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.
(Originally published 3/8/21 and updated for content 10/28/24)
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.
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.
- Canola Oil – A neutral oil with no flavor is best for this recipe. 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 and chop the apples. 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 14 minutes, or until the apples are tender and starting to brown. 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.
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. 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 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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Sara Welch says
Another great recipe for my air fryer! Gave these a try and it couldn’t have been easier; not only did they turn our delicious, but my kitchen smells amazing to boot! Delish!
foodtasticmom says
So glad you mentioned the aroma! It made my kitchen smell like cooked apples and it was awesome!
Lynn says
Do I have to use the crisper or just place in the basket?
foodtasticmom says
I just place mine in the basket.
Claudia Lamascolo says
These flavors you used are fantastic on applesI can just taste it already on how good this is air fried! Cant wait to try it!
foodtasticmom says
I know you’ll love them!
Gail Montero says
I didn’t think this could be done in an air fryer so I am both delightfully and deliciously surprised! YUm!
foodtasticmom says
I am still surprised by my air fryer. And I’ve been using it for a few years!
Jenn says
I’m in love with my air fryer and I know I’m going to love this recipe! I can’t wait to try it but I don’t have Honeycrisp so I’ll just use what I’ve got on hand. Yum!
foodtasticmom says
The recipe should work with almost any apple. Enjoy!
Michelle Boule says
These were so good and absolutely delicious. I just bought an air fryer and have been trying out a lot of different recipes and this one was a hit
foodtasticmom says
So glad to hear this Michelle. Thanks!
restaurantthatdeliversnearme.website says
Thanks for the recipe.
foodtasticmom says
You’re welcome!
Biana says
Love cooking apples, and it’s great that you can make them in the air fryer too! So simple as well.
foodtasticmom says
I love making apple sauce too. But these air fryer apples are just as much of a treat in a fraction of the time!
kushigalu says
Apple recipes are my favorite. But never tried cooking in air fryer. Sounds wonderful
foodtasticmom says
These are truly wonderful. Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy!
Bintu | Budget Delicious says
Air fryer apples will always go down a treat in my house! So good and so delicious. These are definitely well worth trying.
foodtasticmom says
They absolutely are a treat. Thanks Bintu for the positive comments.
Terri A Edwards says
I love reading all the air fryer recipes! I have purchased an air fryer yet because there are so many on the market I have no idea which one to get. Could someone advise me of the best and most simplistic air fryer to get for a family of 4? I would greatly appreciate any advice!
foodtasticmom says
I really like my Philips XXL. I have also owned a Cosori brand and liked it. It is also less expensive than the Philips. Here’s a link to purchase the Cosori. It’s an affiliate link. That won’t cost you an extra. It just gives me a very tiny percentage for directing you to Amazon. Thanks! https://amzn.to/3hJmEuj
Martin Lewis says
I bought a combination Microwave, Air Fryer over & love it, but, air fryer part is small.
Madison says
These were so unbelievably tasty! I was wanting a sweet snack and had a couple apples and decided to give this recipe a try. This is the perfect treat and I will definitely be doing this again and again. I only used one apple so I scaled it down and it was still great. I only had to cook in the air fryer for about 7-8 minutes and they were perfectly tender. I also added a little nutmeg and pumpkin spice to my sauce and MAN am I ready for Fall now. This would be spectacular on some vanilla ice cream too!
foodtasticmom says
I agree that these apples will be fantastic for topping vanilla ice cream. So glad you enjoyed them! Thank you for taking the time to comment, I appreciate the positive feedback.
Kathy says
This sounds delicious. Any kind of apple for this recipe (I’m thinking a scoop of ice cream with this too)! 😊
foodtasticmom says
These definitely would go well with ice cream. Any kind of firm apple that you’d use in an apple pie or other dessert like a crisp work best.
Lori says
A family friend had picked apples off her tree’s an sent them to us. So I was looking at was to use them. This was great!! I agree, ice cream would top it off. Was sad I didn’t have any
foodtasticmom says
Love to hear this! Thanks very much for taking the time to come back and leave a positive review. Our local ice cream manufacturer, Graeter’s, makes Cinnamon Ice Cream in the fall. These apples are fabulous with it! 🙂
MG says
Delicious! I used only a small amount of syrup and it was enough. Tasted like fresh apple pie fresh from the oven!! Definitely will be making these again and often. Thanks.
foodtasticmom says
That’s a great description of these apples. So happy you enjoyed them!
Patti says
Great recipe! I am new to air frying and a friend gave me three very large Honeycrisp apples and I was trying to think what to do with them. This was super simple to do and turned out wonderfully well. Thanks so much!
foodtasticmom says
Love hearing this, you’re welcome! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!
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.
Caroline says
Really great taste. We left the peels on. Very delicious!
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!
Deb says
I’m going to try these to make caramel apple French toast…yummy!
foodtasticmom says
Oh wow, that sound fantastic!!
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!
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!
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.
Charles says
The pro tip about cooking sprays is much appreciated! Thanks for your delicious Air Fryer Apple recipe!
foodtasticmom says
You’re welcome!
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.