Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Wedges – Easy 10-Minute Healthy Apple Dessert

You ever crave apple pie but absolutely refuse to peel, roll, chill, bake, and wait an hour? Same.

That’s exactly how these Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Wedges became a regular thing in my kitchen. I wanted that warm, cinnamon-sugar apple flavor—soft in the middle, slightly caramelized on the edges—without turning my kitchen into a bakery production line.

Now I make these at least twice a week in the fall. Sometimes I call them a “healthy snack.” Sometimes I dump vanilla ice cream on top and call it dessert. No regrets either way.

If you’re looking for an easy air fryer apple recipe that tastes like the inside of an apple pie, you’re going to love this.

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Why Air Fryer Apples Work So Well

I tested apples in the oven, on the stovetop, and in the air fryer. The air fryer wins for three big reasons:

• Fast cooking time (under 10 minutes)
• Caramelized edges without mushy centers
• Minimal cleanup

Ever notice how stovetop apples sometimes turn into applesauce if you blink too long? The circulating heat in the air fryer softens the apples evenly while keeping structure intact.

And yes, they actually get those lightly golden edges. That’s where the magic lives.

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The Best Apples for Cinnamon Apple Wedges

Not all apples behave the same under heat. I learned that the slightly frustrating way.

My Top Picks:

• Honeycrisp – Sweet, crisp, holds shape beautifully
• Granny Smith – Tart, firm, classic pie flavor
• Fuji – Naturally sweet and juicy

Avoid Red Delicious. They get soft fast and lack flavor once heated.

If you want balanced sweetness and texture, I personally reach for Honeycrisp every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple pantry ingredients create bold flavor here.

• 3 medium apples, sliced into wedges
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (or coconut oil)
• 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional but cozy)
• Pinch of salt
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but worth it)

That’s it.

No flour. No complicated syrup. Just apples and warm spices.

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Tools That Make This Easier

I don’t overcomplicate things, but a few tools help.

Air Fryer

I use the COSORI Air Fryer Max XL
https://amzn.to/4b8k5im

It cooks evenly and fits a full batch of apple wedges without overcrowding.

Apple Slicer

If you want perfectly even wedges fast, the OXO Good Grips Apple Corer and Slicer saves time.
https://amzn.to/4scN0rs

Even slices cook evenly. Uneven slices = some mushy, some firm.

Ever rushed slicing and ended up with apple chunks all over the place? Yeah. Me too.

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

Step 1: Slice the Apples

Core and slice into 8–10 wedges per apple.

Keep the peel on. It helps hold structure and adds fiber.

Try to keep wedges similar in size.

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Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a bowl, combine:

• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt

Add melted butter and vanilla. Stir until glossy.

The smell alone feels like October.

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Step 3: Toss Apples Evenly

Add apple wedges to the bowl.

Toss until fully coated.

Make sure every wedge gets that buttery cinnamon mixture. That’s what caramelizes in the air fryer.

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Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat air fryer to 375°F.

Place apples in a single layer.

Cook for 7–9 minutes, shaking halfway.

You want:

• Soft centers
• Lightly browned edges
• Slight caramelization

Don’t walk away. Apples can go from perfect to overly soft quickly.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Texture

Here’s what makes or breaks this recipe.

• Don’t overcrowd the basket
• Use firm apples
• Shake halfway through cooking
• Taste at minute 7

Ever overcook apples? They turn into cinnamon baby food. Not ideal.

Check early. You can always add another minute.

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Flavor Variations to Try

Once you master the base, try switching things up.

Maple Cinnamon Apples

Replace brown sugar with maple syrup.

Apple Pie Style

Add 1 teaspoon cornstarch for thicker syrup coating.

Spiced Apple Dessert

Add clove and allspice for deeper flavor.

Healthier Version

Skip sugar and use just cinnamon + a drizzle of honey.

FYI, even without sugar, the apples taste amazing.

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Serving Ideas (This Is Where It Gets Fun)

You can serve these apple wedges in so many ways:

• Over vanilla ice cream
• On oatmeal
• Inside pancakes
• On top of yogurt
• With whipped cream
• As a side for pork chops

Sometimes I eat them straight from the basket. Standing at the counter. No shame.

Ever added them to a grilled cheese with brie? Life-changing.

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Are Air Fryer Apples Healthy?

Let’s be real.

They’re not raw apple slices—but they’re still fruit.

Compared to apple pie:

• Less sugar
• No crust
• Lower calories
• Quick portion control

If you reduce sugar, they make a fantastic healthy air fryer snack.

And if you add ice cream? Well… balance.

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Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes.

Avoid microwave if you want texture. It softens them too much.

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Why This Recipe Feels Like Fall

There’s something nostalgic about warm cinnamon apples.

They remind me of county fairs and my grandmother’s kitchen. That smell—sweet, spicy, slightly buttery—just feels comforting.

The best part? You get that cozy flavor in under 10 minutes.

No pie crust stress. No oven marathon.

Just apples and cinnamon doing their thing.