Air Fryer Fried Apples Recipe

• Flour: This forms the base of the batter — all-purpose works great for a light coating.
• Sugar: Divided into batter and topping, the sweetness enhances the apples naturally.
• Baking Powder: Gives a slight lift to the batter so it’s not too dense.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
• Whole Milk: Makes the batter smooth and rich without being heavy.
• Egg: Helps bind the batter and adds tenderness.
• Butter: Melted — split between the batter and brushing on the cooked apples for extra richness.
• Vanilla Extract: A little warmth that complements the cinnamon well.
• Cinnamon: Essential spice that gives the recipe its classic fall flavor.
• Ground Cardamom (optional): I love this tiny touch for an extra cozy note but you can skip it if you’re not a fan.
• Apples: Peeled, cored, and sliced thinly for that perfect fry — Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are ideal.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations

I love how flexible this Air Fryer Fried Apples Recipe is, so I encourage you to make it your own. Feel free to experiment with different spices or apples to suit your taste buds or dietary needs.

• Different Spices: When I’m feeling adventurous, I swap cardamom for nutmeg or add a pinch of cloves for a deeper fall flavor.
• Apple Varieties: I’ve tried this with Fuji and gala apples too — they’re sweeter and give a different vibe that’s still delicious.
• Maple Sugar Swap: Use maple sugar instead of regular sugar for a hint of natural maple sweetness I discovered while experimenting one afternoon.
• Dairy-Free: You can replace milk and butter with almond milk and coconut oil for a dairy-free version that still tastes amazing.

How to Make Air Fryer Fried Apples Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Batter

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into thin ¼-inch rounds. Using a good apple peeler and corer really speeds this up—I’ve got one in my kitchen I rely on to make prep a breeze. Next, whisk together your dry ingredients (flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, baking powder, and salt) until smooth in a medium bowl. Then add milk, egg, a tablespoon of melted butter, and vanilla extract, mixing everything to a nice smooth batter. Set this aside so it’s ready when your apples are.

Step 2: Coat the Apples and Freeze

In a separate bowl, combine the remaining sugar with cinnamon and cardamom (if you’re using it). This spice blend will be your finishing touch. Now, using your fingers or a fork, dip each apple slice into the batter, letting excess drip off before laying them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Here’s a tip I learned: freeze these slices for about 45-60 minutes before air frying. This step helps the batter set and prevents the apples from sticking together in the air fryer, making for a crispier finish.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Arrange your frozen, battered apple slices in a single layer on your air fryer pan—work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Cook at 425°F for about 7-9 minutes, checking midway to make sure they’re turning golden and crispy. The smell at this stage is incredible, and I always make sure to keep an eye so they don’t overcook. Once they’re done, brush immediately with the remaining melted butter, then dredge them in the cinnamon sugar mix for that perfect glaze.

Step 4: Serve Immediately and Enjoy

These Air Fryer Fried Apples are best enjoyed right away when they’re warm, crispy, and bursting with flavor. If you wait too long, the coating softens, and you miss that perfect crunch. Trust me, you’ll want to dig in the moment they come out—you might even find yourself sneaking a few before serving!

How to Serve Air Fryer Fried Apples Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these fried apples with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a lovely contrast of warm and cold. Sometimes, I sprinkle chopped toasted pecans on top for extra crunch and a nutty flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar also makes them look pretty and adds a touch more sweetness if you want it.

Side Dishes

These apples are fantastic alongside breakfast dishes like pancakes or waffles, adding a naturally sweet topping. I’ve also served them next to roast pork or grilled chicken for a cozy autumn dinner. They even make an excellent snack on their own when you want something a little sweet but not heavy.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches or special occasions, I like serving these fried apples in small glass jars layered with granola and yogurt for a beautiful parfait. Another fun idea is skewering the battered apples on sticks to create “apple pops” that kids adore. If you want to make a dessert platter, arrange the apples around a warm caramel sauce or alongside cinnamon rolls for indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. While they won’t be quite as crispy as fresh, reheating in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes brings back much of their original texture.

Freezing

Because we freeze the apples before air frying, they’re already partially prepped for freezing. If you want to freeze leftover cooked apples, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for about a month and can be re-crisped in the air fryer straight from frozen.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Air Fryer Fried Apples by placing them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. This refreshes the crispness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Fried Apples Recipe has become such a go-to in my kitchen because it’s quick, comforting, and so satisfying. I love sharing it because it’s an easy way to transform humble apples into a treat that feels special without any fancy ingredients. If you’re looking for a new favorite snack or dessert to impress family and friends, give this a try—you won’t regret it, and I promise they’ll be asking for seconds!

If you’ve been searching for a simple, sweet treat that turns out perfectly every time, I absolutely love sharing this Air Fryer Fried Apples Recipe with friends and family. It’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to whip up, thanks to the magic of the air fryer. You’ll find that the apples come out crispy on the edges, tender on the inside, and that cinnamon-sugar coating adds just the right amount of warmth and sweetness.

When I first tried this Air Fryer Fried Apples Recipe, I was amazed at how quick it was compared to traditional frying, plus cleanup was a breeze. It’s perfect for a cozy fall breakfast, an after-school snack your kids will beg for, or even a last-minute dessert paired with vanilla ice cream. Give it a try—you’re going to love how versatile and delicious these fried apples turn out!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Air Fryer Fried Apples Recipe come together to create a perfectly balanced crispy batter and sweet-spiced coating. Sourcing fresh, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp will give you that nice tartness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon sugar.

• Flour: This forms the base of the batter — all-purpose works great for a light coating.
• Sugar: Divided into batter and topping, the sweetness enhances the apples naturally.
• Baking Powder: Gives a slight lift to the batter so it’s not too dense.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
• Whole Milk: Makes the batter smooth and rich without being heavy.
• Egg: Helps bind the batter and adds tenderness.
• Butter: Melted — split between the batter and brushing on the cooked apples for extra richness.
• Vanilla Extract: A little warmth that complements the cinnamon well.
• Cinnamon: Essential spice that gives the recipe its classic fall flavor.
• Ground Cardamom (optional): I love this tiny touch for an extra cozy note but you can skip it if you’re not a fan.
• Apples: Peeled, cored, and sliced thinly for that perfect fry — Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are ideal.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations

I love how flexible this Air Fryer Fried Apples Recipe is, so I encourage you to make it your own. Feel free to experiment with different spices or apples to suit your taste buds or dietary needs.

• Different Spices: When I’m feeling adventurous, I swap cardamom for nutmeg or add a pinch of cloves for a deeper fall flavor.
• Apple Varieties: I’ve tried this with Fuji and gala apples too — they’re sweeter and give a different vibe that’s still delicious.
• Maple Sugar Swap: Use maple sugar instead of regular sugar for a hint of natural maple sweetness I discovered while experimenting one afternoon.
• Dairy-Free: You can replace milk and butter with almond milk and coconut oil for a dairy-free version that still tastes amazing.

How to Make Air Fryer Fried Apples Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Batter

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into thin ¼-inch rounds. Using a good apple peeler and corer really speeds this up—I’ve got one in my kitchen I rely on to make prep a breeze. Next, whisk together your dry ingredients (flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, baking powder, and salt) until smooth in a medium bowl. Then add milk, egg, a tablespoon of melted butter, and vanilla extract, mixing everything to a nice smooth batter. Set this aside so it’s ready when your apples are.

Step 2: Coat the Apples and Freeze

In a separate bowl, combine the remaining sugar with cinnamon and cardamom (if you’re using it). This spice blend will be your finishing touch. Now, using your fingers or a fork, dip each apple slice into the batter, letting excess drip off before laying them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Here’s a tip I learned: freeze these slices for about 45-60 minutes before air frying. This step helps the batter set and prevents the apples from sticking together in the air fryer, making for a crispier finish.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Arrange your frozen, battered apple slices in a single layer on your air fryer pan—work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Cook at 425°F for about 7-9 minutes, checking midway to make sure they’re turning golden and crispy. The smell at this stage is incredible, and I always make sure to keep an eye so they don’t overcook. Once they’re done, brush immediately with the remaining melted butter, then dredge them in the cinnamon sugar mix for that perfect glaze.

Step 4: Serve Immediately and Enjoy

These Air Fryer Fried Apples are best enjoyed right away when they’re warm, crispy, and bursting with flavor. If you wait too long, the coating softens, and you miss that perfect crunch. Trust me, you’ll want to dig in the moment they come out—you might even find yourself sneaking a few before serving!

How to Serve Air Fryer Fried Apples Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these fried apples with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a lovely contrast of warm and cold. Sometimes, I sprinkle chopped toasted pecans on top for extra crunch and a nutty flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar also makes them look pretty and adds a touch more sweetness if you want it.

Side Dishes

These apples are fantastic alongside breakfast dishes like pancakes or waffles, adding a naturally sweet topping. I’ve also served them next to roast pork or grilled chicken for a cozy autumn dinner. They even make an excellent snack on their own when you want something a little sweet but not heavy.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches or special occasions, I like serving these fried apples in small glass jars layered with granola and yogurt for a beautiful parfait. Another fun idea is skewering the battered apples on sticks to create “apple pops” that kids adore. If you want to make a dessert platter, arrange the apples around a warm caramel sauce or alongside cinnamon rolls for indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. While they won’t be quite as crispy as fresh, reheating in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes brings back much of their original texture.

Freezing

Because we freeze the apples before air frying, they’re already partially prepped for freezing. If you want to freeze leftover cooked apples, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for about a month and can be re-crisped in the air fryer straight from frozen.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Air Fryer Fried Apples by placing them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. This refreshes the crispness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Fried Apples Recipe has become such a go-to in my kitchen because it’s quick, comforting, and so satisfying. I love sharing it because it’s an easy way to transform humble apples into a treat that feels special without any fancy ingredients. If you’re looking for a new favorite snack or dessert to impress family and friends, give this a try—you won’t regret it, and I promise they’ll be asking for seconds!