Imagine transforming ordinary apples into a mouthwatering treat that's crispy, sweet, and bursting with cinnamon flavor - all without turning on your oven! These Easy Air Fryer Apples are about to become your new obsession, offering a quick, healthier dessert or side dish that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook or a dessert enthusiast, this recipe is your ticket to culinary magic in minutes!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 apples, cored and sliced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp melted butter (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your apples. Wash them thoroughly under cool running water. Once clean, core each apple and slice them into even wedges, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Place the apple slices in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Mix well to ensure the sugar and spice are evenly distributed.
- Drizzle the lemon juice over the apple slices in the mixing bowl. This will not only add flavor but also help prevent the apples from browning. Toss the apple slices gently to coat them in the lemon juice.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the apple slices. If you are using melted butter, drizzle it over the apples as well. Toss everything together until the apple slices are evenly coated with the sugar and cinnamon mixture.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This step ensures that the apples cook evenly and achieve a nice texture.
- Once preheated, place the coated apple slices in the air fryer basket. Make sure to spread them out in a single layer to allow for even cooking. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the apples in the air fryer for about 10 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket gently or use tongs to flip the apple slices for even cooking.
- After 10 minutes, check the apples for doneness. They should be tender and slightly caramelized. If you prefer them softer, you can cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Once cooked to your liking, carefully remove the apple slices from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm as a delicious side dish, dessert, or topping for ice cream or yogurt.
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best for this recipe. They hold their shape and provide a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
- Slice Consistently: Ensure your apple slices are roughly the same thickness (1/4 to 1/2 inch) to guarantee even cooking.
- Don't Overcrowd: Always arrange apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of caramelizing.
- Shake or Flip Midway: Gently shake the basket or use tongs to flip the apple slices halfway through cooking for uniform browning.
- Customize Your Spices: While cinnamon is classic, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra flavor complexity.
- Serving Suggestions: These air fryer apples are versatile! Serve them as a dessert, breakfast topping, or alongside roasted meats for a sweet-savory combination.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 114kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 8mg
