The smell of warm apples and cinnamon drifting through the kitchen… oh, it takes me straight back to my grandma’s house in October. These Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples bring that same sweet-cozy magic, but with way less fuss. All the flavor of a baked apple dish, and done in under 15 minutes. No peeling, no stove, no babysittingjust fragrant, tender apples kissed with spice. It’s the kind of snack that’s cozy, nostalgic, and trending for good reason.
This recipe wraps juicy apple slices in a whisper of maple, cinnamon, and just a touch of butter. The air fryer gives them that caramelized edge, like they just came out of a piebut with no crust (or guilt). You don’t even need a mixing bowleverything gets tossed together in one step. It’s like the apple pie filling you’d sneak out of the pan before dinner, but light enough for an everyday sweet treat.
I started making these back in fall 2020, when we were stuck inside and craving comfort that wouldn’t weigh us down. My husband took one bite and said, “Tastes like warm pie without the nap afterward.” The key? Slice the apples evenly so they cook at the same paceand a tiny squeeze of lemon to brighten the cinnamon. After over a decade of crafting healthy comfort recipes, this one’s a go-to in our house.
Olivia Farnsworth
Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples Recipe You Need to Try
Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples are a delicious and easy dessert that you can whip up in minutes. This Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples recipe features tender apple slices coated in a sweet brown sugar cinnamon mixture, making it a perfect guilt-free treat. Enjoy warm, flavorful apples that taste like autumn in every bite.
Cut apples into slices ½ inch thick and discard the core.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove.
Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract to the melted butter. Stir until combined.
Add apple slices to the cinnamon mixture and stir until all apples are evenly coated.
Place the coated apples in the air fryer basket.
Cook at 380 degrees F for 10 minutes, checking around 8 minutes for desired doneness.
Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
Ensure all apple slices are fully coated in the cinnamon sugar mixture before air frying. If your air fryer basket tends to stick, lightly brush or spray with oil before adding apples. Cooking times may vary based on air fryer models and apple slice thickness. Peeling apples is optional.
Craving a warm, cozy treat that’s both simple and satisfying? These Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples are your answer! In under 15 minutes, you can transform crisp apples into tender, caramelized bites bursting with comforting cinnamon spice. The air fryer works its magic, locking in natural sugars and creating a delicious texture without the need for excess oil, making this a smart and efficient choice for a quick snack or healthy dessert.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples
Quick and easy: Only 15 minutes from start to finishperfect for when you want a simple cozy treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
Healthy-ish comfort food: All the warm, caramelized flavors of baked apples, but lighter and without extra sugar overload.
No peeling required: Save time and enjoy the tender, baked-like texture with the apple skins still on.
Perfect for all occasions: These apples are just as good as an afternoon snack as they are a delightful side for breakfast or dessert.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things deliciously simple with everyday pantry staples. You may already have these on hand!
2-3 Medium Apples: (About 4 cups sliced) Choose sweet-tart varieties like Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith for a balanced flavor and firm texture that holds up well during cooking.
2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Melted. Adds richness and helps create that velvety cinnamon coating.
2-3 Tablespoons Brown Sugar: Packed. Adjust to your sweetness preference. Gives just the right amount of sweetness with a caramel-like depth.
1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: The star of the show! You only need a teaspoon to fill your kitchen with warmth.
½ Teaspoon Vanilla Extract: A little splash enhances the cozy flavor profile, adding depth and warmth.
Pro Tip: If your apples are quite tart, you can sprinkle a pinch of extra sugar into the mix for balance.
Quick Ingredient Breakdown
Ingredient
Purpose
Apples
Base of the recipe; provides natural sweetness and structure
Butter
Helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick and adds richness
Brown Sugar
Sweetens the apples and creates light caramelization
Cinnamon
Adds warmth and spice
Vanilla Extract
Rounds out the flavors with a hint of depth
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep your apples: Slice them into evenly sized ½-inch wedges and discard the cores. You can leave the peels on for texture and ease.
Make the cinnamon mixture: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. It’ll smell irresistible already!
Coat the apples: Toss the apple slices in the buttery cinnamon mixture until they’re completely covered. Don’t skimpthis is where all the magic happens.
Cook: Place the coated apples in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through.
Serve: Remove the apples once they’re tender and golden with slightly caramelized edges. Enjoy warm!
Note: Every air fryer is a little different. Start checking your apples around the 8-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
Tips and Troubleshooting
Apples sticking?: If your air fryer tends to stick, give the basket a light spritz of oil before adding the apples.
Undercooked or overcooked apples?: Slice your apples evenly for even cooking. If your first batch seems a touch firm, add another 1-2 minutes and adjust for future batches.
Too sweet for your taste?: Use less brown sugar, or try a lighter mix of sugar and cinnamon to tone it down.
Cooking Time and Adjustments
Apple Slice Thickness
Recommended Cook Time
¼-inch slices
7-8 minutes
½-inch slices
10 minutes
Thicker slices
12-14 minutes (check often!)
Serving and Storage
Serving ideas: These air fryer cinnamon apples are heavenly on their own, but you can pair them with a scoop of vanilla yogurt, oatmeal, or even a dollop of whipped cream for dessert.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to regain that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Pro Tip: Make a bigger batch and freeze the extras for a quick snack whenever cravings strike. Reheat straight from frozen at 370°F for 5-7 minutes.
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The Journey to Perfect Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples
I must have made this air fryer cinnamon apples recipe a dozen times before nailing the balance of tender sweetness and just a hint of spice. Early on, I learned not to overcrowd the basket or the apples would steam instead of crisp. Today’s version is the cozy, fragrant treat I’ve been working toward all along.
FAQs ( Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples )
Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
Frozen apples can work but may release extra moisture, potentially making the dish softer. For best results, thaw and pat them dry before air frying. This helps maintain the crisp texture while still bringing out the cinnamon flavors.
What type of apples are best for the dish?
Firm apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith work great here. They hold their shape well during cooking and balance the sweetness with a slight tartness. These varieties complement the cinnamon perfectly in easy air fryer cinnamon apples.
How do I prevent apples from sticking in the air fryer?
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil before adding the apples. Tossing the apples with a little oil also helps them brown evenly and prevents sticking. Avoid overcrowding to ensure good air circulation.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh for optimal texture, but you can prepare the apples ahead and store them in the fridge. Reheat gently in the air fryer or microwave to retain flavor and warmth. Avoid long storage to keep the apples from becoming mushy.
What are some serving ideas for this meal?
This meal pairs wonderfully with oatmeal, yogurt, or even vanilla ice cream. You can also add it as a topping for pancakes or waffles. Its warm cinnamon flavor makes an excellent complement to breakfast or dessert dishes.
Conclusion
The Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples you just made are a quick, cozy delightready in under 15 minutes with tender, warm slices kissed by cinnamon and a touch of sweetness. You’ll love how effortlessly they turn out, filling your kitchen with that familiar, comforting aroma that feels just like grandma’s house in fall.
For a twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or swapping brown sugar for maple syrup to deepen the flavor. Leftovers? Pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to refresh that fresh-baked charm. It’s a simple, flexible recipe that fits right into family meals or a fuss-free snack anytime.
Be sure to share your cozy creations or tell medid you grow up sneaking bites of warm cinnamon apples, too? Pass this recipe along and enjoy making sweet memories, one bite at a time. Trust me, you’ll wanna make these again and again.
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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