10 Irresistible Air Fryer Apple Recipes: Sweet Treats & Savory Sides for Every Craving

Got an air fryer and an abundance of sweet, juicy apples? You’re in luck! Your kitchen is about to become a hub for a range of surprisingly delicious and incredibly easy apple recipes. Forget the traditional oven or stovetop; the air fryer is here to revolutionize how you enjoy this versatile fruit.

Apples are far more than just a healthy snack to munch on. With the magic of an air fryer, you can bake, roast, and even fry them into an array of comforting desserts, delightful snacks, and even unique side dishes. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy apples.

Below, we’ve gathered 10 scrumptious air fryer apple recipes that are perfect to try today! Whether you crave soft, melt-in-your-mouth apples or something with a satisfying crunch, there’s a recipe here to suit every apple desire. And since apples pair beautifully with pork, don’t miss our 10 best air fryer pork belly recipes to complement your apple creations!

Why Your Air Fryer Loves Apples

The air fryer is a game-changer for preparing apples. Its circulating hot air cooks food quickly and evenly, creating a perfect balance of tender interiors and delightfully crisp exteriors without excessive oil. This method locks in the natural sweetness and flavor of the apples, making them taste incredible. Plus, cleanup is often minimal, and you won’t heat up your entire kitchen like with a conventional oven. It’s truly the ideal appliance for transforming simple apples into extraordinary treats.

Best Apple Varieties for Air Frying

While most apples work well, some varieties truly shine in the air fryer. For baking and dishes where you want the apple to hold its shape, opt for firm apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady. Granny Smith provides a nice tartness that balances sweet ingredients, while Honeycrisp offers a perfect blend of sweet and crisp. For softer textures or sauces, Red Delicious or Golden Delicious can be good choices. Always pick apples that are firm and free of blemishes for the best results.

Now, grab your air fryer and your apples, and let’s get cooking!

Air Fryer Baked Apples

Searching for a comforting, simple dessert that’s perfect for meal prepping a sweet treat for the week ahead? These air fryer baked apples are an absolute dream. No need for cumbersome peeling or tedious slicing – simply carve out the core of your apple, creating a neat cavity. Fill it generously with your favorite mixture of crunchy walnuts, plump raisins, and a warming blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of clove. A pat of butter spread over the top before baking ensures a luscious, rich finish. They’re undeniably perfect any time of year, but truly exceptional during the crisp, invigorating days of fall. Imagine coming home after a refreshing walk, then treating yourself to this warm, utterly delicious, and comforting delight. Plus, getting the kids involved in stuffing their own apples makes for a fun, healthy, and engaging family activity!

Air Fryer Apples (Slices)

Imagine sweet, tender, buttery, and perfectly spiced apple slices, ready in as little as 10 minutes. This quick, mouthwatering dessert is simply irresistible. These air-fried apple slices can be a star accompaniment, served alongside savory pork or succulent chicken for an unforgettable dinner. Alternatively, elevate them into a stunning dessert by pairing with a generous scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. For that perfect bite every time, slice your apples into small, uniform pieces, ensuring even cooking and a delightful texture. Even the most novice cook can effortlessly whip up this sweet sensation without ever needing to touch a complicated oven! What’s more, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for a variety of dietary needs. For more gluten-conscious culinary inspirations, be sure to explore our 12 best gluten-free air fryer recipes!

Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Are you in charge of bringing a show-stopping dessert to this week’s potluck, or perhaps hosting a work dinner where impressing your boss is key? These air fryer apple fritters are your secret weapon – they’re sure to earn you rave reviews! In under 30 minutes, you could be enjoying this absolutely stunning dessert. Picture this: a flaky, golden-brown crust that delivers a deeply satisfying crunch with every bite, revealing a warm, tender, and intensely flavorful cinnamon apple filling. It’s pure culinary heaven! For an extra touch of indulgence and a tantalizing shine, finish these fritters with a delicate cinnamon and caramel glaze. Forget stopping at the bakery on your commute; prepare these apple fritters ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for a quick, incredibly satisfying snack whenever a craving strikes. If you’re keen on exploring other delightful fruit-based desserts, take a peek at our favorite Emeril Lagasse air fryer recipes for a truly tasty peach blackberry cobbler!

Air Fryer Cinnamon & Sugar Croissants

For those mornings when you need something quick, utterly delicious, and just a little bit special to get the kids out the door, these air fryer cinnamon and sugar croissants are an absolute must-have. Prepare them the night before and pop them into lunchboxes as a delightful surprise, or enjoy them as an easy, on-the-go snack any time of day! Forget the daunting task of perfecting a flaky golden croissant crust from scratch. Simply grab some ready-made Pillsbury Crescent rolls, generously stuff them with your sweet apple mixture, and finish with a generous dusting of cinnamon and sugar. From Grandma to the little ones, everyone will adore your latest culinary creation. The best part? They’re all completed in the air fryer in less than 10 minutes – that’s faster than your kettle boils! What a fantastic way to enjoy a homemade pastry without the fuss.

I also discovered that cooking Trader Joe’s frozen croissants in the air fryer was incredibly simple, resulting in perfectly light and flaky pastries every time!

Air Fryer Apple Crisp

Planning a romantic picnic for two, or simply craving a personal-sized dessert? Impress your date (or yourself!) with this irresistible air fryer apple crisp, guaranteed to keep the sparks flying. A key tip for achieving that perfect crisp topping while ensuring your apples remain wonderfully soft and tender is to add a small amount of water to the apple filling before baking. This moisture prevents the apples from drying out and crisping up too much. And did we mention this recipe is gloriously gluten-free? With a simple swap of almond flour for traditional wheat flour in the topping, you’ll create a healthier, utterly delicious, and romantic dessert for two. Or, if you’re feeling a little self-indulgent, you can certainly keep it all to yourself! Serve this warm delight with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, a cloud of whipped cream, or for a surprisingly wholesome breakfast, with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of golden honey.

Air Fryer Apple Chips

This recipe is so incredibly simple to make that the whole family will adore it. If you’re on Weight Watchers, following a low-calorie diet, or simply seeking a healthy and satisfying snack, these air fryer apple chips are an absolute game-changer. Begin by slicing your apples into super thin strips using a sharp knife or, for ultimate uniformity, a mandoline. A light sprinkle of cinnamon adds a burst of warming flavor, then simply arrange them in your air fryer basket. Creating a delicious, healthy, and guilt-free snack has truly never been easier! We find that sweet varieties like Pink Lady or Gala apples work wonders for a delightful hint of natural sweetness, but feel free to use whatever firm apples you have on hand. The key is that they should be firm enough to slice thinly with ease. Serve these crispy chips with a creamy Greek yogurt and honey dip for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition, making them perfect for any occasion. For an extra treat, sprinkle a little sugar along with the cinnamon before cooking. You can also make this recipe in larger batches and store them in an airtight container for a quick, satisfying snack whenever that sweet tooth calls.

Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs

Crafted with ingredients you likely already have tucked away in your pantry, these air fryer apple pie bombs offer a fun and exciting twist on your typical dessert routine. They are absolutely perfect if you have little ones bustling around and simply don’t have the time to dedicate to baking a full, traditional apple pie. In just about 10 minutes, you can have a fresh batch of these delectable, palm-sized desserts ready to satisfy every sugary craving you might have. Their individual portion size makes them ideal for grab-and-go treats or for portion control. Keep them fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for quick snacks, or pop them into the freezer for those days when an extra special treat is definitely in order. To reheat, simply return them to the air fryer and cook for about 3 minutes, or until they’re warmed all the way through. Enjoy them warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, or for a delightful start to your day, pair them with a steaming hot cup of coffee. These little bombs are bursting with flavor and convenience!

Air Fryer Apple Cake

Elevate your baking prowess to the next level with this incredibly simple yet impressive air fryer apple cake. This recipe is fantastic for utilizing those leftover apples by chopping them into small, delightful chunks and baking them right into a moist, flavorful cake. All you’ll need are basic pantry staples: brown sugar for deep caramel notes, eggs, all-purpose flour, and of course, your freshly chopped apples! Bake for a mere 12-15 minutes, and you’ll be rewarded with a light, fluffy, and utterly delicious cake. For a perfect bite every single time, ensure your apple chunks are evenly spread throughout the batter. This cake is sure to impress anyone who takes a slice, and they’ll never guess it was flawlessly baked in an air fryer! Just remember to avoid using an overly thick cake pan, as this might prevent your cake from cooking thoroughly in the air fryer’s confined space. You’re aiming for a beautiful golden exterior with a wonderfully fluffy and moist interior. Serve this as a last-minute dessert for an impromptu garden party, a delightful midweek treat for the family, or even a comforting breakfast with your morning coffee. And don’t forget to finish with a elegant dusting of powdered sugar to truly showcase your effortless skills in the kitchen!

Air Fryer Apple Turnovers

We all have a soft spot for those delightful small pastries, brimming with cinnamon-spiced apples and finished with a shimmering sugar coating. What if we told you that you could whip up these bakery-quality treats right at home, in your air fryer, in less than 20 minutes? It’s entirely possible! To save yourself time and effort, opt for pre-made pastry dough – it’s a wonderful shortcut that yields fantastic results. Once your dough squares are generously filled with your delectable apple mixture, gently brush them with an egg yolk wash. This creates that beautiful golden-brown, crispy finish when baked in the air fryer for just 6-9 minutes. A crucial tip for success: make sure not to overcrowd your air fryer basket! Proper hot air circulation around each turnover is essential for achieving that perfect, uniform crispness. We also highly recommend using thawed-out pastry dough, as it maintains its firmness while still being wonderfully pliable and easy to manipulate into the desired turnover shape. Share these irresistible treats with friends and family, or store them in the refrigerator for a quick, satisfying snack on the go. They’re simply divine!

Air Fryer Apple Butter Bars

This recipe is a true champion for batch cooking, yielding an impressive 36 servings from just one recipe! With a decadent vanilla icing glaze, these delightful apple butter bars are so irresistible they’ll vanish in minutes. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility: you can effortlessly keep it fresh and exciting by switching up the fruit you use, or customize it entirely based on your specific dietary needs. For example, swap out the milk in the vanilla icing glaze for apple juice, and you’ll have a delectable, fruitier treat. Now, while it might be tempting to enjoy these butter bars for breakfast every single day, it’s probably best reserved as an occasional morning indulgence. However, every once in a while, as a special treat to start your day, they’re absolutely perfect. Warm them gently in the oven and serve with a scoop of creamy custard or a dollop of ice cream for an ultimate, comforting dessert. I personally find these bars to be a superb finale after a hearty dinner of pulled apple cider chicken sandwiches, as highlighted in our best microwave pressure cooker recipes!

Tips for Air Frying Apples Successfully

• Slice Evenly: For consistent cooking, slice apples into uniform thickness. A mandoline can be a great tool for apple chips.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure there’s space between apple pieces in the air fryer basket for optimal air circulation, which leads to even cooking and crispiness.
• Preheat: Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer helps ensure consistent results from the start.
• Shake or Flip: For recipes like chips or slices, shake the basket or flip the apple pieces halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispness.
• Season Generously: Apples pair wonderfully with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and a touch of brown sugar. Don’t be shy with your seasonings!
• Adjust Timing: Air fryer models vary. Start with the recommended time, but keep an eye on your apples and adjust as needed to achieve your desired tenderness or crispness.

Final Thoughts

You now have 10 gorgeous, utterly delicious air fryer apple recipes at your fingertips, ready for you to try today! With most of these recipes requiring less than 20 minutes of cooking time, you can effortlessly whip up simple, fun, and satisfying treats for the entire family to enjoy. From miniature apple pie bombs that burst with flavor to impressive full-sized apple cakes, the culinary creations you can achieve with your air fryer and a few apples are truly endless. And the best part? Minimal cleanup is almost always guaranteed!

Impress your loved ones with your newfound air frying skills, and even get the kids involved in the preparation for a memorable kitchen experience. Don’t limit yourself to just apples; feel free to swap them out for other seasonal fruits to keep your desserts and snacks fresh and exciting. I highly recommend experimenting with pumpkin or peaches to maintain that delightful sweetness and discover new favorites throughout the year!