• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Clean Plate Mama
  • Home
  • Clean Eating Guide
  • Recipe Index
  • About Me
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Clean Eating for Beginners: The Ultimate Clean Food Guide
  • About Me
  • Let's Connect!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Clean Plate Mama » Recipes » Desserts

    Air Fryer Apples

    Published: Aug 29, 2022 · Modified: Sep 7, 2023 by Sara · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Air fried apples on a plate with text overlay "how to make air fryer baked apples."
    Air fryer apples in a bowl with text overlay "dairy-free air fryer apple slices."
    Air fried apples with text overlay "baked apples in the air fryer."

    Air fryer apples with cinnamon and maple glaze. These perfectly tender and fragrant apple slices are delicious as a side dish, dessert, or addition to breakfast. An easy apple recipe that is ready in less than 30 minutes.

    Air fried apples sprinkled with cinnamon in a serving bowl with a vintage serving spoon and apple next to the bowl.

    Skip all the hard work of making apple pie and try these air fryer apple slices instead! Warm apple slices and sweet cinnamon flavor, but without all the work. Plus, these are healthier than apple pie, too.

    These apple slices are sweetened with pure maple syrup and coconut sugar so they are fully refined sugar free. They are also gluten free and dairy free. A perfect and better-for-you way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Perfect for enjoying as a delicious snack or dessert.

    These are especially good in the fall when apple season is in full wing! If you find yourself with a plethora of apples, be sure to try my gluten-free apple crisp, apple cinnamon oat muffins, and kale and Brussels sprouts salad (with apples).

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients for Air Fryer Apples
    • What Type of Apples are Best?
    • How to Make
    • Serving Air Fryer Apples
    • Recipe Tips & Notes
    • Storage Instructions
    • FAQs
    • More Air Fryer Recipes for you to Try
    • Air Fryer Apples

    Ingredients for Air Fryer Apples

    Labeled ingredients for air fryer apples.

    A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below. Here are some specific notes and substitutions.

    • APPLES - I typically use honey crisp when making these.
    • AVOCADO OIL - You'll need to lightly coat the apples in oil before air frying. I used avocado oil for its mild/neutral taste and because it's an unrefined oil. You can also use extra-virgin olive oil or unrefined coconut oil.
    • MAPLE SYRUP - Be sure to use pure maple syrup.
    • COCONUT SUGAR - I use coconut sugar for the caramel flavor and to keep this refined sugar free, but brown sugar can be used as a substitute.

    Clean food tip: Apples are on the EWG’s dirty dozen list (meaning they contain the highest amounts of pesticides), so I recommend using organic apples.

    Clean food tip: Be sure to use a non-inflammatory oil, such as avocado oil, extra-virgin olive oil, or coconut oil.

    What Type of Apples are Best?

    Sweet, crisp apples are best for these air fried apples. I used honey crisp, but pink lady, Braeburn, and Fuji are also great options.

    You could also use a mix of sweet and tart, such as granny smith, if you'd like. But I don't recommend using all tart apples.

    How to Make

    These air fryer baked apples are so simple to make. Follow the below easy instructions. It's as simple as peel, slice, mix, and fry!

    STEP 1: Peel apples, core, and slice into ½" thick slices. You can either use an apple corer, or just peel them, cut them, and then remove the seeds from the slices that have seeds.

    STEP 2: Place peeled apple slices in a medium sized mixing bowl and add avocado oil and cinnamon. Mix until apples are evenly coated in oil and cinnamon.

    Peeled and sliced apples on a cutting board with a knife and a whole apple on the side.
    Peel and slice apples.
    Apple slices mixed with cinnamon in a glass mixing bowl.
    Toss apples with oil and cinnamon.

    STEP 4: Preheat air fryer to 380 degrees F. Place apple slices in air fryer basket once preheated. It's okay if apples are slightly overlapping, but don't crowd too much. If needed, air fry in batches.

    STEP 5: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until apples can easily be pierced with a fork and are nice and browned. While apples are cooking, whisk together the maple syrup, vanilla, and coconut sugar.

    Note: If apples are crowded you can stir halfway though... if not, no need to stir.

    Apple slices with cinnamon laid out in an air fryer basket.
    Place apple slices in air fryer basket.
    Air fried apples in an air fryer basked right after being air fried.
    Air fry at 380 for 12 minutes.

    STEP 6: Remove apples from air fryer basket and place in a mixing bowl so you can add the glaze. Drizzle glaze over apples and mix well. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon if desired.

    Now you can serve and enjoy these air fryer apples!

    Air fried apple slices tossed with syrup/sugar mix in a glass mixing bowl.

    Serving Air Fryer Apples

    From breakfast all the way to dessert, these can be enjoyed so many ways.

    Breakfast: They make a delicious topping for your favorite breakfast or brunch items like these oat flour pancakes or gluten free waffles.

    Snack: Eat as is or top them with some homemade granola or pumpkin granola. They'd also be great topped with some pecans or walnuts.

    Side Dish: They are delicious as a simple side dish for the holidays or alongside some pulled pork.

    Dessert: Top off with your favorite ice cream, coconut whipped cream, or regular whipped cream for a better-for-you dessert option.

    However you serve them, you just can't go wrong!

    Recipe Tips & Notes

    Not all air fryers are created equal and even though they are set to the same temperature, air fryers may cook differently. My air fryer takes about 12 minutes to cook these. Check after 10 minutes and if needed, continue cooking for 1-2 minute increments until soft and golden brown.

    Play around with additional spices. Cinnamon is classic, but ginger, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice would all be great to mix in with the cinnamon! Or just add more cinnamon if you'd prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor.

    If you would like a rich buttery flavor to your apples, add 1 tbsp. melted butter to the maple syrup glaze.

    Storage Instructions

    Fridge: Leftover air fryer apples should be stored in the fridge in an air tight container and will stay good for up to 5 days. You can eat cold, or reheat in the microwave or air fryer. Microwave for 30-ish seconds or air fry at 380 for 2-3 minutes.

    Freezer: You can also store in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.

    Air fried apples in a serving bowl with a tan linen napkin and vintage spoon next to the bowl.

    FAQs

    Do I need to peel the apples first?

    No, you don't need to. I did when I made these for the photos, but it's not necessary. They will still turn out great and actually most of the nutrients are in the skin, so leaving the skin on has extra health benefits.

    Are air fried apples healthy?

    That depends on what you consider healthy. These are made with real unrefined ingredients, but the maple syrup glaze does add some sugar. You can easily skip the maple glaze though. Either way, I do consider these a healthy dessert option!

    Should I spray my air fryer with non-stick spray.

    No, you do not need to do this. Most air fryers are made with a non-stick coating already. If you spray the air fryer first it may damage the coating.

    Air fried apples topped with granola on a white plate with two vintage forks on the plate with an apple off to the side.

    More Air Fryer Recipes for you to Try

    • Two air fried turkey burgers with buns on a wood cutting board.
      Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
    • A gold fork cutting into a salmon fillet.
      Easy Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer
    • Fried smashed potatoes on a round serving plate with a gold fork.
      Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
    • Pieces of air fried teriyaki chicken on a white plate.
      Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken (gluten free)

    Eat Clean.Be Healthy!
    -Sara

    Air fried apples sprinkled with cinnamon in a small white bowl with a spoon next to the bowl.

    Air Fryer Apples

    Perfectly tender air fryer apples with maple cinnamon glaze. These are delicious as a side dish, dessert, or added to breakfast. This is an easy recipe that is ready in less than 30 minutes
    5 from 18 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert, Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 12 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 22 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Author: Sara

    Save This Recipe For Later!

    We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later. Plus, enjoy weekly clean eating recipes as a bonus.

    Equipment

    • 1 Air Fryer
    • 1 Mixing bowl
    • 1 vegetable peeler

    Ingredients

    • 4 large, sweet apples
    • 1 tbsp. avocado oil
    • 1 tsp. cinnamon
    • 2 tsp. pure maple syrup
    • 1 tsp. coconut sugar
    • ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract

    Instructions

    • Prepare the apples by peeling them, coring them, and slicing into ½" thick slices.
    • Place sliced apples in a medium-sized mixing bowl and add avocado oil and cinnamon. Mix until cinnamon and oil are evenly distributed between apples.
    • Preheat air fryer to 380 degrees F. Once preheated, place apples in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It's okay if apples are slightly overlapping.
    • Air fry for roughly 12 minutes, or until apple slices are golden brown and can easily be pierced with a fork. Check apples after 10 minutes. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your apple slices and your air fryer.
    • While the apples are cooking, whisk together the maple syrup, coconut sugar, and vanilla to create the glaze. Set aside until apples are done.
    • Place cooked apples in a small bowl. Drizzle with the maple glaze and stir until apples are coated. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon if desired.
    • Serve and enjoy!

    Notes

    • No need to stir apples halfway through, unless apples are overlapping a ton, then you'll want to stir at the halfway point. You can also air fry in batches. 
    • Leftovers should be stored in the fridge and will stay good for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 143kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 0.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 207mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 102IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 0.3mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @CleanPlateMama or tag #CleanPlateMama!

    Save This Recipe For Later!

    We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later. Plus, enjoy weekly clean eating recipes as a bonus.

    More Better-for-You Desserts

    • Carrot cake oatmeal cookie with coconut butter frosting in a zig zag pattern on the top.
      Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies
    • Three Samoa cookies slightly stacked on a gray surface with additional cookies around the side.
      Healthy Samoa Cookies
    • Coconut macaroon cookie with a bite taken out of it.
      Coconut Macaroons without Condensed Milk
    • Apple blondies stacked 3 high.
      Easy Gluten-free Apple Blondies

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Biana

      August 29, 2022 at 5:35 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! What a great recipe for making apples in the air fryer. Such a great fall treat.

      Reply
    2. Mirlene

      August 29, 2022 at 7:10 pm

      5 stars
      This is just too delicious! Had this as a treat with granola and its so good!

      Reply
    3. Sharon

      August 29, 2022 at 9:14 pm

      5 stars
      Once you make apples in the air fryer, you aren't going to go back! They are wonderful on top of vanilla ice cream with a little bit of caramel.

      Reply
    4. Gina Abernathy

      August 29, 2022 at 9:22 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe screams Fall! Apples are so good and I'm always looking for more recipes using apples.

      Reply
    5. Kris

      August 29, 2022 at 10:05 pm

      5 stars
      Perfectly tender and flavorful! Can't wait to make again!

      Reply
      • Sara

        August 30, 2022 at 7:37 am

        Agree and agree 🙂 I hope you are able to enjoy them all fall long!

        Reply
    6. Linda

      April 12, 2023 at 8:53 am

      5 stars
      These apples are delicious!!!!!!

      Reply
    5 from 18 votes (12 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi! I'm Glad You're Here!

    Hello and welcome! I'm so glad you stopped by. My name is Sara and I'm a clean foodie! I love cooking and baking family friendly foods using real/whole ingredients. I believe the food we eat plays a vital role in our overall health and that the best form of nutrition comes from high quality/whole foods, which is where my inspiration comes from. I hope you stay awhile and find some new favorite recipes.

    More about me!

    Clean Eating Spring Recipes

    • Cucumber radish salad in a serving bowl with red onion and sprigs of fresh dill.
      Cucumber Radish Salad

    • Carrot cake ball topped with glaze bit in half to show texture.
      Carrot Cake Energy Balls

    • Healthy Broccoli Kale Salad

    • side view of bread with two pieces cut and laying down
      Almond Flour Blueberry Lemon Bread

    • overhead view of roasted asparagus with tahini on white serving plate
      Easy Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Tahini Sauce

    • Three mini fruit tarts on a small white plate with 2 vintage forks on the plate and fresh berries off to the side.
      Vegan Fruit Tarts (no bake)

    Popular Recipes

    • two mason jars filled with overnight oats with chia seeds and blueberries
      Blueberry Chia Overnight Oats

    • Chicken and kale soup in a white soup bowl with a spoon.
      Healthy Chicken and Kale Soup (one-pot!)

    • Chocolate peanut butter balls sprinkled with coconut flakes stacked in a small white bowl.
      Chocolate Coconut Peanut Butter Balls

    • Stacked oatmeal cookies.
      Easy Coconut Flour Oatmeal Cookies

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Nutritional Disclaimer
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Privacy Policy

    Contact

    • Contact

    CLEAN PLATE MAMA © 2025 FOODIE PRO THEME ON GENESIS FRAMEWORK LOG IN

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.

    Privacy Policy