Warm cinnamon and maple-glazed air fryer apples are a delightful treat that brings comfort and sweetness to any occasion. This easy dessert is not only healthy but also vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free, making it a versatile choice for gatherings or a cozy night in. Enjoy them on their own, with vanilla ice cream, or over oatmeal for a delicious breakfast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for those busy days when you crave something sweet.
- Healthy Dessert Option: Made with fresh apples and natural sweeteners, these air fryer apples satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spices or toppings based on your preferences; they pair wonderfully with nuts and dried fruits too!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual snack, these air fryer apples are sure to impress everyone.
- Low-Calorie Delight: At just 191 calories per serving, you can indulge without worrying about your diet.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin, gather the essential tools for making these delicious air fryer apples. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Air fryer: This appliance makes cooking quick and easy while ensuring your apples get that desirable crispiness without excess oil.
- Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl allows you to thoroughly combine the ingredients for even flavor distribution.
Ingredients
Warm cinnamon and maple-glazed air fryer apples are the perfect healthy dessert that everyone will love! They are vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free.
For the Apples
- 2 red apples (pink lady, honey crisp, or gala, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch bite-sized cubes)
- 2 Tbsp real maple syrup (divided)
- 1 Tbsp melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp cinnamon
How to Make Air Fryer Apples
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Lightly spray the basket with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
In a mixing bowl, add the peeled apple cubes. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and cinnamon until well-coated.
Step 3: Arrange Apples in the Air Fryer Basket
Carefully place the apple cubes in the preheated air fryer basket. Ensure they don’t overlap too much for even cooking.
Step 4: Air Fry the Apples
Air fry for 10-14 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure all sides become golden brown. The apples should be slightly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Step 5: Add Additional Maple Syrup
Once cooked, remove the warm apples from the air fryer. Toss them gently with the remaining tablespoon of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Enjoy your warm air fryer apples as is or serve them with vanilla ice cream or oatmeal for a delightful twist!
How to Serve Air Fryer Apples
Air fryer apples are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their warm, cinnamon flavor pairs well with many dishes, making them versatile for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
With Vanilla Ice Cream
- A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top of warm air fryer apples creates a delicious contrast and enhances the flavors.
Over Oatmeal
- Add air fryer apples to your morning oatmeal for a nutritious and sweet breakfast option. The warmth of the apples complements the oats perfectly.
As a Standalone Snack
- Enjoy them on their own for a quick and healthy snack. Their natural sweetness makes them satisfying without any added sugar.
In Yogurt Parfaits
- Layer air fryer apples in yogurt parfaits for added flavor and texture. This combination is great for brunch or as a healthy dessert.
Mixed into Pancake Batter
- Fold chopped air fryer apples into pancake batter before cooking. This adds a fruity twist to your regular pancakes.
Topped on Toast
- Spread almond or peanut butter on toast and top with warm air fryer apples for a protein-packed snack or breakfast.
How to Perfect Air Fryer Apples
To achieve the best results with your air fryer apples, follow these simple tips that will elevate your dish.
- Choose the right apples: Selecting sweet varieties like Honey Crisp or Gala ensures that your air fried apples taste delicious.
- Cut evenly: Making sure all apple pieces are similar in size promotes even cooking and consistent texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Giving your apple cubes enough space allows them to crisp up nicely and prevents steaming.
- Adjust cooking time: Depending on the size of your apple cubes, you may need to tweak the cooking time slightly for perfect tenderness.
- Experiment with spices: While cinnamon is classic, consider adding nutmeg or ginger for an extra flavor boost.
- Serve immediately: For the best experience, enjoy your air fryer apples right after cooking while they’re warm and fresh.
Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Apples
Air fryer apples make an excellent addition to many meals. Here are some side dishes that pair wonderfully with this delightful dessert.
- Granola
Sprinkle some granola over the top for added crunch and nutrition. - Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Serve alongside warm cinnamon roll muffins for a comforting breakfast combo. - Greek Yogurt
A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein, balancing out the sweetness of the apples. - Chia Seed Pudding
Pairing with chia seed pudding offers a nutritious contrast and makes for a filling meal. - Nut Butter Dip
Serve with almond or peanut butter as a dip for an added layer of flavor and healthy fats. - Cheese Platter
Incorporate slices of sharp cheese to create an elegant cheese platter that complements the sweetness of the apples well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your air fryer apples a success. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Using the wrong apple variety: Not all apples work well for air frying. Choose varieties like Pink Lady, Honey Crisp, or Gala for the best flavor and texture.
- Overcrowding the basket: Placing too many apple cubes in the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking. Always ensure there’s space for air circulation.
- Skipping the preheating step: Preheating your air fryer is crucial. It ensures that the apples start cooking immediately, resulting in a better texture.
- Neglecting to shake during cooking: Forgetting to shake the basket halfway through can cause some apples to cook more than others. This step helps achieve an even golden color.
- Not adjusting for personal taste: Everyone has different preferences for sweetness and spice levels. Feel free to adjust the maple syrup and cinnamon to suit your taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover air fryer apples in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Make sure they are completely cool before sealing them in a container.
Freezing Air Fryer Apples
- Place cooled air fryer apples in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Air Fryer Apples
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and spread the apples on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place apple portions in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat on medium power for 30 seconds at a time until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm them in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method keeps them from becoming mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Air Fryer Apples?
Air fryer apples are diced apple pieces cooked in an air fryer until tender and caramelized. They make a delicious and healthy dessert or snack option.
Can I use other fruits with this recipe?
Yes! You can experiment with other fruits such as pears or peaches. Adjust cooking times based on the fruit’s firmness.
How do I make Air Fryer Apples healthier?
To make your air fryer apples even healthier, reduce the amount of maple syrup or substitute it with agave syrup or honey if preferred.
Can I add nuts or granola to my Air Fryer Apples?
Absolutely! Adding nuts or granola after cooking can give your dish a delightful crunch and additional flavor.
Final Thoughts
These warm cinnamon and maple-glazed air fryer apples offer a delightful balance of flavors while being healthy and vegan-friendly. Enjoy them as a sweet treat, breakfast topping, or snack! Feel free to customize with your favorite spices or toppings like nuts or granola for added texture and taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Warm Cinnamon and Maple-Glazed Air Fryer Apples
- Total Time: 12 minute
- Yield: Serves 2
Description
Warm cinnamon and maple-glazed air fryer apples are a sweet, comforting dessert that everyone will adore. This quick and easy recipe takes just 15 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy days or cozy nights in. These delicious air fryer apples are not only healthy, but they are also vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free. Enjoy them on their own as a guilt-free treat, or pair them with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. You can even serve them over oatmeal for a delightful breakfast! Customize with your favorite nuts or spices to make this dish truly your own.
Ingredients
- 2 red apples (such as Pink Lady, Honey Crisp, or Gala)
- 2 tablespoons real maple syrup (divided)
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and lightly spray the basket with non-stick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine peeled and cubed apples with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and cinnamon until well-coated.
- Place the apple mixture into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 10-14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
- Once cooked, toss the warm apples with the remaining tablespoon of maple syrup.
- Serve immediately as is or with toppings like vanilla ice cream or oatmeal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 191
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: less than 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Choose sweet apple varieties for optimal flavor. Cut apples into uniform pieces for even cooking. Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra flavor variations.