Air Fryer Baked Apples
Air fryer baked apples are a quick and cozy dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apples with a caramel-y brown sugar center, ready in about 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 4 large large apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, Pink Lady, or Fuji work well) Choose firm varieties for best texture.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark) Maple syrup or coconut sugar can replace; measure to taste.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter Use salted and omit salt if desired.
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional; toasted adds more flavor) Omit for nut-free; substitute with raisins or granola.
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream (for serving, optional) Enhances the dessert experience.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Core each apple, leaving a 1/2–3/4 inch wall at the bottom.
- Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Spoon the sugar-cinnamon mix into each apple, packing lightly.
- Top each filled apple with a small piece of butter (about 1 tablespoon) and sprinkle nuts on top if using.
Cooking
- Arrange the apples in the air fryer basket with space between them for proper air circulation.
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes, checking at 12 minutes for tenderness with a fork.
- Remove carefully and serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Store cooled baked apples in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave. Freeze for up to 2 months without ice cream, and thaw overnight before reheating.