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
If you tried this recipe, please let me know about it in the comments below. I always love hearing from you! Don’t forget to Subscribe to This Healthy Kitchen to be among the first to get my new recipes! You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter to see more delicious food and get all the latest updates.
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 half a 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.
Debbie
Tried this!! Was absolutely amazing!! Thank you 😊
Rosa
So glad you enjoyed!
Barbara
Best ever!
Rosa
Glad you enjoyed!
nancy rice
I have apple slices that I froze last fall . Could I use them for this recipe ?
Rosa
Sounds like that should work, but I haven’t tried using frozen apples so I’m not positive on cook time. Let me know how it goes. 🙂
Carol
Sounds yummy!! I have a Breville Smart Oven Air… it doesn’t have a ‘basket’. It has shelves. Should I just place the 1/2cup of water on a shelf below the shelf the apples are on? I’m tempted to try it & add some raisins, oats & walnut pieces!
Rosa
Do the apples go on a solid tray? If yes, just skip the water. The water is mainly to make clean up easier due to the marinade dripping down below the basket. If the tray has holes, then I would put something on the lower shelf to catch the drips. Those sound like delicious additions! Please report back when you try it. 🙂
Antonietta
Delicious!! This recipe was a big hit with my family. Such a great healthy snack!!
Rosa
Thrilled you and your family enjoyed these! Thanks so much for the review, Antonietta. 🙂
Susan
This is a great recipe. Make sure the the apples are clean, dry and are at room temperature (not) out of the fridge, this helps the toppings stay on apples. Oh so good….We also had vanilla ice cream with the cooked apples. Yum!
Rosa
So glad you enjoyed Susan! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Tracy
These were SOO GOOD! Thank you for sharing.
Rosa
You’re welcome, Tracy. So glad you enjoyed. 🙂
Nicole
I made these today, delicious!!!
Rosa
So glad you enjoyed Nicole.
Maria
Can’t believe something this simple can taste so good! Amazing recipe!
Rosa
Thanks Maria, so glad you enjoyed!
Kimberly
Saw this shared on FB and made it immediately!!!! No joke tastes like apple pie!!! Amazing thank you.
Rosa
Fantastic! So glad to hear that Kimberly. Thanks so much for reporting back. 🙂