10-Minute Air Fryer Apple Slices with Cinnamon Butter
Air fryer apple slices with cinnamon butter are the ultimate quick, warm fruit dessert or sweet afternoon snack. Crisp apple wedges are tossed in melted butter, ground cinnamon, maple syrup, and a splash of vanilla extract, then air fried for 5–7 minutes until tender, caramelized, and fragrant. They taste just like warm apple pie filling without the hassle of baking a pie crust!
Why this is a Great Meal
Why You'll Love This Recipe: Ready in 10 minutes from start to finish, made with 5 simple ingredients, warm caramelized baked apple flavor without heating up the oven, lower in sugar and naturally gluten-free.
Instructions
- 01
Slice Apples: Core apples and cut into uniform 1/2-inch thick wedges (leave peels on for texture and fiber).
- 02
Toss in Cinnamon Butter: In a medium bowl, whisk melted butter, ground cinnamon, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Add sliced apples and toss until evenly coated.
- 03
Arrange in Air Fryer: Place apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket (cook in batches if needed).
- 04
Air Fry at 380°F: Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 5–7 minutes, shaking basket halfway through, until apples are tender-crisp and caramelized.
- 05
Serve Warm: Transfer warm cinnamon apples to bowls and top with vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt.
- ✦Cut apples into even 1/2-inch slices so they cook uniformly without some pieces turning mushy while others remain hard.
- ✦Use firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith that hold their shape under air fryer heat.
- ✦Leave apple skins on! The peel adds pleasant texture, fiber, and prevents slices from falling apart.
- ✦Air fry at 380°F for tender-crisp apples; extend by 1–2 minutes if you prefer extra soft, melt-in-your-mouth apples.
Converting from a Standard Oven?
Adapting this dish from a conventional oven recipe? Calculate temperature reductions and convection cook times.
Missing an Ingredient?
Find kitchen-tested ingredient substitutions and ratio adjustments for quick swaps.
Easy Variations
Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Topper
Spoon warm air fryer apples over steel-cut oatmeal or warm chia pudding.
Vegan Cinnamon Apples
Swap butter for melted coconut oil or vegan butter substitute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What apples work best in an air fryer?
A: Crisp, firm apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, and Granny Smith hold their structural shape best without turning mushy.
Q: How long do apple slices take in an air fryer?
A: At 380°F (193°C), 1/2-inch apple slices take 5 to 7 minutes for tender-crisp apples with caramelized edges.
Q: Do you need to peel apples before air frying?
A: No! Leaving the peel on adds fiber, pleasant texture, and keeps the apple slices intact while cooking.
Q: Why are my air fryer apples mushy?
A: Overcooking or slicing apples too thin causes mushiness. Stick to 1/2-inch slices and cook for 5–7 minutes.
Nutrition
Approximate values — meant as a guide, not a verdict.
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