Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

Air fryer apples transform ordinary fruit into a caramelized, cinnamon-spiced treat that rivals apple pie filling—but with minimal effort and faster results. These tender yet slightly crispy apple bites develop incredible depth of flavor in just minutes, creating a versatile treat that works as a healthy snack, a perfect breakfast topping, or an indulgent dessert base. With their irresistible aroma of warm spices and caramelized sweetness, these easy air fryer apples will quickly become your favorite way to enjoy fall's signature fruit.

I resisted jumping on the air fryer bandwagon for years, but after finally giving in, these cinnamon-spiced apples were the recipe that convinced me my purchase was completely justified. The first time I made them, the incredible aroma filled my kitchen, and I couldn't believe how quickly they transformed into what tasted like the filling of the best apple pie I'd ever had—but with a uniquely satisfying texture that only an air fryer can create.

Simple Seasonal Ingredients

• Fresh apples: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and that perfect tender-crisp texture; Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Granny Smith varieties offer the best results
• Ground cinnamon: Adds that classic warm spice that pairs perfectly with apples; freshly ground cinnamon makes a noticeable difference
• Sweetener of choice: Enhances the natural sweetness of the apples; maple syrup adds depth while coconut sugar provides caramel notes
• Coconut oil or butter: Optional but adds richness and helps the apples caramelize beautifully; use coconut oil for a dairy-free version

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. While I prefer Honeycrisp apples for their perfect balance of sweetness and structure when cooked, nearly any variety works well except Red Delicious, which tend to become too mushy. I leave the peels on for added nutrition and a beautiful color contrast, but you can easily peel them if you prefer a more uniform texture.

Prepare The Apples

Core and dice your apples into uniform bite-sized pieces, about ¾-inch cubes. Keeping the pieces consistent ensures they'll cook evenly. For apple chips, slice them into thin, even rounds instead. The size and shape you choose will affect both cooking time and final texture.

Season With Spice

In a large bowl, toss the apple pieces with ground cinnamon, your chosen sweetener, and melted coconut oil or butter if using. Make sure every piece gets thoroughly coated for the best flavor development. This step allows the spices to begin infusing into the fruit even before cooking.

Arrange For Success

Lightly grease your air fryer basket or line it with parchment paper designed for air fryers. Spread the seasoned apples in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them. Proper spacing allows the hot air to circulate around each piece, creating that perfect caramelization.

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Cook With Precision

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, then cook the apples for 7 minutes. Open and shake the basket to redistribute the pieces, ensuring even cooking. Continue cooking for another 8 minutes or until they reach your desired level of tenderness and caramelization. The exact timing may vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model.

Serve While Warm

For the best experience, enjoy these apples while they're still warm and fragrant. Their flavor and texture are at their peak right after cooking, though they maintain their deliciousness even after cooling.

My favorite discovery was serving these warm, spiced apple pieces over a bowl of plain Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of granola for breakfast. The contrast between the cool, tangy yogurt and the warm, sweet apples creates a beautifully balanced morning treat that keeps me satisfied for hours. My daughter now requests this breakfast nearly every weekend, calling it her "apple pie breakfast bowl."

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Serving Suggestions

Serve these versatile apple bites warm over vanilla ice cream for a quick apple crumble-inspired dessert that takes minutes instead of hours. Add them to your morning oatmeal or overnight oats for natural sweetness and warming spice. Layer them with Greek yogurt and granola in a parfait glass for an impressive breakfast or snack. Use them as a topping for pancakes or waffles instead of syrup for a healthier alternative with more flavor complexity. These apples also make a delicious filling for crepes or as a topping for toast spread with almond butter.

Creative Variations

• Transform this basic recipe: Add a handful of dried cranberries or raisins during the last few minutes of cooking for a sweet-tart contrast.
• Create an autumn spice blend: Add pinches of nutmeg, ginger, and cloves alongside the cinnamon.
• For a decadent dessert version: Toss the cooked apples with a tablespoon of caramel sauce.
• Create a savory-sweet version: Reduce the sweetener and add a pinch of salt and fresh rosemary.
• For apple pie flavor: Add a tiny splash of vanilla extract to the seasoning mixture before cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Firm apple varieties that hold their shape when cooked work best, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith. Granny Smith will give a more tart result, while the others offer varying degrees of sweetness. Avoid softer varieties like McIntosh that might turn mushy.

→ Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is completely optional! Leaving the skin on adds color, texture, and extra nutrients (especially fiber). If you prefer no peels or if you're serving to young children or people with texture sensitivities, feel free to peel them.

→ Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?

Absolutely! You can substitute honey, agave nectar, brown sugar, coconut sugar, or even a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or stevia. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile but all work well.

→ What can I serve with these air fryer apples?

These versatile apples are delicious on their own, but also pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, coconut ice cream, yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, or pound cake. You can also add a sprinkle of granola or chopped nuts for extra crunch.

→ Can I make these ahead of time and reheat them?

Yes! Store cooled air fryer apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or pop them back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to restore some of the crispness.