Ultimate Air Fryer Baked Apples Recipe

I make these Air Fryer Baked Apples when I want something warm and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. The apples turn tender while the cinnamon oat filling gets just crispy enough around the edges.

My favorite part is how the maple syrup caramelizes slightly during cooking, creating little pockets of sweetness. This recipe works beautifully with honeycrisp or gala apples, though I have used granny smith when I want a bit more tartness.

What makes this Air Fryer Baked Apples a keeper for years to come

I love how quickly these come together on busy weeknights when I need a simple dessert. The air fryer cuts the cooking time in half compared to oven baking, and cleanup takes just minutes.

The filling stays soft and slightly chewy while the apples become perfectly tender. You get all the cozy flavors of traditional baked apples without heating up your entire kitchen.

My family requests these constantly during fall and winter, but I make them year-round. The combination of warm cinnamon, maple sweetness, and tender fruit feels like a hug in a bowl.

If you love simple apple recipes, my Easy No-Bake Apple Pie Tiramisu brings that same comforting sweetness with zero baking required, and the Easy Taffy Apple Salad has become my go-to for potlucks and family gatherings.

Everything you need for the perfect Air Fryer Baked Apples

• Fresh apples (honeycrisp, gala, pink lady, or granny smith work beautifully)
• Old-fashioned oats (not instant or quick-cooking)
• Pure maple syrup (the real stuff makes a difference here)
• Unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
• Ground cinnamon (fresh if possible for the best flavor)
• Cayenne pepper (optional, but adds a subtle warmth)
• Kosher salt (just a pinch to balance the sweetness)
• Flaky sea salt like Maldon (for finishing, if you like)

My Method for Air Fryer Baked Apples

1. Core the apples using an apple corer if you have one, then slice them in half through the stem. If you do not have a corer, simply cut the apples in half and use a spoon to scoop out the core and seeds. This should take about 2 minutes.
2. Use a spoon or paring knife to scoop out a bit more apple flesh, creating a rounded cavity about 1 inch deep. You want enough space to hold a generous amount of filling without making the apple walls too thin.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the oats, melted butter, maple syrup, half the cinnamon, cayenne (if using), and a pinch of kosher salt. Mix until everything is evenly coated and the mixture holds together slightly when pressed.
4. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon over the cut sides of each apple half. Fill each cavity with the oat mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in. You should use all the filling between the apple halves.
5. Place the filled apple halves in your air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. Air fry at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes, until the apples feel tender when pierced with a fork and the oat topping turns golden brown with slightly caramelized edges.
6. Let the apples cool for 3 to 4 minutes before removing them from the air fryer basket. Use tongs if they are still too hot to handle. Finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt if desired.

My go to methods for Air Fryer Baked Apples success

I always check my apples around the 10-minute mark since air fryers can run hotter or cooler depending on the model. If your apples are browning too quickly on top but still feel firm, lower the temperature to 325°F and add a few more minutes.

Work in batches if you are making more than two apples at once to avoid crowding the basket. Crowded apples steam instead of getting that lightly crisp topping, and the texture suffers.

I find that letting the butter cool slightly before mixing it with the oats prevents the mixture from becoming too greasy. The oats should be coated but still hold their shape when you spoon them into the apples.

The best way I serve Air Fryer Baked Apples

I serve these warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, letting it melt into the cinnamon oat filling. The contrast between cold cream and warm apple is exactly what I crave on chilly evenings.

These also work beautifully for breakfast topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt and an extra drizzle of maple syrup. I have served them alongside weekend brunch spreads, and they disappear within minutes.