If you’re craving a cozy, lightly sweet treat that fills your kitchen with the scent of fall, then let me introduce you to this Warm Cinnamon and Maple-Glazed Air Fryer Apples Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of tender, caramelized apples infused with warm cinnamon spice and rich maple syrup glaze, all made effortlessly in your air fryer. Whether you want a wholesome snack, a smart dessert, or a flavorful side, these apples bring that delicious, comforting vibe with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, relying on just a few wholesome ingredients that all play a vital role in creating those irresistible flavors and textures. Each element works together to balance sweetness, warmth, and a touch of natural richness.
- 2 red apples (Pink Lady, Honey Crisp, or Gala): Choosing a firm, sweet apple variety ensures a perfect balance of tartness and tenderness after cooking.
- 2 tablespoons real maple syrup (divided): Pure maple syrup adds deep, natural sweetness and a subtle smoky flavor that beautifully complements the cinnamon.
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil: This adds a gentle richness and helps the apples develop a lovely caramelized exterior in the air fryer.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Cinnamon infuses the apples with warm spice and classic autumn flavor that brings everything together.
How to Make Warm Cinnamon and Maple-Glazed Air Fryer Apples Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 380°F. Make sure to lightly spray the basket with a non-stick spray to prevent the apples from sticking and ensure even crisping. This step sets the stage for perfectly cooked, golden bites.
Step 2: Toss Apples with Flavorful Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and cubed apples with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and cinnamon. Toss everything together until each apple piece is beautifully coated. This mixture ensures each cube gets that sweet, spiced, and slightly glossy finish we want.
Step 3: Arrange Apples in Air Fryer
Spread the apple cubes evenly in a single layer inside the preheated air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping to promote uniform cooking and caramelization, which means your apples will come out perfectly tender without any soggy spots.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Cook the apples for 10 to 14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to toss the cubes around. This shaking step is crucial to ensure every piece cooks evenly and develops that appealing golden color on all sides.
Step 5: Glaze the Warm Apples
Once the apples are nice and tender, transfer them to a bowl and immediately toss with the remaining tablespoon of maple syrup. Doing this while the apples are still warm helps the glaze soak in slightly, amplifying the flavor with a glossy finish.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
These warm apples are fantastic when enjoyed right away, either on their own or as a sweet topping. Their tender texture and vibrant flavor make them incredibly versatile for any time of day.
How to Serve Warm Cinnamon and Maple-Glazed Air Fryer Apples Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your dish by adding a dollop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans. These garnishes add contrasting textures and a touch of indulgence, making your serving feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair these air-fried apples with a warm bowl of oatmeal, yogurt, or even pancakes for a dreamy breakfast. They also complement pork dishes or roasted chicken beautifully, adding natural sweetness that balances savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cinnamon and maple-glazed apples over a slice of homemade pound cake or swirl them into Greek yogurt topped with granola. Their inviting aroma and taste make them perfect for any creative food lover to experiment with.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover glazed apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them chilled will preserve their fresh flavors while maintaining the tender texture.
Freezing
While you can freeze these apples, it may change their texture slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze them, place them in a freezer-safe container and enjoy within a month for best taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the air fryer or microwave until warm throughout. The air fryer can help bring back some of the original caramelization and crispness, making the apples taste almost freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Pink Lady, Honey Crisp, and Gala are recommended for their sweetness and firmness, you can use your favorite apple variety, keeping in mind that firmer apples will hold their shape better during cooking.
What if I don’t have coconut oil? Can I substitute it?
Yes, you can substitute melted butter or another neutral oil like avocado oil. Coconut oil adds a subtle flavor and helps with caramelization, but alternatives will still work fine.
Is it possible to make this recipe without an air fryer?
Sure! You can roast the apples in an oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, stirring once halfway through. The result will be similar, though the air fryer tends to yield a slightly crisper texture.
Can I prepare this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is already vegan-friendly if you stick with coconut oil and pure maple syrup. Just be sure any optional toppings you use also fit your dietary preferences.
How sweet will these apples be? Can I adjust the sweetness?
The maple syrup provides a natural, balanced sweetness that complements the cinnamon and apple’s tartness. If you prefer less sweet, simply reduce the amount of syrup to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Warm Cinnamon and Maple-Glazed Air Fryer Apples Recipe that makes it a cozy favorite in my kitchen. It’s simple, quick, and utterly delicious, bringing a sweet warmth that’s perfect any time of year. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own little slice of comfort food happiness!
Print
Warm Cinnamon and Maple-Glazed Air Fryer Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm Cinnamon and Maple-Glazed Air Fryer Apples are a simple, flavorful snack or dessert made by air frying juicy apple cubes coated in cinnamon, coconut oil, and real maple syrup. This quick and healthy recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and spice, ideal for serving on their own or as a topping for oatmeal or ice cream.
Ingredients
Apples
- 2 red apples (such as Pink Lady, Honey Crisp, or Gala), peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch cubes
Glaze and Coating
- 2 tablespoons real maple syrup (divided)
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and lightly spray the basket with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Apples: In a mixing bowl, toss the apple cubes with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and cinnamon until all pieces are evenly coated with the glaze mixture.
- Arrange Apples: Place the coated apple cubes in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap for even cooking and caramelization.
- Air Fry: Air fry the apples for 10 to 14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to promote uniform browning and tenderness.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the apples are golden brown and tender, remove them from the air fryer and immediately toss with the remaining tablespoon of maple syrup while they are still warm.
- Optional Serving Suggestions: Serve the warm cinnamon maple-glazed apples immediately, either on their own or as a delicious topping for ice cream, oatmeal, or pancakes.
Notes
- Choose firm apples like Pink Lady or Honey Crisp for best texture after cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure apples cook evenly.
- You can adjust the cinnamon quantity to taste for more or less spice.
- Serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture as the apples may soften further upon standing.
- For a vegan option, ensure the maple syrup used is pure and the coconut oil is plant-based.
