Air fryer apples with cinnamon and a maple glaze. Tender, fragrant apple slices that work as a side, a simple dessert, or a breakfast topper. This quick apple recipe is ready in under 30 minutes.
Skip the fuss of pie and enjoy warm air-fried apple slices instead. They deliver the comforting flavors of baked apples—soft, slightly caramelized, and cinnamon-scented—without the long prep. They’re also lighter than traditional apple pie.
These apples are sweetened with pure maple syrup and coconut sugar, keeping the recipe free of refined sugars. They’re naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making them a wholesome way to satisfy a sweet craving. Serve as a snack, a breakfast topping, a side, or a healthy dessert.
They shine in fall when apples are at their best. If you have extra fruit, consider other apple-forward recipes like a gluten-free apple crisp or apple oat muffins.
[feast_advanced_jump_to]
Ingredients for Air Fryer Apples
A complete ingredient list and exact amounts appear in the recipe card below. Notes and substitutions are listed here.
- APPLES – I prefer Honeycrisp for their sweetness and crisp texture.
- AVOCADO OIL – A light coating of oil helps the apples brown in the air fryer. Avocado oil has a neutral flavor; you can substitute extra-virgin olive oil or unrefined coconut oil if preferred.
- MAPLE SYRUP – Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
- COCONUT SUGAR – Adds a caramel note and keeps the recipe refined-sugar-free. Brown sugar works as a substitute if needed.
Clean food tip: Apples often rank high on pesticide lists, so choose organic apples when possible.
Clean food tip: Use anti-inflammatory oils like avocado, extra-virgin olive, or coconut oil.
What Type of Apples are Best?
Sweet, crisp varieties work best. Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Braeburn, and Fuji produce tender, flavorful slices. You can use a mix of sweet and tart apples (such as including a Granny Smith) for contrast, but avoid using only very tart apples.
How to Make
The method is straightforward: peel (optional), slice, toss, air fry, and glaze.
STEP 1: Peel (optional), core, and slice apples into ½” thick slices. Use an apple corer or remove seeds after slicing.
STEP 2: Place slices in a medium bowl. Add avocado oil and cinnamon, tossing until all slices are evenly coated.
STEP 3: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Arrange apple slices in the basket in a single layer. Slight overlap is fine, but don’t overcrowd—cook in batches if necessary.
STEP 4: Air fry for 10–12 minutes, or until the apples are fork-tender and golden. While they cook, whisk together maple syrup, coconut sugar, and vanilla to make the glaze. If slices are crowded, stir halfway through; otherwise stirring isn’t required.
STEP 5: Transfer the cooked apples to a mixing bowl, drizzle with the maple glaze, and toss to coat. Add an extra sprinkle of cinnamon if you like.
Serve warm and enjoy.
Serving Air Fryer Apples
These apples are versatile and pair well with many dishes.
Breakfast: Use as a topping for pancakes, oatmeal, yogurt, or waffles.
Snack: Eat them plain or sprinkle with granola, toasted pecans, or walnuts.
Side Dish: Serve alongside roasted pork, poultry, or as a warm holiday side.
Dessert: Top with vanilla ice cream, coconut whipped cream, or regular whipped cream for a lighter dessert.
No matter how you serve them, they’re hard to resist.
Recipe Tips & Notes
Air fryers vary. Check the apples after 10 minutes; continue in 1–2 minute increments until they are soft and golden. My air fryer takes about 12 minutes.
Try additional spices: ginger, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice pair well with cinnamon. Increase the cinnamon for a bolder flavor.
For a richer taste, stir 1 tablespoon melted butter into the maple glaze.
Storage Instructions
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for about 30 seconds or air fry at 380°F for 2–3 minutes.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
FAQs
No. Peeling is optional. I peeled mine for photos, but leaving the skin on is fine and preserves nutrients.
They’re made with unrefined ingredients, though the maple glaze adds sugar. Skipping the glaze reduces added sugar and still yields a tasty, healthier dessert option.
No. Most air fryer baskets are non-stick; spraying can damage the coating.
More Air Fryer Recipes for You to Try
-
Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
-
Easy Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer
-
Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
-
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken (gluten free)
Eat Clean. Be Healthy!
-Sara
Air Fryer Apples
Equipment
-
1 Air Fryer
-
1 Mixing bowl
-
1 Vegetable peeler (optional)
Ingredients
- 4 large, sweet apples
- 1 tbsp. avocado oil
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 2 tsp. pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp. coconut sugar
- ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the apples by peeling (optional), coring, and slicing into ½” thick slices.
- Place sliced apples in a medium bowl and add avocado oil and cinnamon. Toss to coat evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Arrange apples in the basket in a single layer; slight overlap is okay.
- Air fry about 12 minutes, or until golden and fork-tender. Check at 10 minutes; times vary by air fryer and slice size.
- While apples cook, whisk together maple syrup, coconut sugar, and vanilla to make the glaze.
- Transfer cooked apples to a bowl, drizzle with glaze, and stir to coat. Sprinkle extra cinnamon if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- No need to stir halfway unless the apples are heavily overlapping; otherwise cook in batches as needed.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.