Air Fryer Baked Apples

Name: Air Fryer Baked Apples
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup large flake rolled oats (substitute with quick oats); 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour (substitute with all purpose white flour); 1 tablespoon coconut sugar (substitute with brown sugar); 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1 tablespoon plant-based butter, melted (substitute with melted coconut oil or dairy butter); 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Pinch of salt; 6 apples (see note)

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Sweet, tender and juicy, Air Fryer Baked Apples are a fuss-free dessert with a warm cinnamon oat filling. These stuffed apples are an easy alternative to apple crisp or oven baked apples and take just 15 minutes to bake in the air fryer!

Similar to these air fryer pears, these air fryer apples are a quick and easy dessert recipe. Sweet apples and warm cinnamon spice are just the right combo for cooler fall days!

Overhead view of a stuffed apple on a white plate, cut in half with the oat filling showing.

If you love apple crisp or apple crumble, you’ll want to try these easy baked apples.

The ingredient list is short and simple, and with prep time of about 15 minutes, you can have these apples ready for dessert in just 30 minutes.

Why you’ll love these air fryer baked apples

Oven baked apples can take 30-45 minutes to cook, but the air fryer bakes them in just 15 minutes.
You need just 8 ingredients and very little prep time.
This recipe is dairy-free and vegan with a gluten-free option.
Baked apples are a healthier dessert, and you can even enjoy them for breakfast.
Whole baked apples are a perfect size for individual desserts, which makes them easy to serve at fall gatherings like Thanksgiving.

Details on the ingredients

Ingredients to make air fryer apples arranged individually on a wooden surface.

Apples – You need 6 apples for this recipe, with the cores cut out. I used SweeTango, which is similar to Honeycrisp, but you can use a number of different varieties. Whatever you choose, go for apples that are firm and crisp and hold their shape when baked.

Oats – For the filling, you’ll need 1/2 cup of oats. I normally use old fashioned or large flake rolled oats but you can also use quick oats if you prefer. To make this recipe gluten-free, make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Flour – Just two tablespoons of flour goes into the oat filling. I used whole wheat, but you can also use all-purpose white. To make this recipe gluten-free, just use 1:1 gluten-free flour.

Butter – A little melted butter helps the crumble filling stick together. To keep this recipe vegan and dairy-free, I used plant-based butter. You can also use dairy butter if you prefer.

Maple syrup – Some maple syrup also helps the oat mixture stick together and adds some sweetness.

Coconut sugar – Just a tablespoon pairs with the maple syrup to make the oat filling a little sweeter. You can use brown sugar as a substitute.

Cinnamon – This adds a warm and cozy flavour. Feel free to substitute apple pie spice if you have it.

Salt – Just a pinch of salt complements the sweetness of the apples and filling.

How to bake stuffed apples in the air fryer

In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the ingredients for the oat filling. Set aside.

Oat filling mixed together in a bowl with a spatula.

Wash and dry your apples and slice about 1/4 – 1/2 inch off the tops.

Use a paring knife to remove the cores. I find a combination of paring knife and spoon works best to get out all the seeds. You can also use an apple corer.

Cored apples on a plate and being filled with oat mixture.

Divide the filling into each of the apples.

Place the apples in the air fryer basket and air fry on 330F for 13-15 minutes, or until fork tender.

Pre-cooked stuffed apples in the air fryer basket.

Use tongs to carefully remove the apples from the air fryer basket.

Serve immediately with a drizzle of maple syrup and/or a scoop of ice cream.

Recipe substitutions

Instead of plant-based butter, you can use melted coconut oil or dairy butter for a non-dairy free version.
Change up the spices by adding a pinch of nutmeg or using apple pie spice or pumpkin spice.
Replace the coconut sugar with brown sugar. (I don’t recommend replacing it with granulated sugar).
If you don’t need the recipe to be vegan, substitute the maple syrup with honey.
Mix some chopped pecans into the oat filling, or add some dried cranberries or raisins.

Storage and reheating

Air fryer apples are best enjoyed freshly baked and warm. If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing them.

To reheat, just warm them in the air fryer at 330F for 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them.

Six apples on a white plate and filled with cinnamon oat filling.

Frequently asked questions

What type of apple is best to make baked apples in the air fryer?

For baked apples, you’ll want an apple variety that is firm and holds its shape once baked, like Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, Cortland or Granny Smith. You want to avoid varieties that get soft and mushy when baked.

It also depends on the flavor you prefer. Granny Smith will be more tart, while Honeycrisp will be sweet. I used SweeTango in this recipe which is a cross between Honeycrisp and Zestar apples, so they’re crisp and sweet.

Can you prep baked apples in advance?

You can make the filling in advance and store it covered in the fridge for 2-3 days but I don’t recommend prepping the apples a few days in advance as they brown quickly.

At best, you can prep them a few hours in advance. To minimize browning, once you core your apples, place them in a bowl of cold water that has been mixed with a pinch of salt. Leave them there for a few minutes, then rinse and pat dry.

How long does it take to bake stuffed apples in the air fryer?

At 330F degrees, it only takes 13-15 minutes to bake whole stuffed apples in the air fryer. This may vary slightly depending on the size and variety of apple you use. It also depends on your texture preference. If you like your baked apples firmer, take them out at 13 minutes. For softer apples, you’ll want to air fry them for a few minutes longer.

How do you know when whole apples are cooked?

You’ll know your apples are fully baked when they’re fork tender and the oat filling is crispy on top.

How do you serve air fryer apples?

I think they are best served with some maple syrup or caramel drizzled over top and a scoop of ice cream. (Use dairy-free ice cream or try this homemade s’mores ice cream)! They’re also great for breakfast served with a dollop of yogurt.

Side view of baked apples arranged on a pink platter.

Key recipe tips

Stable apples. You’ll want to make sure the apples you select are sturdy and can stand up on their own. If they’re wobbly, they’ll just tip over in the air fryer.
Size of apples.Try not to use apples that are too tall or you may need to cut more off the top. The oats on top of taller apples will brown quicker in the air fryer. I usually select rounder apples.
Coring the apples. When removing the core, scoop out enough flesh to get about 2 tablespoons of filling in there. Be careful you don’t scoop too much out around the sides or bottoms as the apples may not be able to hold the filling.
Don’t over stuff. You want to get a lot of filling into the apples, but don’t pack it in too tight.
Air frying time. If you prefer your baked apples firm, take them out at 13 minutes. For softer apples, bake them for 15-17 minutes.
Air fry in batches. If you have a small air fryer, you may need to air fry the apples in batches or make just half a recipe.
Type of air fryer. You may need to adjust the air frying time and temperature slightly based on your brand and model of air fryer. This recipe was tested in a 5.8 quart Cosori.

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If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!

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