These Air Fryer Apples taste like those Cracker Barrel fried apples. The air fryer makes the apple slices tender and a simple sauce makes them irresistible.
If you like this recipe, check out my Apple Dapple Cake next!
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In researching how to air fry apples, there are lots of options. Apple chips, baked apples and ones like these, tender air fryer sliced apples. I wasn’t setting out to make a copycat recipe. But that is essentially what happened. If you like the fried apples from Cracker Barrel, you’ll love these. They are a healthy recipe but just as delicious. These apples are super simple to make. They’ll satisfy your sweet tooth with cozy apple pie vibes.
How long to cook apples in the air fryer
Air fry apple slices (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick) at 400 degrees F for about 12 – 14 minutes, until they are tender and starting to brown. There’s no need to stir or toss them while they cook. Then stir them with maple syrup, sugar and cinnamon. The total time is about 20 minutes, and 6 apples make 4 servings.
More easy air fryer recipes
Ingredients for air-fried apples
- Apples – Any variety of apples (sweet or tart apples) will work. I personally tested my recipe with honey crisp apples because that is one of my favorites. Other good choices would be pink lady apples or golden delicious apples.
- Vegetable Oil – A neutral oil with no flavor is best for this recipe, like vegetable oil or canola oil. I would not use olive oil.
- Maple Syrup – I use pure maple syrup but you could use pancake syrup if that’s what you have on-hand. Or you could use a drizzle of honey instead.
- Cinnamon – Warm cinnamon is a classic pairing with baked apples. Or you could use apple pie spice.
- Sugar – I use granulated sugar, but you could substitute with light brown sugar.
Instructions for easy air fryer apples
Peel, core and slice the apples into slices about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Toss them with the vegetable oil. Add them to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry the apples at 400 degrees F for about 12 – 14 minutes, or until the apples are tender and starting to brown. There’s no need to stir or toss the apples while they cook. Place the cooked apples in a bowl and stir in the maple syrup, sugar and cinnamon. Remember that different styles and brands of air fryers can vary widely in terms of cooking times. Keep scrolling for my free printable recipe card.
Serving suggestions
These apples are terrific just as is. But you can elevate them with a dollop of homemade whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. They’d make a great topping for a slice of bundt cake too, like my Bourbon Glazed Kentucky Butter Cake. Or as a topping for a stack of my Best Buttermilk Pancakes or french toast in the fall.
Storage directions
Store any leftover apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You could make them and freeze them for a later use too. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to one month.
FAQ’s
What are the best apples for air fryer apples?
Any variety of apples, sweet or tart, will work. I tested this recipe with honey crisp apples because they’re one of my favorites. Pink lady and golden delicious apples are also good choices.
Do I need to stir the apples while they cook?
No. Just place the apples in a single layer in the air fryer basket. There’s no need to stir or toss them during the cooking time.
Can I use olive oil?
I wouldn’t. A neutral oil with no flavor, like vegetable oil or canola oil, is best for this recipe.
Can I use pancake syrup or honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes. I use pure maple syrup, but you could use pancake syrup if that’s what you have on hand, or a drizzle of honey.
Can I freeze air fryer apples?
Yes. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to one month.
The truth about oil in the air fryer
There’s not a lot to explain about this recipe for air fryer apples. They are simple and require only a few ingredients. They’re terrific for snacking or dessert. Every time I publish an air fryer recipe, I say don’t use cooking spray like Pam. I can’t emphasize this enough.
The propellants in the spray will break down the non-stick coating on your basket. Sprays do not belong in air fryers. I toss my food with a little vegetable oil before putting it in the basket. This adds a very minimal amount of fat and calories. If you insist on a spray, you can buy an oil mister and fill it with vegetable oil.
Kitchen tools
- I use a Philips XXL Air Fryer to test all of my recipes
- Paring knife for peeling and slicing apples
Air Fryer Apples
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 6 apples
- 2 tsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Peel, core and slice the apples into slices about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Toss them with the vegetable oil.
- Place the apples in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry the apples at 400 degrees F for about 12 - 14 minutes, or until the apples are starting to brown and tender. There's no need to stir or toss the apples during cooking time.
- Place the apples in a bowl and stir in the maple syrup, sugar and cinnamon.
Nutrition
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Jill says
I basically eyeballed ingredients and hadn’t thought of adding the maple syrup when I made them on my own. These are yummy thanks again!
Cynthia says
My husband and I agree these were so delicious! I’ve never had the Cracker Barrel fried apples, but he has, and said they tasted very similar. I paired the apples with an air-fried turkey breast and an oven dressing, for a July Thanksgiving. I have only one air fryer, so I did the apples first, and kept them warm in the oven at 200 until ready to serve. Thank you for a delicious recipe that will be repeatedly hitting the rotation.
Charles says
The pro tip about cooking sprays is much appreciated! Thanks for your delicious Air Fryer Apple recipe!
foodtasticmom says
You’re welcome!
Ann Jackson says
What can i use instead of maple syrup please. I cant eat it
foodtasticmom says
You can use light brown sugar instead.
Joel Arnold says
I have a small air frier so I adjust recipes accordingly. I halved an apple, removed the core and stem. Mixed one tbs of soft butter, three tbs of brown sugar and half tsp of cinnamon. Spread over the cut part of the apple and bake cut side up. My frier worked well at 350 for 15 minutes. I leave the skin on. I think it holds the moisture in and adds fiber to the treat. I’ve also done a peach, reduced the cook time to about eight minutes. As a twist I also drizzle maple syrup for a change. If this is a desert I make a toping like used on Dutch apple pie and real whipped cream.
My wife and I are near 70 so we like small easy meals. Thanks for all your frier recipes and including the comments of others. I love to use others recipes and make them my own by adding my touch.
Remember that the person who invented the hub cap made more money that the person who invented the wheel.
Joel
foodtasticmom says
I always enjoy hearing how readers use my recipes as a starting point! I assume everyone kind of adds their own “spin” to things. Love that this method works for peaches as well. Definitely going to try a Dutch apple like topping and whipped cream on the apples because that sounds delightful. Thanks for the comment!
Ilda Beatriz says
I tried them without the oil, and only had green apples. Just cinnamon and honey and 15 minutes at 240F
Great alternative to apple pie cravings!
foodtasticmom says
I’m glad to know they are good without the oil too. Thank you for this wonderful feedback!
Deb says
I’m going to try these to make caramel apple French toast…yummy!
foodtasticmom says
Oh wow, that sound fantastic!!
Andrea says
Apples in the air fryer is genius! They look perfectly cooked and I love the sauce you toss them in. Can’t wait to make this easy dessert, side or snack. 6
foodtasticmom says
My air fryer never ceases to amaze me with the wide variety of foods it can cook to perfection! Enjoy the apples!
Caroline says
Really great taste. We left the peels on. Very delicious!
Kim says
I forgot to peel the apples but they were still delicious! I used cinnamon sugar & omitted the sugar. Yum!!
foodtasticmom says
Good to know that these are good without peeling too. Thanks for taking the time to rate and comment.