Enjoy an easy treat with this irresistible baked apple in an air fryer recipe. This classic fall dessert brings cozy flavors in minutes, from warm cinnamon flavors to gooey toppings.
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There’s something so satisfying about biting into a warm, perfectly baked apple, especially when it’s made without fuss in an air fryer. I love how quickly this method brings out the natural sweetness of the apples, softening them to just the right texture. With the air fryer, there’s no need to wait around or heat up the whole kitchen; just pop them in, and let it do all the work in minutes.
I’m baked apples, along with air fryer apple slices and a mini apple pie, have always been a go-to dessert for me, especially when I want something sweet but don’t want to go overboard. The air fryer lets me make a single serving without any hassle, and it’s perfect for nights when I just want to indulge a little without a lot of cleanup. You can keep it simple with just cinnamon and sugar, or add nuts, oats, or even a drizzle of caramel for something extra.
One of the best things about this method is how versatile it is. I love switching up the toppings and flavors depending on my mood. Plus, it’s great for those days when you want an indulgent quick treat. Like my apple mug cake, it's perfect for a quick dessert or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
- Apple is the base for the recipe. I use gala or pink lady because these varieties hold their shape and have a balanced sweetness and tartness perfect for baking.
- Old-fashioned oats add a chewy texture and heartiness to the filling, creating a satisfying contrast with the soft apple.
- Unsalted butter provides richness and helps the filling ingredients bind together as they bake.
- Chopped walnuts add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that pairs well with apples and spices.
- Honey gives a natural sweetness that complements the apple and brings out its flavors without overpowering it.
- Brown sugar adds caramel notes and a hint of molasses depth to the filling.
- All-purpose flour helps thicken the filling slightly, making it less runny as it bakes.
- Dried cranberries offer a pop of tartness and chewy texture, balancing the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon adds a warm, cozy spice that enhances the natural apple flavor.
- Ground nutmeg brings depth and a slightly nutty warmth.
- Salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness in the filling.
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
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In a shallow bowl, mix the dry ingredients: old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add walnuts and cranberries
Mix to combine. Add butter and press to combine with the oat mixture.
Drizzle with honey.
Mix until well-combined. Set aside.
Properly wash and dry the apple. Cut the top most part.
Scoop out the seeds and core with a melon baller.
Lightly brush the inner and outer parts of the apple with softened butter. Then transfer to a parchment lined Air Fryer tray. Air Fry for 10 minutes.
Remove the Air Fryer tray and place on a baking sheet. Fill the center of the apple with the oat mixture and reserve 1 teaspoon of the filling. Air Fry for 3 minutes.
Place the remaining oat mixture on top of the apple and slightly press down to avoid spilling. Air Fry for another 3 minutes or until oat mixture is golden and crisp.
Hint: Core the apple carefully, leaving the base intact. This creates a "cup" that holds all the filling ingredients while cooking, preventing leaks and keeping the flavors well-contained in each bite.
Variations
Here are some simple ways to customize your baked apple in an air fryer recipe:
Drizzle with Caramel Sauce – Top with a little caramel sauce after baking for a more indulgent, dessert-like treat.
Add Different Nuts – Swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for a new texture and flavor.
Use Maple Syrup Instead of Honey – Try maple syrup for a slightly richer sweetness that pairs well with fall spices.
Try Other Dried Fruits – Replace cranberries with raisins, chopped dates, or dried cherries for extra variety.
Add Vanilla Extract – A few drops of vanilla bring a warm, dessert-like aroma and flavor.
Sprinkle in Chocolate Chips – For a decadent twist, add mini chocolate chips to the filling right before cooking.
Top with a Scoop of Ice Cream or Whipped Cream – Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic pairing with warm apples.
Mix in Nut Butter – Stir in a small amount of almond or peanut butter for extra creaminess and nutty flavor.
Use Coconut Sugar or Stevia – Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or stevia for a lower-sugar option.
Add a Dash of Ginger or Cloves – Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to bring even more warmth and depth.
Tips
Top tip: Choose the Right Apple Variety. Use firm apples like Gala, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp, as they hold their shape and won’t turn mushy in the air fryer.
- Preheat the Air Fryer. A quick preheat helps cook the apples evenly and ensures a soft, tender texture.
- Don’t Overfill the Apple. Keep the filling level with the top of the apple to prevent overflow while cooking.
- Use Foil for Easy Cleanup. Line the air fryer basket with a small piece of foil or parchment paper to catch any drips and make cleanup easier.
- Check for Doneness. Cook time can vary based on apple size; check with a fork for tenderness, adding extra time if needed.
Serving suggestions
Baked apples made in the air fryer are delicious served with classic toppings like vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The cold, creamy texture of ice cream contrasts perfectly with the warm, tender apple, creating a dessert that feels extra indulgent. For a lighter option, try a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Another way to serve baked apples is by adding a crunchy topping just before serving. Sprinkle on homemade granola, toasted nuts, or crushed graham crackers for extra texture and flavor. You could even add a little drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce to make it feel like a dessert you’d order at a restaurant.
For a heartier dessert or snack, serve your air fryer baked apple with a side of oatmeal or chia pudding. The apple’s warm, spiced flavors pair beautifully with a creamy, mild base like oatmeal, making it a comforting and filling option for breakfast or dessert.
Storage
To store a baked apple, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the apple back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, or microwave it on medium power for about 1 minute, checking to ensure it’s warmed through without becoming too soft.
FAQs
Yes, but firmer apples like Gala, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best because they hold their shape and don’t turn mushy when cooked.
Typically, it takes about 10-15 minutes at 350°F, but cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and firmness of the apple, so check for tenderness with a fork.
Lining the basket with a small piece of foil or parchment paper can help catch any drips, making cleanup easier, but it’s optional if your air fryer has a nonstick basket.
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Recipe
Baked Apple in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 medium apple I use Gala and Pink Lady
- 1 ½ tablespoons old-fashioned oats
- 1 tablespoon softened unsalted butter divided
- 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried cranberries
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of ground nutmeg
- pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
- Pre-heat Air Fryer at 370°F (188°C). Set at 16 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl, mix the dry ingredients: old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add walnuts and cranberries, then mix to combine.
- Add butter and press to combine with the oat mixture. Then drizzle honey. Mix until well-combined. Set aside.
- Properly wash and dry the apple. Cut the top most part. Scoop out the seeds and core with a melon baller. Alternatively, a knife and spoon works for scooping out (see notes).
- Lightly brush the inner and outer parts of the apple with softened butter. Then transfer to a parchment lined Air Fryer tray.
- Slowly insert tray into the middle cooking chamber, near the rotisserie catch. Air Fry for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, remove the Air Fryer tray and place on a baking sheet. Fill the center of the apple with the oat mixture and reserve 1 teaspoon of the filling. Air Fry for 3 minutes.
- See tips or notes when closing the door.
- Place the remaining oat mixture on top of the apple and slightly press down to avoid spilling. Air Fry for another 3 minutes or until oat mixture is golden and crisp.
- Transfer to a serving plate. Serve with vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel syrup.
Veronica
These are great. My whole picky family loved them and not hard to individulize everyone differently. I did get a slight giggle because they step by step you have is for hamburgers but it brought a smile to my face. Thanks!!!
Lisa MarcAurele
Thanks for finding that! Will fix ASAP.