Air Fryer Baked Apples Recipe

These Air Fryer Baked Apples are a revelation: warm, tender apples piled high with a golden, cinnamon oat streusel, cooked in just 15 minutes. It’s dessert magic—no oven required, and the results are cozy, nostalgic, and irresistible every single time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’d never guess a handful of basic pantry staples could make something so satisfying! Each ingredient plays a starring role in these Air Fryer Baked Apples—from the sweet-tart apple base to the buttery oat crunch on top, every component brings flavor, texture, and a pop of golden color.

• Apples (Pink Lady): These bake up beautifully tender with a sweet-tart flavor, but any firm apple will work.
• Butter, melted: Brushed inside and added to the topping for that rich, indulgent aroma and flavor—feel free to use regular or plant-based butter.
• Cinnamon: Lends warmth and spice, making the apples taste like autumn in every bite!
• Old Fashioned/Rolled Oats: The secret to that hearty, textured streusel that crisps up in the air fryer.
• Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle caramel note—you can swap in honey or rice malt syrup if you prefer.
• Wholemeal/Whole Wheat Flour: A little goes a long way for binding the topping and giving it body—almond meal or plain flour work as substitutes.

Variations

The true beauty of Air Fryer Baked Apples is how easily you can make them your own. Whether you’re dealing with dietary restrictions, ingredient swaps, or flavor cravings, there’s a version for everyone—so don’t be afraid to experiment!

• Gluten-Free: Substitute almond meal for the flour and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free for a deliciously wholesome treat.
• Nutty Delight: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for buttery crunch and extra richness.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap out butter for vegan margarine and use maple syrup or agave for a completely plant-based dessert.
• Change the Apples: Try Granny Smith for extra tartness, Honeycrisp for juiciness, or Fuji for natural sweetness—just use your favorite!

How to Make Air Fryer Baked Apples

Step 1: Prep Your Apples

Start by halving your apples through the stem. Use a sharp knife or a spoon to scoop out the core, seeds, and any tough parts around the stem end. Carving out just a shallow “bowl” will give you the perfect spot for all that glorious streusel topping!

Step 2: Brush & Spice

Brush the cut sides of each apple half with melted butter—this helps them bake up extra luscious and flavorful. Sprinkle the cut sides generously with cinnamon for that irresistible warmth and aroma.

Step 3: Make the Oat Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, mix up your oats, melted butter, maple syrup, flour, and more cinnamon. The mixture should be crumbly and slightly sticky—perfect for piling high on top of your apples!

Step 4: Top & Air Fry

Spoon the oat streusel generously over the apple halves, pressing gently so it sticks. Arrange the apples in your air fryer basket (cut side up) and air fry at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden and crisp.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Remove the apples carefully (they’ll be hot!) and serve warm. They’re absolutely divine with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of softly whipped cream melting into the warm, spiced apples.

How to Serve Air Fryer Baked Apples

Garnishes

A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream is classic (especially as it melts into the warm apples!), but a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream also works beautifully. For a fancy touch, sprinkle with toasted pecans, a drizzle of extra maple syrup, or even a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving.

Side Dishes

While Air Fryer Baked Apples are a star dessert, they also shine alongside other cozy treats. Try them with homemade chai tea, a side of cinnamon-spiced granola, or even a crisp green salad if you’re serving as a brunch treat. The sweet-and-savory combo is surprisingly delicious!

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping dessert, nestle each baked apple half in a shallow bowl with swirls of caramel sauce or serve them “sundae-style” with a buffet of toppings for guests to choose from. You can even turn leftovers into a rustic apple crumble parfait layered with yogurt and extra oats—so much fun for breakfast or dessert!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Air Fryer Baked Apples (lucky you!), just pop them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to three days. The topping may soften slightly, but they’re still heavenly warmed up for breakfast or a midnight snack.

Freezing

These apples freeze surprisingly well! Once cooled, wrap each half in plastic or foil, then freeze in a bag or container. They’ll keep for about two months—just thaw and reheat whenever a dessert craving strikes.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked magic, reheat your apples in the air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for 2–4 minutes, or in a microwave in 30-second bursts. The air fryer is your best bet for recreating a crispy topping!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving that cozy, cinnamon-spiced nostalgia but want something quick and effortless, these Air Fryer Baked Apples are guaranteed to hit the spot. I hope you fall for them as hard as I have—let me know if you try them, and don’t forget the ice cream!

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