Last Updated on August 3, 2023 by MOe

Apples are not only delicious but also nutritious. They are packed with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

While apples are commonly eaten raw, baking them brings out their natural sweetness and makes them irresistibly tender.

One of the easiest and quickest ways to bake apples is by using an air fryer.

Air fryers use rapidly circulating hot air to cook food.

This allows food to cook fast without the need for oil.

Baked apples made in the air fryer turn out moist and caramelized.

The apples become melt-in-your-mouth soft while keeping their shape. The air fryer gives them a lightly crisped exterior.

Follow this simple recipe below to make the perfect air fryer baked apples at home.

Ingredients Needed for air fryer baked apples

– 4 medium-sized baking apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji)
– 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces
– 1/3 cup dried cranberries, cherries, raisins, or chopped dates
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
– Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries for serving (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

– Air fryer
– Apple corer or paring knife
– Small spoon

Step-by-Step Method

1. Core the apples using an apple corer. Coring them from the top and going almost all the way to the bottom. This creates a well in the apples for the filling. You can also core them from the side with a paring knife.

2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3. Stuff each apple cavity with 1 tablespoon of the sugar-spice mixture.

4. Top the filling with 1/2 tablespoon of the butter.

5. Add the dried fruit or nuts. Press them gently into the filling.

6. Place the stuffed apples in the air fryer basket. Do not crowd them.

7. Air fry at 360°F for 15-20 minutes, until the apples are fork tender.

8. Let the baked apples cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy them plain or topped with ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries.

The air fryer works wonderfully to make baked apples. The circulating hot air penetrates the apples and cooks them evenly. It also helps the filling and exterior get caramelized.

Compared to baking apples in the oven, using an air fryer shortens the cooking time significantly. Oven baking takes over an hour but the air fryer does the job in just 15-20 minutes!

Making baked apples in the air fryer is so easy. Below are some tips to help you get picture-perfect results every time.

Choosing the Right Apples

Pick firm, tart apples that can hold their shape after baking. Soft apples like McIntosh will turn mushy. The best apples for baking whole are:

– Honeycrisp – Extremely crisp and juicy. Holds its shape well.

– Fuji – Sweet and dense. Great texture.

– Gala – Firm with nice balance of sweet/tart.

– Granny Smith – Tart and sturdy. Retains shape after baking.

– Pink Lady – Crisp, juicy, and slightly tangy. Good choice.

Sizing the Apples

Go for medium-sized apples about 6-7 inches in circumference. Large apples may not cook through fully while small ones can overcook and burst.

Coring Technique

Use an apple corer to remove the inner core and create a cavity. Coring from the top and going almost to the bottom provides more space for fillings.

If you don’t have an apple corer, cut around the core from the side with a paring knife. Don’t core too deep or the base will fall apart.

Getting the Right Fillings

The fillings provide moisture and flavor to the baked apples. Go beyond just sugar and spice and use:

– Diced dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, apricots
– Chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, almonds
– Shredded coconut
– Chocolate chips or chunks
– Pie filling like apple, cherry, blueberry

Preventing Bursting

Poking the skin with a knife before baking allows steam to escape and prevents bursting.

Basting the skin with butter or milk also makes the apples tender and less likely to split open.

Air Fryer Temperature

360°F is ideal for baking apples without overcooking the exterior before the insides soften.

Higher temps above 400°F can make the apples burn on the outside before cooking through.

Standing Time

Letting the baked apples stand for 5-10 minutes before serving allows the heat to evenly distribute. This completes the cooking process.

Digging into hot baked apples right away can cause the fillings to spill out.

Serving Suggestions

– Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt. The contrast of hot and cold is delicious.

– Add a dollop of whipped cream. Its airy sweetness pairs perfectly.

– Drizzle with caramel sauce for added decadence.

– Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before serving for extra crunch.

– Serve with fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries.

– Drizzle with a little honey for natural sweetness.

– Sprinkle chopped nuts on top for some crunch.

Now that you know how easy making baked apples in an air fryer is, try this recipe! The air fryer gives them a tender interior and crispy exterior in minutes.

Baked apples make a quick, healthy dessert. They are also great for breakfast or a snack.

More Air Fryer Baked Apple Recipes to Try

While the basic baked apple recipe is a foolproof classic, there are many ways to adapt it based on your tastes. Change up the fillings or toppings to create delicious flavor combinations.

Here are some more air fryer baked apple recipe ideas:

Caramel Apple Delight

– Core apples and fill with caramel sauce or dulce de leche
– Top with chopped pecans
– Drizzle with more caramel after baking

The sweet, buttery caramel melts and creates an irresistible sauce. Pecans add crunch while more caramel finishes it off.

Apple Pie

– Fill cored apples with store-bought apple pie filling
– Sprinkle tops with streusel topping
– Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Get your apple pie fix conveniently with this easy air fryer version. Readymade pie filling and streusel make it a breeze.

Apple Cranberry Crumble

– Fill apples with fresh or dried cranberries, brown sugar, and lemon juice
– Top with a simple oat and nut crumble mixture
– Bake until crumble is crispy on top

The cranberries create a tangy sweet filling while the crumble adds fabulous texture.

Apple Peanut Butter

– Core apples and fill with peanut butter and chocolate chips
– Top with more peanut butter before baking
– Can sprinkle chopped peanuts on top after baking

If you love peanut butter and chocolate, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The hot melty peanut butter takes this treat over the top.

Apple Cinnamon Roll

– Fill apples with a mixture of brown sugar, nuts, raisins, and cinnamon
– Top with canned cinnamon roll dough, pinched into pieces
– Bake until the dough is cooked through and glazed on top

It’s like getting cinnamon rolls conveniently stuffed into perfect apple vessels. The apples balance the richness.

Maple Walnut Apple

– Fill apples with walnuts, maple syrup, and brown sugar
– Sprinkle more walnuts on top
– Drizzle with more maple syrup after baking

Maple syrup gives these apples characteristic sweetness. Toasted walnuts pair nicely and add texture.

Apple Cobbler

– Core apples and fill with fresh or frozen berries
– Top with biscuit dough and sugar
– Bake until golden on top

This twist on cobbler bakes neatly in the apple skins. The apple and biscuit soak up the bubbling berry juices.

As you can see, the basic baked apple recipe can be adapted in endless ways. Apple’s affinity for baking makes it the perfect vessel for all kinds of fillings from fruit to nuts to candy.

Feel free to customize and get creative based on your preferences. The air fryer will bake the apples to tender perfection every time.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Baked Apples

While baking apples in the air fryer is super easy, there are some tips to take your baked apples from great to spectacular.

Follow these pro tips for air fryer baked apples with amazing flavor and texture:

Brush with Butter

Brushing the cored apples with melted butter before baking keeps the skins tender and helps the exterior caramelize. The butter also adds richness.

Stuff the Cores

Push the filling down into the cored-out apple centers for more room. Really stuff and pack it in for best results.

Keep Them Upright

Sit the apples upright in the air fryer basket so the filling doesn’t leak out. You may need to balance them against each other.

Give Them Space

Do not crowd the apples in the air fryer basket. Leave at least 1 inch around each apple for even airflow.

Bake Slightly Underdone

Take the apples out when slightly undercooked. The residual heat will finish the baking process and prevent overcooking.

Rest Before Eating

Let the baked apples cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows them to set up.

Add Crunch Toppings

Toppings like crushed cookies, granola, chopped nuts, or coconut provide delicious contrasting crunch. Sprinkle them on before serving.

Drizzle on Sauces

Sweet drizzles like caramel, chocolate, or fruit sauces pair fabulously with warm baked apples. Let your imagination run wild with toppings and sauces.

Balance Sweet and Tart

Offset the sweetness of baked apples with a dollop of tart yogurt or sour cream. Lemon or lime zest also cuts the richness.

Make Easy Ice Cream Sundae

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top with some nuts, caramel, or chocolate sauce for an instant dessert.

With these pro tips, your air fryer baked apples will impress anyone with their fantastic flavors and textures.

Common Problems and Easy Fixes

Air fryer baked apples are generally foolproof but sometimes minor problems can occur:

Apples Burst and Leak Juices

**Fix:** Use firm, tart apples and poke skins with a knife before baking. Brush with butter or milk. Don’t over stuff apples.

Apples Fall Over in Basket

**Fix:** Balance apples against each other so they remain upright. You can also place them on a baking rack.

Uneven Cooking

**Fix:** Do not overload the air fryer basket. Leave space around the apples for air circulation. Flip apples midway through cooking.

Tough Apple Skins

**Fix:** Brush apples with butter or milk before baking. Don’t use Granny Smith or other very firm varieties.

Overcooked Apple Exterior

**Fix:** Reduce air fryer temperature to 300-320°F. Cook apples less so residual heat finishes baking.

Undercooked Apple Insides

**Fix:** Increase temperature to 380°F. Check doneness earlier and cook longer if needed. Stuff apples well so insides have filling.

Filling Falls Out

**Fix:** Really press and pack filling into cored apple centers before baking. Sit apples upright so filling doesn’t leak out.

Too Dry

**Fix:** Use very juicy apple varieties and add generous amounts of filling ingredients like butter, caramel or fruit. Keep an eye on cooking time.

Not Sweet Enough

**Fix:** Use sweeter apples like Fuji or Jazz. Increase amount of brown sugar and spices in filling. Drizzle with honey or caramel after baking.

With a few easy troubleshooting tips, you can easily prevent any issues that may arise and enjoy perfect baked apples every time.

10 Amazing Health Benefits of Apples

While apples taste great, they also provide many health benefits. Here are 10 reasons to enjoy apples daily:

1. **Full of Fiber** – Apples contain both soluble and insoluble fiber which improves digestion and heart health.

2. **Antioxidant Power** – The antioxidants in apples counter inflammation and free radicals that can damage cells.

3. **Heart Healthy** – The fiber and antioxidants in apples help reduce cholesterol which improves heart health and lowers risk of stroke.

4. **Control Blood Sugar** – The natural sugars in apples are slowly released which prevents spikes in blood glucose levels. The fiber also slows digestion.

5. **Suppress Appetite** – Apples are high in pectin which naturally suppresses appetite and makes you feel fuller longer. This aids weight loss.

6. **Detoxify the Body** – Antioxidants like quercetin bind to heavy metals and help the body eliminate toxins.

7. **Improve Respiration** – The vitamin C and antioxidants in apples fight damage from pollution and smoking while keeping lungs healthy.

8. **Prevent Alzheimer’s** – Quercetin and other antioxidants in apples help protect the brain against oxidative damage and reduce risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

9. **Reduce Cancer Risk** – The compounds in apples have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiproliferative effects that may help lower cancer risk.

10. **Boost Immunity** – Vitamin C and other nutrients in apples support a healthy immune system.

Incorporating just one apple into your daily diet provides a wealth of benefits for optimal health and wellbeing.

How to Select the Best Apples

With so many apple varieties filling produce aisles, choosing the right apple for your needs can get confusing. Learn how to pick the best quality apples:

Look for Firmness

Press the apple gently and look for a firm texture without indentations or soft spots. Avoid apples that feel spongy.

Check the Color

Apples should have bright, even color without dull spots. However, don’t judge ripeness just by redness. Some varieties stay greenish when ripe.

Examine the Stem

It should be intact and not easily detached from the apple. Avoid apples with shriveled stems.

### Inspect the Skin

Look for smooth, shiny skin without punctures, bruises or signs of decay. A few tiny lenticels or russet spots are fine.

### Feel the Weight

Heavier apples for their size tend to be fresher and juicier. Lightweight apples may be dry or mushy.

### Sniff Aroma

Apples should smell fresh, fragrant and sweet. Pass on apples that smell fermented or overripe.

### Taste Test

Sample apples in season at orchards and farmers markets. This gives the truest sense of flavor and texture.

### Know Peak Season

Buy apples in season from early fall through late winter for optimal freshness and quality.

With these tips in mind, you can sift through mounds of apples to find the perfect crisp, juicy ones every time.

Storing Apples Properly

Apples are best when fresh, but they can last for weeks if stored properly. Here are tips for keeping apples fresh and crunchy longer:

### Store in Fridge

The cold environment of the refrigerator slows ripening and preserves crispness. Place apples in the high-humidity crisper drawer.

### Keep Separate

Apples give off ethylene gas that accelerates ripening. Keep apples in a sealed container away from other produce to prevent premature spoilage.

### Avoid Plastic Bags

Trapped moisture causes apples to rot quickly. Store apples loose or in breathable bags made for produce.

### Protect from Bruises

To prevent ugly bruises, do not pile apples or place heavy objects on top of them. Wrap each apple individually if storing loose.

### Enjoy Quickly

Eat apples within a couple weeks of purchasing for best flavor and texture. Discard any that show signs of spoilage.

### Monitor Closely

Check apples frequently for any soft, shriveled or moldy ones. These can cause adjacent apples to decay.

### Display Attractively

Place fresh apples in a decorative bowl on the counter for eating within a couple days. Just keep away from direct sunlight.

With proper refrigeration and storage methods, apples can retain optimum quality for several weeks post purchase. Follow these suggestions so you can enjoy these crunchy fruits whenever you desire.

Freezing Apples for Later Use

If you find yourself with an abundance of apples, freeze the extras so you can enjoy them year round. Freezing maintains the texture and nutrients in apples. Here’s how to do it right:

### Select High-Quality Apples

Choose fresh, firm apples without blemishes or soft spots. More flavorful varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp and Gala freeze best.

### Wash and Dry Thoroughly

Clean apples in cool water, especially if freezing with skins on. Dry completely with a towel to prevent freezer burn.

### Prepare Properly

Peel, core and slice apples into 1⁄2 inch wedges if freezing for cooking. Leave whole if freezing for snacking.

### Prevent Browning

Place cut apples in acidulated water made with 1 tsp lemon juice per cup of water. This prevents oxidation.

### Line Baking Sheets

Arrange apple slices or whole apples in a single layer on parchment-lined baking sheets. Freeze solid.

### Transfer to Freezer Bags

Once frozen, transfert the apple slices or whole frozen apples to labeled freezer bags or containers. Squeeze out excess air.

 

### Freeze Promptly

 

Place bags of frozen apples in the freezer right away. Never refreeze thawed apples.

 

### Use Within 8-12 Months

 

For best quality and flavor, use frozen apples within 8 to 12 months. Discard if they turn mushy.

 

### Add to Bakes and Cooked Dishes

 

Frozen apples hold their shape when baked into crisps, pies and other dishes. Their juice also blends well into sauces.

 

### Enjoy Plain

 

Frozen whole apples make healthy snacks. Simply run them under cool water to thaw the peel and eat.

 

With these handy tips, you can freeze apples at their seasonal peak for enjoyment all year long.

 

Delicious Ways to Use Baked Apples

 

Baked apples are wonderfully versatile. Here are some delicious ways to eat and serve these treats:

 

– Top with vanilla yogurt, granola and a drizzle of honey for a healthy breakfast parfait.

 

– Stuff into oatmeal along with cinnamon, raisins and nuts for added nutrition and natural sweetness.

 

– Layer baked apple slices, sharp cheddar and spinach on whole grain bread for a tasty grilled sandwich.

 

– Chop and add to your favorite muffin batter like banana walnut or pumpkin spice.

 

– Mix into your morning pancake batter for fluffy baked apple pancakes.

 

– Make baked apple popsicles by blending baked apples and sticking popsicle sticks in the mixture then freezing.

 

– Puree baked apples with celery, parsley, lemon juice and walnuts for a nourishing cold soup.

 

– Stuff chopped baked apples, feta and walnut mixture into bell peppers and roast for a savory side.

 

– Top your green salads with sliced baked apples, dried cranberries and chopped pecans.

 

– Layer yogurt, granola, baked apples and caramel sauce in jars for grab-and-go parfaits.

 

– Make apple nachos by topping baked apple slices with peanut butter, chocolate chips, nuts and shredded coconut.

 

The possibilities are endless! Baked apples pair wonderfully in both sweet and savory dishes.

 

Healthy Air Fryer Baked Apple Recipes

 

The air fryer lets you quickly bake apples into delicious treats that are healthy too. Try these nutritious recipes:

 

### Greek Yogurt Apple Crisp

 

Ingredients:

 

– 4 apples, cored

– 2 tbsp peanut butter

– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

– 1/4 cup old fashioned oats

– 1 tbsp chia seeds

– 1 tsp cinnamon

– 1 tbsp honey

– 1/4 cup slivered almonds

 

Directions:

 

1. Fill cored apples with peanut butter.

2. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, oats, chia seeds, cinnamon and honey.

3. Top apples with yogurt mixture and almonds.

4. Air fry at 360°F for 15 minutes until apples are tender.

 

This crisp is protein-packed and makes a superb breakfast.

 

### Apple Oatmeal Cookies

 

Ingredients:

 

– 1 cup applesauce

– 1/4 cup honey

– 1 egg

– 1 tsp vanilla

– 1 1/2 cups oats

– 1/2 tsp baking soda

– 1 tsp cinnamon

– 1/4 cup raisins

– 1/4 cup walnuts

 

Directions:

 

1. Mix applesauce, honey, egg and vanilla.

2. Stir in oats, baking soda, cinnamon, raisins and walnuts.

3. Scoop batter into balls and place on air fryer basket.

4. Air fry at 300°F for 14-16 minutes.

 

These soft oatmeal cookies get natural sweetness from applesauce and honey.

 

### Apple Nut Protein Muffins

 

Ingredients:

 

– 1 cup whole wheat flour

– 1/2 tsp baking soda

– 1/2 tsp baking powder

– 1/2 tsp cinnamon

– 1 egg

– 1/4 cup honey

– 1/4 cup olive oil

– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

– 1 chopped apple

– 1/4 cup walnuts

 

Directions:

 

1. Mix flour, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon.

2. Whisk egg, honey, olive oil and Greek yogurt.

3. Fold wet ingredients into dry.

4. Add apple and walnuts.

5. Distribute batter into greased or lined muffin cups.

6. Air fry at 300°F for 18 minutes.

 

The combo of whole grains, Greek yogurt, walnuts and apples makes these muffins super healthy.

 

So try out these yummy baked apple recipes made in the air fryer for a nutritious twist!