Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon

Air fryer apple cinnamon is a warm, sweet, and comforting treat that combines tender apples with a dusting of cinnamon and sugar. Quick to prepare and naturally fragrant, this recipe is perfect for a light dessert, snack, or even a breakfast side dish.

Ingredients

• 3 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (or coconut oil for lighter version)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup as an alternative)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: 1 tablespoon oats or chopped nuts for crunch

How To Make Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon

1. Prep the Apples: Wash, core, and slice the apples into wedges (peeling optional).
2. Mix the Coating: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
3. Coat Apples: Toss the apple slices in the mixture until evenly coated.
4. Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Place the apples in the basket in a single layer. Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelised.
5. Serve Warm: Enjoy straight away or with your favourite toppings.

You Must Know

• Different apple varieties affect sweetness and texture—Granny Smith is tart, Honeycrisp is crisp and juicy, and Gala is naturally sweet.
• Cutting apples into even slices ensures they cook evenly.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket; give apples room for air circulation to caramelise properly.

Topping Variations

• Caramel Drizzle: Add warm caramel sauce for a dessert-style finish.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle with chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
• Oaty Topping: Add oats or granola for a crumble-like texture.
• Ice Cream Pairing: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
• Whipped Cream: A light swirl balances the warm cinnamon flavour.

Make It A Meal

• Pair with pancakes or waffles for a breakfast upgrade.
• Serve as a side with roast pork or chicken for a savoury-sweet contrast.
• Use as a topping for porridge, yoghurt bowls, or overnight oats.
• Transform into a quick apple crisp by adding granola on top before serving.

Pro Tips

• Use firm apples so they hold shape during cooking.
• For extra crispiness, add a teaspoon of cornflour to the sugar-cinnamon mix.
• Line the basket with parchment paper to catch caramelised sugar drips.
• Add a splash of lemon juice to prevent apples from browning before cooking.

Recipe FAQs

Q: Can I use red apples instead of green?
Yes, red apples like Gala or Fuji will be sweeter, while green apples like Granny Smith provide a tart balance.

Q: Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is optional—keeping the skin adds fibre and texture.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Keep cooled apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for 3–4 minutes.

Q: Can I make this recipe without sugar?
Yes, skip the sugar and use only cinnamon for a naturally sweet version, or drizzle with honey after cooking.

Q: Can I add other spices?
Absolutely! Nutmeg, allspice, or pumpkin spice pair beautifully with cinnamon

Print

Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon

Print Recipe

These cinnamon sweet and buttery Air Fryer Apples are tender and delicious and ready in just 10 minutes. Not your typical fried apples with just a touch of butter but still so much flavor! Great as a side dish, topped with ice cream for dessert and all on their own!

• Author: Isabel
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale
1x2x3x

• 4 small/medium apples, we use Gala
• 1½ tsp cinnamon, separated
• 1 T canola oil, vegetable oil will also work
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 T butter, melted
• 2 T sugar

Instructions

1. Remove apple cores and slice into 1/2 inch slices. (You can remove the apple peels or keep the skin on.) Toss apples in oil, vanilla and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.
2. Preheat air fryer to 380°F. Add apples to air fryer basket (lightly spritzed with oil if desired, but not necessary). Arrange evenly trying not to overlap as much as possible. Air fry for 10 minutes or until soft and tender, shaking apples halfway through to shift.
3. When apples are cooked, transfer to a bowl and toss with butter, remaining teaspoon of cinnamon and sugar. Serve immediately.
4. Storage: You can store your apples for up to 5 days in the refrigerator in an air tight container. You can also freeze leftover apples for up to 2 months.