If you love the taste of the fried apples that are served as a side dish at Cracker Barrel, you are going to love this easy Air Fryer Fried Apples Recipe! Soft and tender apples that are tossed in a delicious maple, cinnamon sugar coating.
It is a great way to enjoy this classic, southern side dish but in a healthier way thanks to the use of your air fryer. Without the need for frying in oil or excessive amounts of butter, you can enjoy this dish guilt-free!
Best of all, these tender, sweet apples can be served alongside any meal. Enjoy them at your next brunch, dinner party or as a sweet and satisfying dessert served with vanilla ice cream.
Why You Will Love Air Fryer Fried Apples
1. Easy Recipe
This recipe is one of the easiest air fryer recipes there is. In fact, the most time consuming part is preparing the apples.
However you can keep things simple and simply slice the apples into wedges. Although I prefer to peel the apples as well.
But if you have an apple peeler, corer, slicer, this can be done in just a few minutes. It is a quick and easy way to get the apples prepared in minutes. Although the cook time will need to be decreased because the apple slices are thinner.
2. Less Work Involved
The process of making air fryer fried apples is simple when using an air fryer. By using your small countertop appliance, there is no need to stand and tend to the apples over a large heavy skillet.
And that means that you don’t have the worry of butter or oil splattering up at you. With this recipe all you have to do is put the apples in the air fryer basket and set the timer. It’s that easy!
3. Fewer Ingredients
With just 3 ingredients you will create a delicious coating that will flavor the apples perfectly. Simply toss the tender chunks of apples in maple syrup and coat with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
4. Customize The Level of Sweetness
Just like when making Homemade Applesauce, you have the power to control the amount of sweetness in this recipe. If you have super sweet apples, you may want to decrease the amount of maple syrup and sugar that you use.
However, if you are using a tart apple such as Granny Smith and you like desserts that are very sweet, then you may want to increase the level of sweetness.
The choice is up to you, and it is easy to adjust the recipe to your taste preference.
Recommended Apple Varieties For Air Fryer Fried Apples
This recipe calls for using either Honey Crisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Fuji apples. All are great for cooking. From the descriptions below, you can see which one would best fit your preference.
Honey Crisp
The flavor of Honey Crisp apples is refreshingly sweet with a small hint of tartness. Because of their firmness, they hold up well during cooking processes, making them perfect for air frying. When cooked in the air fryer Honey Crisp apples become slightly tender and begin to caramelize on the outside.
Granny Smith
Granny Smith apples are famous for their bright green skin and super tart flavor. However this tartness eventually becomes less intense when cooked.
In the air fryer, Granny Smith apples become soft, slightly sweet. This is where the syrup and cinnamon sugar really come in handy to balance out these flavors.
Pink Lady
Pink Lady apples are easy to spot by their pinkish-red skin and petite size. These apples are crisp, yet juicy while still having a sweet bite. When fried in the air fryer, Pink Lady apples maintain their juiciness while the sugars caramelize as the hot air circulates around them.
Fuji Apples
Fuji Apples are very juicy which creates a super sweet and soft apple when cooked down. Their flavor has often been compared to a combination between honey and a pear.
Each of these apple varieties will bring a unique flavor to the recipe. When it comes to air frying, their diverse flavors, textures, and ability to caramelize all make delicious options for this dish.
Air Fryer Fried Apples Recipe
*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.
INGREDIENTS
- 6 firm apples (see above for recommended varieities)
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS
Peel, core and cut the apples into 1 inch chunks or slices. *You can also leave the peels on if you prefer.
Then place the apples in a bowl and drizzle vegetable oil on top. Toss to coat.
Place the apples in a single layer in the air fryer basket. However, there is no need to preheat the air fryer. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the apples become fork tender and start to turn brown. *Depending on the thickness of the apples, the cook time may need to be adjusted.
Once they are done, carefully transfer the apples to a bowl and add the maple syrup, sugar and cinnamon and toss to coat.
Serve warm as a stand alone side dish or dessert. The apples are great when served with vanilla ice cream.
For storage suggestions, refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days.
Serving Suggestions
These warm, tender, sweet apples are a hit all on their own. However, they also can be served with a variety of dishes.
Breakfast or Brunch
Consider adding a generous serving of air fryer fried apples to your breakfast in the morning. Enjoy your apples alongside a savory breakfast quiche or top off your oatmeal, yogurt or pancakes as a sweet morning treat.
Entrees
However you can also use the apples to enhance the flavor of pork chops, chicken or turkey. The sweetness of the apples, cinnamon and sugar makes for a great variety of flavors with the typically bland protein.
Desserts
Satisfy your sweet tooth even more with air fryer fried apples topped with vanilla ice cream. Although another great option is to add a warm crumble made with a mixture of brown sugar and granola on top of the apples for added warmth and crunch.
The natural sweetness and caramelized texture of air fryer fried apples make them perfect to add to a wide range of dishes. Whether served as a dessert or a side dish, these apples are sure to become a favorite!
Enjoy! Mary
More Delicious Apple Recipes
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Air Fryer Fried Apples
If you love the taste of fried apples at Cracker Barrel you are going to love this recipe! Tender chunks of apples coated in maple syrup and cinnamon sugar. Serve as a stand alone dessert of serve with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
- 6 firm apples
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Peel, core and cut the apples into 1 inch chunks or slices. Place them in a bowl and drizzle vegetable oil on top. Toss to coat.
- Place the apples in a single layer in the air fryer basket (no need to preheat). Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the apples become fork tender and start to turn brown.
- Carefully transfer the apples to a bowl and add the maple syrup, sugar and cinnamon and toss to coat.
- Serve warm as a stand alone dessert or serve with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
*Because all air fryers cook at different rates be sure to check for doneness earlier than the stated cook time.
You can leave the peels on the apples if you prefer.
Best variety of apples to use: Honey Crisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, Pink Lady
Recipe provided by Make Your Meals
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Amount Per Serving: Calories: 174Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 3mgCarbohydrates: 43gFiber: 7gSugar: 33gProtein: 1g
Nutritional Information is to be used as a general guideline only . Nutritional calculations will vary from the types and brands of the products used.