These warm cinnamon and maple-glazed air fryer apples are a cozy, healthy dessert that tastes just like apple pie filling—without the crust or the guilt. Made with just four wholesome ingredients, this naturally sweet treat is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free. Whether you serve them with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, these baked apple bites are always a hit!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Apples
Apple pie is great, but let’s be honest—the filling is the best part! That’s why this air fryer apple recipe is such a game-changer. These sweet bites are warm, soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and coated in a delicious maple cinnamon glaze.
Inspired by the success of my air fryer banana chips, I decided to give apples the same treatment—and the results were even better than I expected. If you’ve never tried air frying fruit, this easy recipe is the perfect place to start!
What Makes This Recipe Healthy?
This recipe is a lightened-up version of baked apples, using clean, simple ingredients that fit a variety of dietary needs:
- Naturally sweetened with real maple syrup—no refined sugar
- Vegan and dairy-free (no butter or cream)
- Gluten-free (no flour or grains)
- Paleo-friendly and made with just four whole food ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
You probably have everything you need in your pantry already:
- Apples – Use two large sweet and crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Gala, or Jonagold. These varieties hold up well and bring natural sweetness.
- Cinnamon – Just 1 teaspoon adds warm, cozy spice.
- Coconut Oil – A tablespoon of refined coconut oil gives a soft, slightly caramelized texture (refined means no coconut flavor).
- Maple Syrup – Adds natural sweetness and that signature maple glaze.
Substitutes: Swap coconut oil with olive oil, or maple syrup with honey if you prefer.
How to Make Air Fryer Apples
This recipe takes just 15 minutes and is beginner-friendly. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Preheat
Set your air fryer to 380°F and lightly spray the basket with non-stick spray.
Step 2: Toss the Apples
In a bowl, toss the peeled and cubed apples with 1 tablespoon maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and cinnamon until evenly coated.
Step 3: Air Fry
Place the apples in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding so they cook evenly. Air fry for 10–14 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Step 4: Glaze
Once cooked, remove the apples and toss them with the remaining tablespoon of maple syrup while they’re still warm.
How to Serve Air Fryer Apples
These air-fried apples are versatile enough for any time of day:
- Dessert: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, frozen yogurt, or whipped coconut cream.
- Breakfast: Add to oatmeal, overnight oats, or chia pudding.
- Snack: Enjoy as-is for a naturally sweet, feel-good treat.
Tips & Tricks
- Best Apples to Use: Choose firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Pink Lady. Granny Smith works, but they’ll be more tart.
- Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm them in the microwave for 30–45 seconds before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these apples gluten-free?
Yes! They’re completely gluten-free and grain-free.
Can I make them without coconut oil?
Absolutely. Swap with olive oil or avocado oil.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Are they vegan?
Yes, this recipe is 100% plant-based.
More Healthy Fruit Recipes to Try
Air Fryer Cinnamon Maple Apples
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
- 2 red apples (Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Gala), peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tbsp maple syrup, divided
- 1 tbsp refined coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F and lightly spray the basket.
- In a bowl, toss apple cubes with 1 tbsp maple syrup, coconut oil, and cinnamon.
- Place apples in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 10–14 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Toss hot apples with remaining maple syrup and enjoy warm!
Nutrition (Per Serving): 191 kcal | 45g carbs | 7g fat | 1g protein | 6g fiber | 29g sugar
Leave a Reply