Air Fryer Baked Apples

There’s something magical about the smell of baked apples in the air—especially when they’re made in your air fryer. These Air Fryer Baked Apples are the perfect fall dessert: warm, soft, cinnamon-spiced, and sweet. Even better? They’re super easy to make and take less than 20 minutes from start to finish! If you’re into cozy, wholesome treats, you’ll also love these Air Fryer Oatmeal Cookies, which are just as simple and satisfying.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy treat, a simple weeknight dessert, or a cozy holiday recipe, these baked apples hit all the right notes. With just a few basic ingredients like fresh apples, cinnamon, oats, and a touch of brown sugar or maple syrup, you can whip up a dessert that feels indulgent—but is actually good for you.

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: the best apples to use, how long to air fry them, tasty variations, and how to store leftovers. Let’s get into it!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Air Fryer Baked Apples

You only need a few pantry staples to make this comforting dessert. Here’s a simple list of ingredients, plus some notes on optional swaps if you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan.

Basic Ingredients:

• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier swap)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup old-fashioned oats
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (use coconut oil or vegan butter for dairy-free)
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but adds a warm spice)
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans (optional but delicious)
• 1 tablespoon raisins or dried cranberries (optional for extra sweetness)

Pro tip: Add a pinch of sea salt to bring out all the cozy flavors.

This recipe is very flexible. You can easily substitute ingredients based on what you have at home. If you want to skip the sugar? Use maple syrup or honey instead. Don’t like oats? Try chopped granola or almond flour for a crunchy topping.

What Are the Best Apples for Baked Apples in the Air Fryer?

When it comes to baking apples in the air fryer, not all apples are created equal. Some turn to mush, while others hold their shape beautifully.

Here are the best apple varieties to use:

Top Picks:

• Granny Smith – Tart and firm, holds shape well. Perfect with sweet fillings.
• Honeycrisp – Sweet, juicy, and stays crisp even when baked.
• Fuji – Naturally sweet and firm, great for a dessert without added sugar.
• Braeburn – Balanced flavor and texture; ideal for stuffing.

Apples to Avoid:

• Red Delicious or McIntosh – These tend to break down and become mushy when baked.

No matter which apple you choose, try to pick ones that are roughly the same size. That way, they’ll cook evenly in your air fryer.

 How to Make Air Fryer Baked Apples (Step-by-Step)

These baked apples may look fancy, but they’re incredibly simple to prepare. You don’t need any special tools—just a spoon, a small bowl, and your trusty air fryer.

 Step 1: Prep the Apples

• Wash and dry your apples.
• Use an apple corer or a sharp knife to core each apple, removing the stem and seeds. Be careful not to cut through the bottom—you want to create a little “bowl” to hold the filling.

• If you want a softer texture, peel the apples before coring. Leaving the skin on will give you more structure.

 Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a small bowl, stir together:

• ¼ cup oats
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• Chopped nuts and dried fruit, if using
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil

Mix everything until it forms a crumbly, slightly sticky mixture.

Step 3: Stuff the Apples

• Use a spoon to fill the center of each apple with the oat mixture.
• Press down gently to make sure the filling is packed in nicely.

 Step 4: Air Fry the Apples

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes.
• Place the apples in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re standing upright and not too crowded.
• Air fry for 15–18 minutes, depending on the size of your apples and how soft you want them.
• The apples should be fork-tender and the topping lightly golden.

Note: If your apples are extra large or very firm, you might need to air fry for 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them after the 15-minute mark.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Baked Apples

Want soft, gooey, flavorful apples every time? These tips will help you get there:

 Choose the Right Apples

Use firm, baking-friendly apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. Avoid soft apples that will collapse.

 Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

Make sure the apples have enough room in the air fryer so hot air can circulate evenly.

 Line the Basket (Optional)

If you’re worried about dripping juice or melted sugar sticking, use a piece of parchment paper or foil with holes poked in it for airflow.

 Keep an Eye on the Topping

If the oat mixture starts to brown too quickly, lightly tent the apples with foil halfway through cooking.

 Add a Drizzle for Extra Flavor

Right after air frying, drizzle with maple syrup, honey, or caramel sauce for an extra-special touch.

 Flavor Variations: Make It Your Way!

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, it’s easy to get creative! These flavor variations are perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just switching things up.

 1. Cranberry Walnut Baked Apples

• Add chopped walnuts and dried cranberries to the oat filling.
• Finish with a drizzle of maple syrup for a festive fall twist.

 2. Apple Pie Stuffed Apples

• Add a pinch of allspice and ground cloves to your cinnamon mix.
• Mix in a spoonful of crushed graham crackers for a nostalgic, pie-like vibe.

 3. Pecan Streusel Baked Apples

• Skip the oats and use a mix of flour, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and butter for a streusel-style topping.

 4. Dessert Lovers’ Chocolate Chip Apples

• Stir mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate into the oat mixture.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream—this one’s a crowd-pleaser!

 What to Serve with Air Fryer Baked Apples

These cozy apples are delicious on their own, but even better with the right toppings or sides!

Perfect Pairings:

• Vanilla ice cream – classic combo, especially when the apples are warm
• Whipped cream – dairy or coconut-based for a lighter option
• Greek yogurt – great for breakfast or a healthy dessert
• Caramel sauce – drizzle for a rich, gooey finish
• Chopped nuts – add crunch with pecans, almonds, or walnuts
• Granola – top with crunchy granola for a hearty snack

You can even serve them over pancakes, oatmeal, or waffles for a fall-inspired brunch.

 Storage and Reheating Tips

Have leftovers? No problem—Air Fryer Baked Apples store well and reheat beautifully.

How to Store:

• Let the apples cool completely.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

How to Reheat:

• Air Fryer: Reheat at 325°F for 5–6 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 30–60 seconds (cover with a paper towel to avoid splatter).
• Oven: Warm at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.

Tip: Add a splash of water or juice to the bottom of the container if reheating in the oven to keep the apples moist.

 Frequently Asked Questions

 Can I make these baked apples vegan?

Yes! Just swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter and use maple syrup instead of honey or brown sugar.

 Do I have to peel the apples?

Nope. Leaving the peel on helps the apples hold their shape. But if you prefer a softer texture, go ahead and peel them.

 Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can core and stuff the apples ahead of time. Store them in the fridge, then air fry just before serving.

Can I use pear instead of apples?

Absolutely! Pears like Bosc or Anjou work well. Just reduce the air frying time slightly since they cook faster than apples.

What’s the best air fryer for baked apples?

Any model with a basket or tray-style design works. Popular brands include Ninja, Instant Vortex, and Cosori. Just make sure there’s enough vertical space for the apples to sit upright.

You can also follow me on  Instagram, and Pinterest for more easy &  air fryer baking recipes.