 ( Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, we earn commissions from qualifying purchases at NO additional cost to the customer.)

Spread the love

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Some recipes sneak into your life quietly and then refuse to leave.
That’s exactly what happened with these air fryer cinnamon apple slices.

The first time I made them, I wasn’t trying to be impressive. I just had a couple of apples sitting on the counter, one of those random cravings for something sweet-but-not-dessert, and zero patience to turn on the oven. Five minutes later, my kitchen smelled like a fall candle exploded—in the best way.

Ever had food smell so good it changes your mood instantly? Yeah… this does that.

Why Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples Just Make Sense

Warm dessert vibes without the commitment

These apples hit that rare sweet spot between snack and dessert. They taste indulgent, but they don’t leave you feeling like you made questionable life choices afterward.

Here’s why I keep coming back to them:

Minimal ingredients
No refined sugar required
Ready in under 15 minutes
Works for breakfast, snack, or dessert

IMO, recipes like this are dangerous because you’ll convince yourself they’re “just fruit” and eat the whole batch 🙂

Choosing the Right Apples (This Actually Matters)

I’ve tested a lot of apples here. Some turned mushy. Others stayed oddly firm. A few just didn’t bring the flavor.

Apples that work best:

Honeycrisp – sweet, firm, reliable
Gala – softens nicely
Fuji – naturally sweet
Pink Lady – balanced flavor

I avoid Red Delicious. Nothing personal—they just don’t shine here.

My Air Fryer Setup (And Why Size Matters)

I use a Cosori 5.8-Quart Air Fryer, mostly because it lets the apples spread out instead of stacking. Apples release moisture, and airflow keeps them from steaming.

This is the one I’ve used for years:
👉 https://amzn.to/3YGcr7U

If you cook fruit often, basket space makes a bigger difference than people admit.

Ingredients (Simple, Cozy, No Nonsense)

Here’s everything you need—and probably already have.

Ingredients

2 large apples, sliced
1 tablespoon melted butter (or coconut oil)
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

That’s it. No flour. No eggs. No drama.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Slices

Step 1: Slice the Apples

I slice apples into even wedges—not too thin, not too thick. Thin slices dry out fast. Thick slices stay crunchy inside.

Uniform slices cook evenly. Uneven ones test your patience.

Step 2: Toss with Flavor

In a bowl, I combine:

Apple slices
Melted butter
Cinnamon
Maple syrup
Vanilla
Salt

I toss gently until everything looks glossy and smells ridiculous.

Step 3: Air Fry Time

I preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).

I spread the apples in a single layer and cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking once halfway. The edges caramelize slightly, and the centers soften.

At minute ten, I always taste one. Always.

Timing Guide (Because Apples Vary)

Thin slices: 8–10 minutes
Medium slices: 10–12 minutes
Thick wedges: 12–14 minutes

Different apples behave differently. Treat the time like a suggestion, not a rule.

How Soft Should They Be?

This comes down to preference.

I aim for:

Soft inside
Lightly crisp edges
Not mushy

If they collapse when you lift them, you went too far. Still edible—just different.

Tips I Learned the Hard Way

Don’t overcrowd the basket

Crowded apples steam instead of caramelize.

Use a pinch of salt

Salt makes the sweetness pop. Skipping it dulls flavor.

Shake gently

Rough shaking breaks the slices and releases too much juice.

Variations I Make Regularly

Apple Pie Style

Add a pinch of nutmeg and clove.

Extra Dessert Mode

Serve warm over vanilla ice cream.

Breakfast Upgrade

Spoon over oatmeal or pancakes.

Ever accidentally turn a snack into a meal? Happens here a lot.

Are These Healthy? Let’s Be Real.

They’re still apples.
They contain fiber.
They don’t rely on processed sugar.

That said—adding butter and syrup turns fruit into dessert territory. Balance matters, not perfection.

Storage & Reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat:

Air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes
Or microwave if you don’t care about texture (no judgment)

Fresh is best, but leftovers still hit.

Small Tools That Help (Optional but Nice)

A silicone air fryer liner saves cleanup and still allows airflow.

I use this one:
👉 https://amzn.to/3Ld55FI

It prevents sticky cinnamon sugar from welding itself to the basket.

When I Actually Make These

After dinner when I want something sweet
During fall when apples feel mandatory
As a quick breakfast topping
When guests show up unexpectedly

They feel fancy. They take almost no effort. Dangerous combo.

Save