Oh, I just have to tell you about this Air Fryer Cinnamon-Glazed Apples Recipe — it’s one of those simple but incredibly satisfying treats that makes your kitchen smell like fall all year round. What I love most is how quickly it comes together and how the air fryer crisps the apples perfectly, giving you that warm, cinnamon-spiced glaze without needing to heat up the whole oven. You’ll find that this recipe is fantastic for when you want a snack that feels indulgent but still wholesome and fresh.
When I first tried this Air Fryer Cinnamon-Glazed Apples Recipe, I was amazed at how the apples caramelized right in the basket! It’s one of those gem recipes that’s perfect anytime—from an afternoon pick-me-up to an easy dessert you can whip up on a whim. Plus, it’s so versatile that you can tweak sweetness levels or even swap out toppings based on what you have on hand. Trust me, once you get a taste, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can have spiced, caramelized apples in just 15 minutes, hands down.
- Healthy Comfort Food: Uses minimal ingredients with the option to keep it fat-free or swap sweeteners.
- Versatile Snack or Dessert: Works as a side, topping, or just on its own—your call.
- Air Fryer Magic: Crisps apples beautifully, creating that irresistible cinnamon glaze without extra fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Air Fryer Cinnamon-Glazed Apples Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient adds to the flavor or texture, and they all blend together perfectly for that cozy, sweet finish.
- Apples: Choose firm, crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best texture.
- Cinnamon: Fresh ground cinnamon packs the most flavor, but the pre-ground stuff works just fine.
- Pure Maple Syrup (or sweetener of choice): I like using real maple syrup but brown sugar or honey can work too.
- Oil or Butter (optional): Adds richness and helps caramelize the apples, but you can skip it for a lighter treat.
Variations
I love mixing things up with this Air Fryer Cinnamon-Glazed Apples Recipe depending on the season or my mood. It’s super forgiving, so feel free to customize!
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger for a warm, deeper flavor that reminds me of holiday desserts.
- Swap sweeteners: Use honey, agave, or even a sprinkle of brown sugar based on what you have; each gives a slightly different sweetness.
- Make it vegan: Skip the butter or use a plant-based oil or vegan butter alternative with no compromise on flavor.
- Add nuts or raisins: Toss in some chopped walnuts or golden raisins before air frying for extra texture and sweetness.
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon-Glazed Apples Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Apples Just Right
Start by greasing your air fryer tray or lining it with air fryer liners to prevent sticking. Peel your apples if you prefer (I like leaving the skin on for texture and nutrients), then cut them into small squares, sticks, or thin slices — whichever shape you like best. Just be sure to toss the cores and seeds. I usually slice because I like that crispier edge-to-passage.
Step 2: Toss in Cinnamon, Sweetener, and Fat
Place your chopped apples in a mixing bowl and sprinkle the cinnamon over them. Drizzle with maple syrup (or your choice of sweetener) and toss in the melted butter or oil if you’re using it. Give everything a nice toss so the apples are evenly coated. This is where the magic happens — the cinnamon and syrup start to seep into the apples even before cooking.
Step 3: Air Fry at the Perfect Temperature
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the apples in a single layer on the tray to ensure they cook evenly — you might need to do two batches if your air fryer is small. Air fry the apples for about 7 minutes, then open the air fryer and give them a good shake to turn and coat them again. Finish with another 8 minutes, keeping an eye on them so they don’t burn but get nice and caramelized.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Cinnamon-Glazed Apples Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air needs to circulate for that perfect caramelization—work in batches if needed.
- Choose the Right Apples: I’ve learned that firmer apples hold their shape best and crisp nicely without turning to mush.
- Use Fresh Cinnamon: It really elevates the flavor and makes a big difference compared to pre-ground older spices.
- Shake Halfway Through: Gives even cooking and ensures all pieces get coated with the glaze, avoiding soggy spots.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cinnamon-Glazed Apples Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar or chopped toasted pecans on top for crunch and added sweetness. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also takes it up a notch if you’re serving it as a dessert.
Side Dishes
This goes wonderfully alongside pork chops or roasted chicken for a sweet-savory combo. You can also pair it with oatmeal or pancakes in the morning for a fruity boost.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served the apples in little cinnamon-dusted ramekins topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of honey — it’s a beautiful, rustic presentation that always impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually stay delicious for up to 3 days. You might lose a bit of crispness, but the flavor deepens so it’s still wonderful.
Freezing
Freezing works okay if you want to make a big batch ahead, but when thawed, the texture gets softer. I like to freeze them in single servings wrapped well so I can quickly reheat and enjoy a comforting snack.
Reheating
To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes to refresh that crispiness. The microwave works too but you might end up with softer apples, which are still tasty!
FAQs
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Can I use different types of apples for this Air Fryer Cinnamon-Glazed Apples Recipe?
Absolutely! I recommend firmer apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji because they hold up well in the air fryer without turning mushy. Softer apples might turn too soft or mushy during cooking, but if you like a softer texture, go ahead and experiment.
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Is it necessary to add oil or butter?
Nope! The oil or butter helps caramelize the apples and adds richness, but you can skip it to keep the recipe lighter or fat-free. The apples will still cook nicely and get that cinnamon glaze from the syrup and spice.
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How long do the apples take to cook in the air fryer?
This recipe cooks your apples in about 15 minutes total at 400°F, with a midway shake to ensure even cooking and caramelization. Depending on your air fryer model and how thick you slice your apples, cooking times might vary by a minute or two.
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Can I make this Air Fryer Cinnamon-Glazed Apples Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them ahead and either store in the fridge for a couple of days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in the air fryer or oven before serving for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Cinnamon-Glazed Apples Recipe has become one of my go-to treats whenever I want something quick, comforting, and downright delicious. I recommend it to everyone who asks for an easy snack that tastes like it took way more effort than it did. Once you try it, you’ll see why my family gets excited whenever these cinnamon apples come out of the air fryer — and I bet your family will feel the same. So go ahead, give it a whirl and let me know how you like to customize it!
Print
Air Fryer Cinnamon-Glazed Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This simple Air Fryer Apples recipe transforms fresh apples into a crispy, caramelized treat seasoned with cinnamon and a touch of maple syrup. Ideal for a healthy snack or a quick dessert, these apples come out tender yet slightly crunchy, perfect for enjoying on their own or paired with yogurt or ice cream.
Ingredients
Apples
- 2 large apples
Seasoning
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup or sweetener of choice
- 2 tsp oil or butter, optional for fat free
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and grease the air fryer tray or line it with air fryer liners. Peel the apples if desired, then chop them into small squares, sticks, or thin slices, discarding cores and seeds.
- Toss Apples: In a bowl, toss the chopped apples with cinnamon, maple syrup (or sweetener), and optional melted butter or oil until evenly coated.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Arrange Apples: Place the apples in a single layer on the greased air fryer tray. If the air fryer is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding and allow proper air circulation.
- First Air Fry: Air fry the apples for 7 minutes to begin softening and caramelizing.
- Shake and Continue: Open the air fryer, shake or stir the apples to turn them, then air fry for an additional 8 minutes or until the apples are crispy and caramelized to your liking.
Notes
- You can peel the apples or leave the skin on based on your texture preference.
- Adjust the cinnamon and sweetener amounts according to taste and dietary needs.
- If omitting butter or oil, the recipe becomes fat-free but may be less crispy.
- Use apple varieties like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- Cook apples in batches if your air fryer capacity is limited for even cooking.
