Imagine everything you love about warm apple pie wrapped up in a cozy, cinnamon hug… but ready in just 15 minutes! Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples are the ultimate quick-fix pleasure: sweet, buttery apples with a crackle of cinnamon sugar, caramelized edges, and just the right hint of vanilla. Each bite is pure comfort, minus the fuss of baking—and a little bit magical fresh from the air fryer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Instant Gratification: These Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples take only 15 minutes for a cozy, pie-like treat—no oven (or rolling pin) required!
- Healthier Indulgence: All the classic sweetness and texture of baked apples, but with less butter, sugar, and hassle thanks to the air fryer.
- Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect as a comforting snack, pancake topping, healthy-ish dessert, or even stirred into oatmeal for breakfast.
- Customizable Goodness: Easily switch up the spices, apple varieties, or add-ins for your own irresistible twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of everyday ingredients—each with its own personality—work together to create Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples that taste like autumn in a bowl. Every ingredient plays a part, giving you perfect soft apples with melt-in-your-mouth sweetness and warmth.
- Apples (4 small/medium, Gala recommended): Gala apples are sweet, tender, and bake beautifully, but feel free to use whatever variety you love most (like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith if you like a little tartness!).
- Cinnamon (1½ tsp, separated): The real magic-maker! Cinnamon adds classic coziness and warmth, both before and after air frying.
- Canola or Vegetable Oil (1 T): Just a little oil helps the apples caramelize and keeps their edges beautifully tender and golden.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds a touch of creamy, deep flavor that elevates the apples from “good” to “wow.”
- Butter, melted (2 T): Tossing the hot apples in butter turns them irresistibly glossy and rich. Don’t skip it!
- Sugar (2 T): Gives that irresistible cinnamon-sugar crackle and a touch of sweetness to every bite.
Variations
This is one of those recipes that positively invites you to play! Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples are a blank canvas for add-ins, swaps, and special touches to fit your cravings or dietary needs.
- No Added Sugar: Swap the sugar for a sprinkle of monk fruit sweetener or leave it out for naturally sweet, wholesome apples.
- Pumpkin Spice Twist: Trade the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice, or add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to cozy things up even more.
- Butter-Free/Vegan Option: Use a vegan butter or simply drizzle a touch more oil for a dairy-free treat that’s just as delicious.
- Nutty Crunch: Toss in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts after cooking for extra crunch and flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples
Step 1: Prep and Slice the Apples
Start by coring and slicing your apples into 1/2-inch thick pieces. You can peel the apples for classic softness, or leave the skin on for a little extra color and texture—totally up to you! Either way, uniform slices help everything cook evenly and soak up all that cinnamon-vanilla goodness.
Step 2: Toss With Oil, Cinnamon & Vanilla
In a medium bowl, gently toss the apple slices with the canola oil, vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of the cinnamon. This step ensures every single apple is slicked with warmth and flavor, and the little bit of oil brings out those caramelized edges in the air fryer.
Step 3: Arrange & Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Give the basket a light spray with oil if you like, then arrange the apple slices in a single layer, doing your best to avoid too much overlap. Pop them in for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway to encourage even browning and perfect tenderness.
Step 4: Toss With Butter, Sugar & More Cinnamon
Once your apples are hot and beautifully golden, immediately transfer them to a bowl. Toss with the melted butter, remaining teaspoon of cinnamon, and the sugar. Stir gently so every piece gets glossy and coated with that irresistible cinnamon sugar sparkle.
Step 5: Serve Warm & Enjoy
Enjoy the Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples right away while they’re still warm and fragrant (trust me, the aroma will bring everyone running!). They’re fantastic on their own, or paired with a little vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples
- Choose the Right Apple: For best texture, go with firm, crisp apples like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp—their balance of sweetness and structure holds up perfectly in the air fryer.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Try to keep the apples in a single layer with minimal overlap. This ensures even browning and nicely caramelized edges.
- Shake Halfway For Even Cooking: Give your air fryer basket a quick shake or stir at the halfway mark. This helps every slice cook evenly and soak up all that cinnamon flavor.
- Toss While Hot: For maximum flavor and that gorgeous cinnamon sugar crust, toss the apples with the butter, sugar, and extra cinnamon as soon as they come out of the fryer.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples
Garnishes
Turn these apples into a show-stopper by showering them with a little extra ground cinnamon, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. For extra flair, finish with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—and maybe a few toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch!
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples pair beautifully with breakfast staples—layer them over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal for a sweet start to your day. For dessert, serve alongside Greek yogurt, custard, or even a slice of pound cake for a truly decadent twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Tuck warm apples into a crepe, pile them on French toast, or fill little tart shells for instant apple tartlets. You can even use them as a topping for baked brie at your next gathering—everyone will be wowed, and only you’ll know how easy it was!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They’ll stay tender, juicy, and just as tempting for quick snacks or breakfast toppers all week long.
Freezing
These apples freeze surprisingly well! Let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating and serving.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the apples back in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes or warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. They taste absolutely delicious hot (and the cinnamon sugar aroma is a bonus all over again)!
FAQs
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Can I use different apple varieties for Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples?
Absolutely! Gala apples give a sweet, soft result, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, Braeburn, or even tart Granny Smith work beautifully—just keep an eye on texture, as some apples hold their shape better than others.
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Do I have to peel the apples?
Not at all! Peeling is optional—if you prefer a super-soft, classic baked apple texture, peel them. If you like a pop of color and a bit of texture, leave the skins on. Both are delicious in Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples.
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Can I prepare Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples ahead of time?
Yes! You can slice the apples and store them in the fridge for a day or two before cooking. Once cooked, leftovers can also be stored and reheated—just see the make ahead and storage section for details!
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Can I make Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples without butter?
Definitely. Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative or skip it entirely for a lighter treat—the apples will still be packed with flavor and caramelized goodness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something warm, sweet, and soothing, Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples are the answer—quick, easy, and bursting with classic flavors everyone adores. Try them just once, and I promise they’ll become your new favorite “snuggle food” for breakfast, dessert, or anytime that cozy craving strikes!
Print
Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these delicious and easy Air Fryer Apples as a healthy snack or dessert. Crisp, sweet apples with a hint of cinnamon and butter cooked to perfection in the air fryer. A simple treat that’s sure to please!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 small/medium apples, we use Gala
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, separated
- 1 T canola oil (vegetable oil will also work)
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 T butter, melted
- 2 T sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Remove apple cores and slice into 1/2 inch slices. Toss apples in oil, vanilla, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat to 380°F. Add apples to the basket and air fry for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer cooked apples to a bowl. Toss with butter, remaining cinnamon, and sugar. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can choose to peel the apples or leave the skin on based on your preference.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or a drizzle of caramel sauce before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 apple equivalent
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
