Air Fryer Baked Apples
Air fryer baked apples soften in about 20 minutes with a bubbling, cinnamon-oat filling, much faster than an oven. Core whole apples, stuff them with oats, brown sugar, pecans and butter, and let the hot air do the rest. You get a warm dessert for fall that also works for breakfast, plus times for different apple sizes and for slices.
- Temperature
- 350°F180 °C
- Total time
- 35min
- Prep time
- 10min
- Servings
- 4
- Per serving
- 235kcal
Why the air fryer works for baked apples
A whole apple is mostly water and fiber, and it softens when it is heated slowly. In a regular oven, that takes 45 minutes or more at 350 °F. The air fryer's compact chamber and strong fan do the same job in about 20 minutes, with hot air touching the entire surface. The skin tightens and wrinkles, the flesh turns tender, and the sugar in the filling melts into a thick syrup.
Baked apples also benefit from the dry air on top. The oat and pecan filling crisps and browns while the apple underneath steams in its own juices. This is the reason baked apples are a different dessert from a full apple pie: the apple itself is the dish, with only a spoonful of topping.
How to make baked apples in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Core the apples Wash the apples. Using a paring knife or an apple corer, remove the core from the top, stopping about ½ inch from the bottom so the filling stays inside. Widen the hole slightly to about 1 inch across. Peel a thin strip around the top third if you like.
- Mix the filling In a bowl, stir together the oats, brown sugar, pecans, raisins, cinnamon, salt and half of the butter pieces until crumbly.
- Stuff Press the filling into each apple, mounding it slightly on top. Dot the tops with the remaining butter. Use a small knife to prick the skin in a few places so it does not split.
- Preheat Preheat the air fryer to 350 °F for .
- Cook Stand the apples upright in the basket so they do not tip. A 5–6 qt basket holds 3 or 4; in a smaller basket, cook two at a time. Cook for , until a knife slides into the flesh easily and the filling is bubbling and browned.
- Rest Let the apples sit for , since the sugary filling is very hot. Spoon any juices from the basket over the top.
Times and temperatures
| Air Fryer Baked Apples | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Medium apples, 6 oz | 350 °F (180 °C) | 20 min |
| Small apples, 4 oz | 350 °F (180 °C) | 16–18 min |
| Large apples, 8 ozCheck with a knife | 350 °F (180 °C) | 25–28 min |
| Apple halves, cut side up | 350 °F (180 °C) | 12–14 min |
| Baked apple slicesShake once | 350 °F (180 °C) | 8–10 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Pick firm baking apples of the same size. Equal apples cook at the same speed, and ones around 6 oz fit most baskets.
- Do not core all the way through. Leave about ½ inch at the bottom so the filling and butter stay in the apple instead of leaking out.
- Add liquid if you like. A splash of apple juice or water under the apples can help the basket stay clean, but it is not needed.
What to serve with baked apples
Serve warm baked apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a spoonful of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For breakfast, serve them with Greek yogurt or stirred into oatmeal. They also pair with a pork dinner, because apples and pork are a natural match. For other fall desserts, see desserts.
Storing and reheating
Leftover baked apples keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 325 °F for 4–5 minutes until warm. The microwave also works and takes 1 minute, but it softens the topping. Do not freeze whole baked apples, because the flesh turns mushy.
Variations
- No-sugar apples: Replace the brown sugar with 1 tbsp of maple syrup or leave it out and rely on raisins for sweetness.
- Dried cranberries and walnuts: Replace the raisins and pecans with ¼ cup of cranberries and chopped walnuts.
- Caramel: Drizzle 1 tbsp of caramel sauce over each apple during the last 2 minutes.
- Vegan: Use coconut oil or vegan butter in place of the butter.
Apple varieties and sizes
Granny Smith apples stay firm and tart, which balances the sweet filling. Honeycrisp apples are sweeter and juicier and bake in a little less time. Braeburn and Jonagold are also good choices. Avoid mealy varieties, which fall apart. Size matters: a 6 oz apple takes 20 minutes, and a bigger one takes longer, so buy apples of the same size. If the apples are too tall for your basket, cut a thin slice off the bottom so they stand, or cut them in half across the middle.
If it does not turn out right
- The apples collapse
- They were overcooked or too soft to begin with. Choose firm baking apples, and check with a knife at 16 minutes. The flesh should be tender but still holding its shape.
- The filling burns on top
- Lower the temperature to 325 °F and add 3 minutes, or press the filling down so no loose oats stick up. Oats and sugar brown quickly in the moving air.
- The apples are firm in the middle
- Large apples need more time. Add 3–5 minutes at a time, and cut the apples in half if your basket cannot hold them upright.
Questions and answers
How long do baked apples take in the air fryer?
Medium apples of about 6 oz take 20 minutes at 350 °F. Small apples need 16–18 minutes and large ones of 8 oz need 25–28 minutes. Check by sliding a knife into the side.
Can you make air fryer baked apples with no sugar?
Yes. Skip the brown sugar and add 1 tbsp of maple syrup or just use extra cinnamon and raisins. Ripe sweet apples give plenty of flavor without added sugar.
What are the best apples for baking in the air fryer?
Firm, tart-sweet varieties such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp or Braeburn hold their shape. Soft apples turn to mush and burst.
Can I make baked apple slices in the air fryer?
Yes. Toss ½-inch slices with cinnamon, sugar and a little butter, and cook at 350 °F for 8–10 minutes, shaking once. Add a splash of lemon juice to keep them bright.
What did you think of this recipe?
Be the first to rate this recipe.
