There’s something about warm apples and cinnamon that just feels like fall wrapped in a bowl. Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples are exactly thattender, caramelized apple slices coated in cinnamon and a hint of brown sugar, ready in just 10 minutes.
I started testing this back in 2021 when I realized the air fryer could caramelize fruit without any babysitting. The edges get golden and slightly crisp while the centers stay softalmost like baked apples, but faster and with way less cleanup. After tweaking the temperature a few times, I landed on 375°F for that perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples Recipe Easy Quick and Delicious
Ingredients
Method
- Slice the apples into half-inch pieces, removing the core.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stove.
- Blend the brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract into the melted butter and mix well.
- Toss the apple slices in the cinnamon butter mixture to coat evenly.
- Place the coated apples into the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 380 degrees F for 10 minutes, checking for doneness around 8 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy your delicious cinnamon apples.
Notes
- Make sure each apple slice is fully coated in the cinnamon sugar mix before air frying. If your air fryer basket tends to stick, lightly oil or spray it beforehand. Cooking times can vary based on your air fryer model and the thickness of apple slices. You may peel the apples if preferred.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dessert hits all the right notes without any of the fuss. You’re getting warm, tender apples with caramelized edges in less time than it takes to preheat your oven. The brown sugar and cinnamon create this gorgeous glaze that clings to every slice, and the whole thing comes together in one bowl before heading to the air fryer.
- Fast and forgiving: Just 10 minutes of cooking time, and you can check early if you like your apples on the firmer side
- Minimal cleanup: One bowl for mixing, and most air fryer baskets release these beautifully without sticking
- Naturally sweet: The apples do most of the workyou’re just enhancing what’s already there
- Endlessly versatile: Serve them warm over ice cream, stir into oatmeal, or eat them straight from the basket with a fork
What You’ll Need
The ingredient list here is wonderfully short. You probably have most of these in your pantry right now, which is exactly how I like my weeknight desserts to work.
Start with your applestwo large or three small work perfectly. I’ve tested this with Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Fuji, and they all caramelize beautifully. The butter melts into a silky base for your coating, while brown sugar adds that deep, molasses-y sweetness that white sugar just can’t match. Cinnamon is your star spice here, and a splash of vanilla extract rounds everything out with warmth.
| Ingredient | Easy Swap |
|---|---|
| Butter | Coconut oil or vegan butter |
| Brown sugar | Maple syrup or coconut sugar (reduce by 1 Tbsp) |
| Cinnamon | Apple pie spice or pumpkin spice blend |
| Vanilla extract | Almond extract (use half the amount) |
How to Make It
Here’s the beautiful part: this recipe is almost impossible to mess up. You’re basically tossing apple slices in a cinnamon-butter mixture and letting the air fryer work its magic. The even heat circulation caramelizes the coating while keeping the apples tender.
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Slice apples into ½-inch pieces, removing the core |
| 2 | Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl |
| 3 | Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth |
| 4 | Add apple slices and toss until fully coated |
| 5 | Transfer to air fryer basket and cook at 380°F for 10 minutes |
| 6 | Serve warm with your favorite toppings |
Pro Tip: If your air fryer runs hot or you prefer firmer apples, start checking around the 8-minute mark. Every machine cooks a little differently, and you’ll quickly learn what works best for yours.
Troubleshooting and Tips
After testing this dozens of times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make the process even smoother. The biggest thing? Make sure every apple slice gets coated in that cinnamon mixture before it goes into the basket. Any dry spots won’t caramelize as well.
- Sticking issues? A light spray of oil on your basket before adding the apples works wonders, especially with older air fryer models
- Apples too soft? Cut them slightly thicker or reduce the cook time by 2 minutes
- Want them extra caramelized? Add an extra minute or two, watching closely to avoid burning
- Peeling preference: I leave the skins on for texture and nutrients, but peel them if that’s your thing
Serving and Storage
These Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples are best enjoyed warm, straight from the basket. I love them spooned over vanilla ice cream where the warm apples meet the cold cream and everything gets a little melty. They’re also incredible stirred into yogurt for breakfast, layered into parfaits, or tucked into pancakes.
| Storage Method | How Long | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | 2 hours | Immediate serving |
| Refrigerator (airtight container) | 3-4 days | Meal prep, cold toppings |
| Reheating (air fryer) | 2-3 minutes at 350°F | Restoring warmth and texture |
Note: The texture softens slightly after refrigeration, but a quick reheat in the air fryer brings back most of that caramelized edge. You can also microwave them for 30 seconds if you’re in a hurry, though they won’t crisp up quite as nicely.
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FAQs ( Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples )
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala hold their shape beautifully during cooking. I avoid softer apples like Red Delicious as they can turn mushy. The natural tartness of Granny Smith pairs especially well with the sweet cinnamon coating.
How long do these cooked apples stay fresh?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a covered container. They taste great cold or can be reheated in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes. The texture is best when enjoyed fresh, but they still make a delicious snack later.
Can I make this dish without added sugar?
Absolutely! The natural sweetness of apples combined with cinnamon creates plenty of flavor on its own. You can also substitute with maple syrup, honey, or sugar-free alternatives if you prefer. Start with less and adjust to your taste preferences.
Why do my apples turn out too soft or mushy?
This usually happens from overcooking or using soft apple varieties. Reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes and check for doneness earlier. Also ensure your apple slices aren’t too thin – aim for 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness for the best texture.
What are some tasty serving suggestions for this dessert?
These taste amazing over vanilla ice cream, mixed into oatmeal, or alongside pancakes for breakfast. I also love them as a healthy snack with a dollop of Greek yogurt. They make an excellent topping for cheesecake or pound cake too.
Final Thoughts
You’ll love how these Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples turn outgolden edges, tender centers, and that irresistible cinnamon-sugar glaze clinging to every slice. They cook in 10 minutes flat, which means you can have warm, comforting dessert ready faster than you’d believe. The aroma alone will have everyone wandering into the kitchen asking what smells so good.
Here’s a trick I picked up from endless testing: toss leftovers into morning pancake batter for instant apple cinnamon pancakes. You can also swap the cinnamon for cardamom if you’re feeling adventurous, or drizzle everything with a little caramel sauce before serving. Store extras in the fridge for up to four days, then reheat them in the air fryer for two minutes to bring back that caramelized magic.
I’d love to see how yours turn outtag me with your photos or tell me what you served them with. Did your grandma make something similar on the stovetop? There’s something about warm apples that connects us all to cozy memories. Save this one for your next family gathering, or just make it tonight because you deserve something sweet and simple.
