Sweet, soft, caramel-ly, air fryer baked apples! Tastes like apple pie, but in a fraction of the time. You’ve got to try this simple, healthier dessert, it’s sure to be a hit.
Apple desserts, like my apple bread are incredibly special during the autumn season and this one has all the great flavours of apple pie, but it’s healthier and ready in no time!
It’s sweet, buttery and so so delicious. Serve it on Christmas or Thanksgiving topped it with a scoop of nice cream for an extra special treat.
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Ingredients + Substitutions
All you need is 4 ingredients, plus the optional butter, if using.
- Apples: I like using a mix of sweet and tart apples, but you may use all one variety, if preferred. My favourite combo is granny smith and honeycrisp.
- Maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup to keep this dessert refined sugar free.
- Tapioca flour: This thickens your marinade, giving it a caramel like texture. If you don’t have tapioca flour, you may use corn starch with similar results.
- Butter: The butter is optional, but if you’re not avoiding oil, I highly recommend it.
Instructions
(This is a summary with step by step photos, full recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)
Combine all the marinade ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well. (photos 1-2)
Then add the apple wedges to the bowl and mix to evenly coat them. (photo 3)
Place half a cup of water below the basket of your air fryer, then arrange the apple wedges in an even layer. (photo 4)
Air fry the apples for 12-15 minutes, or until they are fork tender. (photo 5)
Serve your apples warm and enjoy!
Variations
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha to the marinade for a spicy/sweet combo.
- Kid friendly: Peel the apples before slicing.
Equipment
We use (and LOVE) a Ninja Foodi 8 quart. However, you may use any model for this apple dessert.
Just note that different models will have varying cook times. So make sure to check on your apples often, towards the end of cooking.
Can I make these in the oven?
Yes, if you don’t have an air fryer, place the coated apples in a baking dish and bake at 380 degrees F for 18-20 minutes, until the apples are soft.
Storage
If you have leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an air tight container in your fridge for 1-2 days.
I don’t recommend freezing these.
Expert Tips
- If you have picky eaters, remove the apple peel before slicing and coating with the marinade for a smoother texture.
- Try and cut your apple wedges into equal size pieces for even cooking. If some pieces are larger, they won’t be as soft.
- Use your favourite apple variety. I like to mix sweet and tart apples, but use all sweet, or all tart, if preferred.
More autumn desserts
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Buon appetito
Rosa
📖 Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 large apples (I like a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter or margarine melted (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon tapioca starch or corn starch
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the syrup, melted butter (if using), cinnamon and tapioca starch. Mix well.
- Wash your apples, remove any stickers and slice each apple into 8 wedges/segments, removing the seeds/core. Place the sliced apple wedges into the bowl and mix well to evenly coat.
- Place ¼ cup of water at the bottom of your air fryer, below the basket. Then place the coated apples inside the basket in an even layer. Air fry at 380 degrees F for 12-15 minutes, until the apples are fork-tender. Mix every 5 minutes or so. Serve warm.
JS says
This was so yummy and delicious. My house smells heavenly because of the cinnamon. This might be great with raisins and nuts mixed in. Thanks for the delicious recipe!
Rosa says
Thrilled you enjoyed it. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. 🙂
Dizzy 5 says
Yum-Dawg!
Rosa says
Glad you enjoyed!
Leona Will says
Hi. I don’t have an air fryer. Can I just bake them? What temp? Thank you for all your delicious recipes.
Rosa says
Hi, yes you can make them in the oven. See the oven directions here: https://thishealthykitchen.com/air-fryer-baked-apples/#equipment Enjoy! 🙂
Ed says
I like yo use Mochiko (rice flour) as a binder. Other than that same recipe delicious
Rosa says
Glad you enjoyed it.
Will Parkinson says
Ooh, these were so yummy. I’m thinking of putting them with some vanilla ice cream and eating them that way.
Rosa says
So glad you enjoyed them Will. 🙂
Karen C says
I used peeled Honeycrisp apples and omitted the butter/margarine. So easy and absolutely delicious. I’ll be making these often. Thanks again, Rosa for another great Fall recipe!
Rosa says
My pleasure Karen! Thrilled you enjoyed these. 🙂