cook the apples in two batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Initial air frying: Cook the apples for 7 minutes, then shake the tray gently to redistribute the pieces, promoting uniform cooking and caramelization.
- Finish air frying: Continue cooking for an additional 8 minutes or until the apples are crispy on the outside and caramelized, adjusting time if necessary based on your air fryer model.
Notes
- You can peel the apples for a smoother texture or leave the skins on for added fiber and nutrients.
- Choose your preferred sweetener: pure maple syrup is recommended, but honey or agave nectar can be used as alternatives.
- The optional butter or oil adds richness and helps with caramelization but can be omitted for a lighter version.
- Ensure apples are chopped into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Serve warm as a snack, dessert, or topping for oatmeal or yogurt.
