A cozy, healthy dessert that’s as quick as it is comforting—these Air Fryer Baked Apples taste like apple pie but are easier and lighter. They're ready in under 30 minutes and perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my disclosure policy for details.
Table of Contents
If your evenings look anything like mine—juggling a toddler, dinner cleanup, and maybe a last-minute load of laundry—you know dessert needs to be simple. That’s where these air fryer baked apples come in. They’re quick to prep, cook while you finish the rest of your night, and taste like a warm slice of apple pie (minus the fuss and extra sugar).
The magic is in the air fryer: it softens the apples until they’re tender and juicy, while the oat and brown sugar topping crisps up just right. I use coconut oil to keep things on the lighter side, but butter works just as well if you’re after a classic finish.
After the second round of recipe testing, and once the toddler was in bed, Chris and I huddled around the kitchen island, shamelessly fighting over the last bites. That was my sign that the recipe was ready to share!
We love serving them after dinner, but they’re just as good for a cozy weekend breakfast. Sweet, spiced, and secretly wholesome—what’s not to love?
For more easy fall dessert recipes, check out my Pear Crisp and Pumpkin Blondies.
Why You'll Love This Healthy Baked Apple Recipe
- Effortless and Fast — everything comes together in a bowl and cooks while you manage bedtime stories or run another load of laundry.
- Lightened‑Up Comfort — using coconut oil instead of full butter gives that delicious brown sugar–oats crunch without a dessert hangover.
- Air Fryer Magic — cutting down the time compared to the oven without sacrificing that baked apple in the air fryer charm.
- Family‑Friendly Flavor — cinnamon, nutmeg, and that warm sugar‑oat topping make this a winner for kids and grown‑ups alike.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Apples – Use large, firm baking apples like Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburns. You want something sweet and crisp that holds its shape as it softens.
Light Brown Sugar and White Sugar – The combo gives depth and sweetness without going overboard.
All-Purpose Flour – Just a bit helps bind the topping so it crisps up. A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works if needed.
Salt – A big pinch balances the sweetness and boosts flavor.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg – Cozy baking spices that make these taste like mini apple pies.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats – For the best texture and toasty flavor. Avoid quick oats—they’ll get mushy.
Coconut Oil or Butter – I like coconut oil here for a lighter, healthier twist, but butter works perfectly if you want a more traditional crumble. Just make sure whichever you use is softened to room temp.
Boiling Water – Helps steam the apples for a tender, juicy finish without drying out.
How to Make Air Fryer Baked Apples
For the complete recipe and measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1: Prepare.
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Prepare the apples by cutting them in half lengthwise and then spooning out the cores, seeds, and fibrous parts.
Step 2: Make Filling.
In a small mixing bowl, stir together the brown sugar, sugar, flour, salt, ground nutmeg, and cinnamon until well blended. Stir in the oats until combined, and then add the coconut oil or butter and work it in with a fork or your fingers until it resembles pebbles.
Step 3: Fill the Apples.
Divide the mixture between the 4 apple halves. Gently press the mixture into the apples so the filling doesn’t fall out.
Step 4: Prepare to Bake.
Place the apple halves, cut-side-up, in a baking dish (or two) that fits within the air fryer. Very carefully pour ½ inch of boiling water into the baking dish around the apple, being careful not to rinse off the filling.
Step 5: Air Fry.
Cover the baking dish (or dishes) securely with aluminum foil and add the dish to the air fryer and cook for 20 minutes. Very carefully remove the aluminum foil (the steam from the water will be hot!) and return the dish to the air fryer. Cook for another 20-25 minutes or until the apples are golden brown around the edges and the filling bubbles.
Step 6: Serve!
Remove the apples from the air fryer. Let them cool for a minute or two until safe to scoop into individual dishes. Serve hot, topped with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or frozen yogurt!
Recipe Pro-Tips
- Scoop out a bit more flesh – Use a melon baller or spoon to carefully hollow out a bit more of the apple after coring. This gives you room for extra filling without breaking through the bottom.
- Preheat the air fryer – Starting with a hot air fryer helps the apples cook evenly and gives the topping a better crisp.
- Keep the foil on for the first half of cooking – It helps the apples steam and get tender before the topping crisps up.
- Pour the boiling water carefully – Add it around the apples, not over them, to avoid rinsing off the crumble topping.
- Bake in the oven if needed – Same method, just use a 350°F oven and add 5–10 extra minutes of bake time.
- Air fry in batches – If your air fryer basket is small, work in batches. I use an oven-style air fryer and fit two loaf pans at once.
Recipe Variations
- Make it nutty – Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the oat topping for extra crunch and richness.
- Add dried fruit – Mix in a tablespoon of chopped raisins or dried cranberries for a chewy, sweet twist.
- Try different apples – Swap in tart Granny Smith for more contrast, or go super sweet with Fuji or Golden Delicious.
- Switch up the spices – Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for deeper spice flavor.
- Make it dairy-free or vegan – Stick with coconut oil and pair with non-dairy whipped topping or plant-based ice cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a swirl of whipped cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt. For an extra cozy touch, drizzle with a little maple syrup or honey just before serving. They also make a surprisingly delightful weekend breakfast—I recommend topping them with cottage cheese for a boost of protein and pairing with a big mug of coffee!
Storage Directions
- Refrigerating: Store cooled baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Let the apples cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 325ºF for 5–8 minutes or in the microwave on medium heat for about 1 minute until warmed through and bubbly.
FAQs
Yes! You can prep the apples and topping ahead of time—just store them separately in the fridge and assemble right before baking. You can also fully bake them and reheat as needed.
Any firm, crisp apple that holds up to baking works well. Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Braeburn, or even Granny Smith are all great choices.
Nope—softened butter works just as well! Coconut oil just keeps things a little lighter and adds a subtle rich nuttiness.
Absolutely. Just follow the same directions and bake in the oven at 350ºF. Add 5–10 minutes to the final bake time if needed.
Save this Recipe for Later on Pinterest
More Cinnamon Apple Recipes
- Healthy Apple Crisp
- Instant Pot Applesauce
- Instant Pot Apple Butter
- Cinnamon Apple Cake
- Apple Pancakes
- Cinnamon Apple Overnight Oats
- Cinnamon Apple Bread
If you liked and made this Air Fryer Baked Apple Recipe, don't forget to rate it and let me know how you liked it in the comments. I always love hearing from you!
Recipe Card
Air Fryer Baked Apples
Ingredients
- 2 large apples cut in half lengthwise
- 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons white sugar
- 1 heaping tablespoon all-purpose flour
- pinch salt
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch ground nutmeg
- ⅓ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil or butter
- Boiling hot water
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Prepare the apples by cutting them in half lengthwise and then spooning out the cores, seeds, and fibrous parts.
- In a small mixing bowl, stir together the brown sugar, sugar, flour, salt, ground nutmeg, and cinnamon until well blended.
- Stir in the oats until combined.
- Add the coconut oil or butter and work it in with a fork or your fingers until it resembles pebbles.
- Divide the mixture between the 4 apple halves. Gently press the mixture into the apples so the filling doesn’t fall out.
- Place the apple halves, cut-side-up, in a baking dish (or two) that fits within the air fryer.
- Very carefully pour ½ inch of boiling water into the baking dish around the apple, being careful not to rinse off the filling.
- Cover the baking dish securely with aluminum foil. Add the dish to the air fryer and cook for 20 minutes.
- Very carefully remove the aluminum foil (the steam from the water will be hot!) and return the dish to the air fryer. Cook for another 20-25 minutes or until the apples are golden brown around the edges and the filling bubbles.
Notes
- Refrigerating: Store cooled baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Let the apples cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 325ºF for 5–8 minutes or in the microwave on medium heat for about 1 minute until warmed through and bubbly.
- Scoop out a bit more flesh – Use a melon baller or spoon to carefully hollow out a bit more of the apple after coring. This gives you room for extra filling without breaking through the bottom.
- Preheat the air fryer – Starting with a hot air fryer helps the apples cook evenly and gives the topping a better crisp.
- Keep the foil on for the first half of cooking – It helps the apples steam and get tender before the topping crisps up.
- Pour the boiling water carefully – Add it around the apples, not over them, to avoid rinsing off the crumble topping.
- Bake in the oven if needed – Same method, just use a 375°F oven and add 5–10 extra minutes of bake time.
- Air fry in batches – If your air fryer basket is small, work in batches. I use an oven-style air fryer and fit two loaf pans at once.
