Air Fryer Baked Apples

Air-fried baked apples are the perfect quick dessert when you're craving something sweet. These cinnamon-baked apples are filled with a delicious cinnamon oat filling and can be enjoyed on their own or topped with ice cream or cream. They're made with everyday ingredients and ready in just 15 minutes. If you don't have an air fryer, you can also make them in the oven.  

When I'm craving a sweet treat for fall, I always head straight for air-fried baked apples. Okay, that's a lie. If I have chocolate or ice cream in the house, I'm going straight for those, but in this scenario, I don't have any delicious treats lying around.

Enter baked apples. They're made with simple everyday ingredients I always have on hand (you will too) and are ready in just 15 minutes.
I often stock up on apples because they’re great for making salads too.

I'm not joking around when I say these are ridiculously easy to make. All you have to do is halve an apple, fill it with butter, cinnamon topping, and a simple oat crisp, and bake it in your air fryer. That's it.

Once that timer dings, your house will smell divine with tasty fall flavors, and you'll have a deliciously soft, cinnamon-baked apple with a crunchy, crisp topping. It's enough to make anyone weak at the knees.

You can eat that baked apple as is or top it with ice cream or whipped cream. You do you! These are a simple and satisfying fall treat.

A BIT OF HISTORY

Baked apples have roots in European and early American cooking, often used as a simple dessert when fresh fruit was in season. They show up in 18th-century cookbooks and have remained popular because they're affordable, adaptable, and comforting.

In Germany, for instance, "Bratäpfel" are traditionally served during the Christmas season, often filled with marzipan, nuts, and spices, and accompanied by vanilla sauce. Similarly, in colonial America, baked apples were a staple, with recipes appearing in early American cookbooks.

Today, they've found new life in modern kitchens thanks to the air fryer. They're a favourite fall dessert or a sweet snack when the cravings hit.

WHY I MAKE THESE ALL THE TIME

I've been making baked apples for over a decade. This air fryer version became a regular in my kitchen after I had my kid and needed easy, hands-off desserts during the chaos of bedtime routines.

They've since become a family favourite. Even my kid will eat a whole half, especially if there's a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Whenever I share these with friends, someone always asks for the recipe. A neighbour once told me, "These taste like a cross between apple pie and oatmeal cookies, but lighter!"

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THEM TOO

• Super easy to prepare in 15 minutes.
• A healthy dessert that will satisfy those sugar cravings.
• Fun way to use your air fryer.
• No fancy ingredients; pantry staples only

New to air frying?  Be sure to get your free printable Air Fryer Cooking Chart filled with cooking times & temperatures for all your favourite foods, plus tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your air fryer.

WHAT APPLES ARE BEST FOR BAKED APPLES?

My hands-down favourite apple for baking is Pink Lady, which I use in all of my apple recipes, including my Easy Apple Cake and Apple Cinnamon Rolls. Pink Lady apples are a nice all-rounder mix of sweet and tart. Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, and Honeycrisp also work well, so go ahead and get whatever is on sale!

INGREDIENTS

Don't you just love a dessert you can make pretty much anytime with ingredients you always have on hand? I sure do! Here's what you'll need for the air fryer apples recipe (full measurements listed in the printable recipe card below):

• Apples
• Butter
• Cinnamon
• Oats
• Flour
• Maple Syrup

INSTRUCTIONS

Cut the apples in half through the stem, using a knife or a spoon to remove the core, stem, and seeds. Brush a little butter over the cut sides of the apples, then sprinkle with cinnamon.

Mix the topping ingredients in a small bowl and spoon them evenly on top of the apple halves. Carefully place the apple halves into the air fryer basket, then cook on 180°C/350°F for 15 minutes or until softened.

Serve warm with ice cream or cream if desired. You can customize these with your favorite toppings like nuts, raisins, or a drizzle of caramel.

HOW TO MAKE BAKED APPLES IN THE OVEN

Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F and place the apples in a baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the apples are soft and tender and the filling is crisp and browned. If the top browns too quickly, cover it with aluminium foil.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS FROM EXPERIENCE

I've made these air fryer baked apples more times than I can count, usually when I want a healthy dessert without added sugar. Over time, I've picked up a few tricks to help them turn out perfect every time:

• Topping falling off? Press it gently into the apple with the back of a spoon so it sticks and crisps up evenly.
• Apples too dry? Add a splash of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to create a little steam.
• Too mushy? You're likely using a softer apple like Red Delicious. Try Pink Lady or Granny Smith for a firmer bite.
• Still firm after 15 minutes? Cook for 2–3 more minutes and check again with a fork.
• Topping looks dry before baking? Don't worry. It'll crisp up as the butter and syrup melt. Let it bake before adjusting.

These small tweaks can make a big difference. Once you get the feel for it, this recipe is hard to mess up.

STORAGE, FREEZING, AND REHEATING HACKS

Through trial (and a few soggy reheats), I've figured out the best ways how to store it, freeze, and reheat these baked apples in air fryer, without losing that crisp topping or soft center:

• Storing: Let the apples cool completely before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They'll keep well for up to 2 days, though they're best the day you make them.
• Freezing: The texture of the apples may soften further once frozen and reheated. Freeze them in a single layer on a tray until solid, then move to a freezer-safe bag or container. Store for up to 2 months. Skip the ice cream or toppings until serving time.
• Reheating: Reheat at 160°C/320°F for 5–7 minutes to bring back some crispness. Or, bake at 180°C / 350°F for about 10 minutes if reheating from frozen.

MORE TIPS FOR THIS EASY RECIPE

• This recipe uses melted butter for brushing over the apples and also in the topping. Melt your butter all at once (1 tablespoon + 1 tsp) and use a bit to brush over the apple halves, then mix what's left with the rest of the topping ingredients.
• I find 15 minutes is perfect for these baked apples, but if you find the apples are still a bit firm, cook for a few minutes longer.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can cook these in the oven at 180°C/350°F for 20 minutes or until the apples are soft and the topping is browned.
• You can even try air frying fruit other than apples using the same method for a quick, healthy dessert.

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NUTRITION INFORMATION (PER APPLE HALF)

As someone who cares deeply about what I feed my family, I always keep an eye on the nutritional value of our everyday treats. These air fryer baked apples are a great example of a dessert that feels indulgent but is still light and made with whole ingredients. Here's the approximate nutrition breakdown per apple half (without ice cream or cream):

• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Sugars: 14g
• Fibre: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 30mg

I recommend using a nutrition calculator like Cronometer or checking labels directly for the most accurate info.

FAQs

MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES

• Air Fryer Banana Bread
• Air Fryer Apple Crisps
• Air Fryer Apple Pies
• Air Fryer Banana Muffins
• Air Fryer Brownies
• Air Fryer Roasted Almonds
• Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
• OR see all Air Fryer Recipes

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Originally published November 26, 2019. Updated July 02, 2025 with new information, no changes to the cooking instructions.