Make quick and healthy baked apples in an air fryer with cinnamon, honey, and nuts. A warm, soft dessert ready in under 20 minutes.
Baked apples are a simple, comforting dessert where apples become soft, sweet, and lightly caramelized. Using an air fryer makes them faster than oven baking while keeping a rich baked flavor.
Ingredients (Serves 2–4)
- 2–4 medium apples (Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala work well)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional but recommended)
- 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
- 1 tablespoon raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Wash and dry the apples.
- Cut a small slice off the top (optional for presentation).
- Core the apples using a knife or corer, but do not cut all the way through the bottom.
- Create a hollow center for the filling.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix:
- cinnamon
- honey or maple syrup
- chopped nuts
- raisins or cranberries (if using)
- pinch of salt
- Stir until combined.
Step 3: Stuff the Apples
- Place apples in a bowl or tray.
- Fill each apple center with the mixture.
- Add a small piece of butter on top of each apple for richness.
Step 4: Air Fry
- Preheat air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
- Place apples in the basket (leave space between them).
- Cook for 12–18 minutes, depending on apple size.
They are done when:
- Apples are soft but still hold shape
- Skin slightly wrinkled
- Filling is bubbly
Step 5: Serve
- Let cool for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve warm.
- Optional toppings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Yogurt
- Extra honey drizzle
- Caramel sauce
Tips for Best Results
- Softer apples = shorter cooking time.
- Firmer apples hold shape better.
- Don’t overfill or filling may spill out.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
Variations
- Healthy version: skip butter and use only honey
- Protein version: add crushed oats or Greek yogurt topping
- Dessert version: add caramel and ice cream
- Holiday version: add cloves and nutmeg
Storage
- Refrigerate: up to 3 days
- Reheat: air fry 3–5 minutes at 160°C
Final Result
Air fryer baked apples are warm, soft, and naturally sweet with cinnamon-spiced filling—an easy dessert that feels comforting without being heavy.
If you want, I can also make:
- A stuffed baked apple pie-style version
- A low-sugar diabetic-friendly version
- Or a crispy apple chips air fryer recipe