A Quick and Easy Dessert
Baked apples are a simple, comforting dessert that works year-round, but they’re especially perfect when apples are in season. Whether you’re picking fresh apples in the fall or just craving something warm and cozy, this recipe brings the flavors of apple crisp in a fraction of the time.
I love incorporating apples into everything, from Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Apples, and Brussels Sprouts to Kale Apple Walnut Salad to Chicken Salad with Apples and Dried Cranberries. When I want a quick and easy dessert, these Air Fryer Baked Apples are my go-to. The air fryer caramelizes the apples while the pecan oat topping bakes into a golden, crunchy layer.
It’s an easy, healthier dessert, perfect for a weeknight treat yet special enough to serve at a gathering.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick and Easy Dessert: No need to turn on the oven. The air fryer bakes the apples in about 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights or last-minute cravings.
- Great Flavor and Texture: The apples soften without becoming mushy, while the pecan oat topping turns crisp and golden for the perfect balance of tenderness and crunch.
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen, making this a no-fuss recipe.
- Customizable: Use your favorite fresh apples, swap pecans for walnuts, or adjust the sweetness to suit your taste.
A Healthier Way to Satisfy a Sweet Tooth
This recipe delivers the warm, cozy flavors of apple crisp while keeping things lighter. It’s naturally sweetened and made with wholesome ingredients, making it a great healthy dessert option.
Perfect for Apple Season and Holiday Gatherings
Whether you’re taking advantage of apple season with freshly picked fruit or looking for a crowd-pleasing apple dessert, this recipe fits the occasion. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat and special enough to be a great addition to a Thanksgiving spread.
You covered everything, but this version highlights your key points in a more structured way while keeping it evergreen. Let me know if you’d like any tweaks!
Tools You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes this recipe even easier:
- Air Fryer: Ensures quick, even cooking with a crisp topping.
- Paring Knife or Melon Baller: Helps core the apples and create a well for the topping.
- Mixing Bowl: For combining the crumble topping ingredients.
- Measuring Spoons & Cups: For accurate ingredient portions.
- Small Spoon: For filling the apples with the crumble topping.
- Parchment Paper or Foil (Optional): Helps prevent the topping from falling through the air fryer basket.
- Baking Dish (If Using the Oven): Needed for the Easy Baked Apples method.
Using these tools will help streamline the process and ensure the best results.
Ingredients For Air Fryer Baked Apples
Apples
The best apples for baking are firm varieties that hold their shape. Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious, which can become too mushy when baked. Some great options include:
- Granny Smith: Tart and firm, a classic choice for baking.
- Honeycrisp: Naturally sweet with a crisp texture.
- Pink Lady: A balance of sweet and tart with a firm bite.
- Jonagold: Juicy with a mild sweetness that works well in baked desserts.
Topping Ingredients
This topping adds a satisfying crunch and warm, spiced flavor while keeping the recipe balanced with wholesome ingredients:
- Old-Fashioned Oats: Adds a hearty, nutty texture. Quick oats can work but will soften more.
- Pecan Pieces: Brings crunch and a rich, buttery flavor. Walnuts or almonds are great alternatives.
- Brown Sugar: Creates a caramel-like sweetness. Coconut sugar or maple syrup are good unrefined options.
- Butter: Helps bind the topping and adds flavor. For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Flour: Helps hold the topping together. Whole wheat, oat, or almond flour work well.
- Cinnamon & Kosher Salt: Enhances warmth and balances sweetness.
This recipe embraces a flexitarian approach, using whole ingredients with room for simple swaps. It’s naturally vegetarian and can be easily adjusted to fit dairy-free or gluten-free needs.
How to Make Air Fryer Baked Apples
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Wash and cut the apples in half. Use a paring knife or melon baller to remove the core and seeds, creating a small well in the center for the topping.
Step 2: Add Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon brown sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture over the apples to enhance their natural sweetness and warm flavor.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
In a bowl, combine the oats, pecans, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Add the butter and use your hands to mix until the topping reaches a crumbly texture.
Step 4: Air Fry the Apples
Evenly distribute the crumble topping over each apple half. Place the apples cut-side up in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the apples and the air fryer model.
Option to Bake: Easy Baked Apples
No air fryer? No problem! For oven-baked apples, place the prepared apple halves in a baking dish and cover loosely with foil. Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the topping is crisp. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes for extra crunch.
Both methods create a warm, spiced apple dessert with a crisp, buttery topping, perfect for any occasion!
Air Fryer Tips
- Place the apples in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Use parchment paper or a small sheet of foil in the air fryer basket to prevent the topping from falling through.
- Check the apples at the 12-minute mark if using smaller varieties.
How to Serve
These baked apples are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A drizzle of caramel sauce or maple syrup
- A dollop of Greek yogurt for extra protein
- Chopped nuts or granola for additional crunch
whipped cream, stuffed apples, delicious recipe, sprinkle of cinnamon, great toppings
Storage and Reheating
How to Store
Store baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
How to Reheat
- Air Fryer: Heat at 325°F for 3 to 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Microwave: Warm for 30 to 45 seconds for a softer texture.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes to heat evenly.
Note: Reheating times may vary depending on the size of the apples and your appliance. Check periodically to avoid overcooking.
Ask A Dietitian (FAQ)
Do I need to peel the apples before baking?
No. I would actually recommend keeping the peel to help the apples hold their shape and adds fiber and nutrients. However, if you prefer a softer texture, you can peel them before baking.
Are baked apples as nutritious as raw apples?
No, but baked apples are still awesome! Baking slightly reduces the vitamin C content, but apples still retain fiber and antioxidants. If you want to maximize the nutrients, eat them raw, but baked apples are still a great way to enjoy fruit.
Can I make this recipe without sugar?
Yes. Try using maple syrup, honey, or mashed banana for natural sweetness. You can also leave out the sweetener entirely, as the apples provide natural sugars.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes. Swap the butter for coconut oil or a dairy-free alternative.
Can baked apples be frozen?
Yes. Let them cool completely before freezing. Reheat in the air fryer at 325°F for five minutes or until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Baked Apples are a quick and easy way to enjoy a warm, spiced apple dessert with minimal effort. They are perfect for fall and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether served on their own or with a scoop of ice cream, they bring the flavors of apple pie without the extra work.
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out and what toppings you used! For more easy, seasonal recipes and cooking tips, sign up for my newsletter to get new ideas straight to your inbox.
More Fruit Dessert Recipes
- Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake with Sweet Corn Biscuits
- Healthy 5 Ingredient Peach Cobbler Protein Shake Recipe
- Easy & Healthy Snickers Dates (Chocolate Covered Date Bites)
Air Fryer Baked Apples
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
- 1 paring knife
Ingredients
- 4 apples firm and flavorful such as gala, honeycrisp, or granny smith.
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
Prepare the Apples
- Wash and cut the apples in half. Remove the seeds and inner core to create a small crater for the crumble to sit in. Combine the 1 tbsp of brown sugar and 1 tsp of cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the prepped apples.
Mix The Topping
- In a small bowl, mix together the topping ingredients. Use the warmth of your hands to work the butter in with the other topping ingredients.
Place in Air Fryer
- Top the apples with the Oat Pecan topping/crumble. Gently place the apples in the air fryer.
Bake/Air Fry
- Place in air fryer, crumble side up. Set air fryer to 350°F and cook for ~15 minutes. Timing may vary depending on the size and type of apples used.
Serve:
- Remove the baked apples from the oven allowing them to cool slightly before serving. For extra indulgence, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
Hi, I’m Sarah Harper, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist passionate about cooking, eating, and sharing all things food! At The Addy Bean, you’ll find a variety of flexitarian recipes designed to inspire and empower you to explore the delicious world of plant-based eating. My mission is to make plant-forward meals approachable, enjoyable, and part of your everyday life!
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