Air Fryer Baked Apples Recipe
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s comfortingly nostalgic yet delightfully modern, Air Fryer Baked Apples are about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine tender, juicy apples filled with a warm, nutty oat crumble that melts together while cooking, all made effortlessly crisp and golden in the air fryer. This four-season dessert channels pure coziness with every spiced bite, comes together quickly, and is a guaranteed way to make your kitchen smell absolutely divine.

Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of honest, pantry staples, you can whip up irresistible Air Fryer Baked Apples in no time. Every ingredient adds something special, whether it’s a burst of flavor, a hint of crunch, or that sweet, familiar aroma that fills the house.
- Apples: Choose medium-sized Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for their natural sweetness and ability to hold their shape during air frying.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that melts beautifully into the oat filling.
- Old-Fashioned Oats: Provide wholesome, chewy texture and soak up all the delicious buttery flavor.
- Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: Lend an irresistible crunch and nutty note; substitute sunflower seeds or granola for nut-free versions.
- Ground Cinnamon: Brings warm, fragrant spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
- Ground Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, earthy spice that enhances the fall flavor profile.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Binds the filling and makes each bite extra decadent and moist.
- Vanilla Extract: Infuses the filling with a lovely aromatic sweet finish.
- Pinch of Salt: Balances all the sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.
How to Make Air Fryer Baked Apples
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Start by giving your apples a good rinse. Then, using a small paring knife, carefully cut a small circle around each apple’s stem. Gently scoop out the core and seeds, making sure not to pierce through the bottom (we don’t want any of that wonderful filling to drip out!). Leave a sturdy little apple “cup” ready to hold all that delicious oat mixture.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine your brown sugar, oats, chopped nuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, a pinch of salt, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until you’ve got a crumbly, fragrant mixture—the oats should glisten with buttery goodness and little clumps should form as the sugars and spices do their magic.
Step 3: Stuff the Apples
Divide the filling among your cored apples. Fill each cavity generously, pressing the mixture down just enough so it’s nice and compact (but don’t overpack, or the apple might split). The more filling you can fit, the more delicious and hearty the final result!
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Arrange the stuffed apples upright in your air fryer basket, making sure they’re snug but not overcrowded. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 15 to 18 minutes. Keep an eye out for golden, bubbly tops and tender apples—their skins will appear slightly wrinkled, and they’ll smell like a bakery just opened in your home.
Step 5: Let Cool and Enjoy
Once the Air Fryer Baked Apples are cooked to gorgeous, gooey perfection, let them cool for about five minutes. This short rest helps the filling settle and makes serving much easier (plus, you won’t burn your tongue as you dive in for that first heavenly bite!).
How to Serve Air Fryer Baked Apples

Garnishes
The classic pairing for Air Fryer Baked Apples has to be a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which melts into the warm nooks and crannies for the dreamiest bite. You could also add a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for that ultra-cozy finish.
Side Dishes
These apples shine on their own, but they also complement other comforting desserts and drinks. Try serving alongside a mug of hot apple cider, or plate them next to a slice of sharp cheddar cheese for a surprisingly sophisticated, sweet-savory combo. They’re right at home at holiday dinners or an easy weeknight treat.
Creative Ways to Present
To make your Air Fryer Baked Apples extra memorable, serve them in individual ramekins, or hollow out smaller apples for adorable, bite-sized desserts. You can also line a platter with cinnamon sticks and candied walnuts for a rustic, welcoming display that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftover Air Fryer Baked Apples, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’ll taste just as wonderful (maybe even a little more “spiced”) the next day, making them a fantastic make-ahead option for meal prep or after-dinner snacking.
Freezing
You can freeze baked apples, though the texture may soften a bit upon reheating. Let them cool completely, then wrap each apple individually in plastic wrap and foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before you’re ready to reheat and serve.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Air Fryer Baked Apples in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or pop them back in the air fryer at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This helps restore some of that delicious topping texture and ensures the apples are warmed all the way through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Fuji are fantastic choices because they’re crisp and sweet, you can also use Granny Smith for a tangier bite or Gala for extra juiciness. Just pick firm apples that won’t turn mushy with heat.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries—this recipe works just as well in a conventional oven. Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes, or until tender and golden, checking frequently as oven times can vary.
Can I make Air Fryer Baked Apples without nuts?
Definitely! Just swap the nuts for sunflower seeds or extra oats, or try adding your favorite granola. The apples will still have a satisfying crunch and all the warmth you crave.
How do I prevent the filling from spilling out?
The key is to leave a sturdy “base” when coring the apples so none of the delicious filling escapes. Gently pack the mixture into each apple without overfilling, and arrange them snugly in the air fryer basket for support.
Can I double the recipe?
You can absolutely double or even triple this recipe for a crowd, but you may need to work in batches so the apples fit comfortably in your air fryer for even cooking. Warm, sweet-smelling kitchen guaranteed!
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about digging into Air Fryer Baked Apples—every spoonful is a warm hug of cinnamon, sweet fruit, and cozy nostalgia. I hope you’ll give this simple, heartwarming dessert a try and share it with people you love. The magic of a perfectly baked apple in the air fryer is just waiting for you!
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Air Fryer Baked Apples Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the cozy flavors of fall with these delicious Air Fryer Baked Apples. Stuffed with a sweet and nutty filling, these tender apples make for a perfect dessert that’s both easy to make and satisfyingly tasty.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Cut and Core: Cut a small circle around each apple stem and scoop out the core, being careful not to cut through the bottom.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, oats, chopped nuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, melted butter, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
- Stuff Apples: Stuff each apple cavity with the filling mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.
- Air Fry: Place stuffed apples upright in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 15–18 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the tops are golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- For nut-free versions, omit nuts or replace with sunflower seeds or granola.
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on apple size and air fryer model.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 baked apple
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg