While they may be available year-round, apples are a staple fruit during the fall and winter months. Not only are they always juicy and delicious on their own, but apples make a great ingredient for numerous sweet and savory recipes.
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One way I enjoy my apples this time of year is by preparing them in the air fryer and filling them with oats, walnuts, and other delectable, comforting ingredients. This recipe uses Honeycrisp apples, a poster child of autumn.
Here’s how to make my air fryer baked apples, including why I chose certain ingredients for this recipe, and some creative ways to serve this dish.
How to Make Air Fryer Baked Apples
Making baked apples in the air fryer couldn’t be more simple. All you have to do is soften your butter and make your filling mixture, slice the tops off and core your apples, add the filling to the apples, and bake them in the air fryer for 18-20 minutes.
If you’re not familiar with using an air fryer or are on the fence about whether to get one, this recipe may be a tie-breaker. Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to create a convection-like environment that “fries” food without needing much oil (compared to traditional frying methods).
When using one to make baked apples, the air fryer surrounds the apples with hot air so they cook fast and evenly. The consistently high heat helps soften the apples while caramelizing the sugars in the filling. This makes a lightly crisped topping and a tender inside — in much less time than it would take in a conventional oven.
Ingredient Highlights
Stuffed air fryer baked apples only require a handful of ingredients, each of which serves an important purpose and brings together a healthy, flavorful result you will love. Here are some of the ingredient highlights and why I chose them for this recipe:
- Cinnamon: What’s a fall recipe without cinnamon? This beloved spice adds a warm flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples and brings out their natural sweetness. Its aromatic quality also boosts the comforting, seasonal feel of the dish.
- Rolled Oats: Oats provide a hearty, chewy texture that complements the softness of baked apples. As a whole grain, oats contribute fiber, which helps keep you fuller for longer. Specifically, oats contain a soluble fiber called beta-glucans, which is known to help reduce high cholesterol and lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Raisins: Raisins contribute a touch of natural sweetness to this filling without being overpowering. They add small bursts of flavor that complement the apple’s tartness and pair well with cinnamon.
- Walnuts: Walnuts are a great source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. They add a crunchy texture and richness, balancing the sweetness of the filling.
- Honeycrisp Apples: Known for being sweet and crisp (hence their name), Honeycrisp apples soften beautifully when baked without becoming mushy. Apples are one of the healthiest foods for your gut and of the best natural sources of quercetin, an antioxidant that helps protect cellular health.
How to Serve Air Fryer Baked Apples
There’s no excuse needed to enjoy some air fryer-baked apples this season. Need a few ideas for how to serve them? Here are some of my favorites:
- Classic and cozy: Serve these apples warm with a drizzle of honey, agave, or maple syrup, and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon (or even nutmeg).
- Yogurt-topped: Add a dollop of Greek or plant-based vanilla yogurt on top for creaminess, extra protein, and a nice temperature contrast.
- Whipped cream or ice cream: Pair baked apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a spoonful of whipped cream, or homemade coconut cream for a decadent dessert.
- Granola-topped: Sprinkle granola over the baked apples for extra crunch and texture, making it feel like a mini apple crisp.
- Drizzled with nut butter: Drizzle baked apples with almond, peanut, sunflower, or cashew butter for more richness, healthy fats, and a nuttiness that always pairs well.
- With oatmeal: Chop up the baked apple and stir it into a bowl of warm oatmeal or oat milk porridge for breakfast.
- Savory and salty: Add a sprinkle of salt and even a dash of herbs, like fresh thyme or rosemary, to give the baked apples a sophisticated, savory flavor.
- With chopped nuts and seeds: Garnish your baked apples with chopped pecans, pumpkin seeds, or chia seeds for a nutritious crunch and additional healthy fats.
- With pancakes or waffles: Serve baked apples sliced on top of pancakes or waffles.
You could also serve air fryer baked apples as a breakfast, a dessert, or a side dish to an entree like my Vegetable Rice Soup, for an all-around cozy meal.
Storage Tips
Baked apples don’t last forever, but that’s okay because you’re going to want to eat them right away anyway. If you end up with leftovers or want to make a few extras, here are some tips for making them last a bit longer:
- Allow them to cool down completely after baking before you store them. This helps prevent them from getting soggy.
- Place the cooled apples in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days.
- You can freeze them for a few months, but first wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and inside a freezer-safe bag or container. Defrost and reheat by placing them back in the air fryer for a few minutes or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
Other Recipes You Might Like
Air Fryer Baked Apples with Oat and Walnut Filling
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened plus 1 teaspoon
- 2 tbsp unpacked brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 tbsp raisins
- 2 tbsp chopped raw walnuts
- 2 medium Honeycrisp apples
Instructions
- Place softened butter in a small mixing bowl. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, oats, raisins, and walnuts. Use a fork or your fingers to mix everything together until evenly combined.
- Wash apples. Slice the tops (stem end) of the apples off. Use a melon baller or paring knife to remove the core and seeds from each apple. Be sure to leave the bottom of the apples intact.
- Divide the filling between the apples. Use the back of a spoon to pack the filling into the hollowed-out cores. Press the remaining filling on the top (cut side) of each apple.
- Arrange apples in the air fryer basket and insert the basket into the air fryer.
- Cook the apples at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the filling is lightly browned and the apples are softened.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition
Amanda is a pizza loving registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in mindfulness and gut health. She quickly realized that gut health goes beyond the gut; it is also about honoring our gut feelings. She is the creator of The Mindful Gut™ which uses science and strategy to help people improve their gut health.
