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Air Fryer Baked Apples
Tender caramelized apples stuffed with brown sugar oat crumble — ready in 15 minutes. Serve with ice cream.
Total Time
25 min
Difficulty
Easy
Servings
4
Calories
180 cal
Why This Works
The air fryer's circulating heat penetrates the apple from all sides simultaneously, cooking it 3x faster than a conventional oven. The concentrated heat caramelizes the brown sugar filling into a sticky, toffee-like topping that would take 45 minutes in an oven.
My Recipe Testing Notes
I tested four apple varieties: Honeycrisp, Fuji, Granny Smith, and Red Delicious. Red Delicious turned mushy and collapsed — avoid it. Honeycrisp was the winner: it holds its shape perfectly, has a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully, and the flesh stays tender without becoming applesauce. At 350°F for 12-16 minutes, the apple is fork-tender and the filling is golden. Larger apples need the full 16 minutes; smaller ones are done at 12.
Ingredients
Avoid Red Delicious — it turns mushy
Optional
Instructions
Use a melon baller or apple corer to remove the core from each apple, leaving the bottom intact. Create a well about 1 inch wide and 1.5 inches deep.
Mix oats, brown sugar, softened butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a small bowl until crumbly.
Pack the oat filling into each apple cavity, pressing down gently. Mound any extra filling on top.
Place stuffed apples upright in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F for 12-16 minutes until apples are tender when pierced with a fork and filling is golden.
Let cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What apples are best for baking?
Honeycrisp, Fuji, Granny Smith, and Braeburn hold their shape best. Avoid Red Delicious or McIntosh which get mushy when baked.
Can I make these ahead?
Stuff the apples up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Air fry just before serving for the best texture.
Are baked apples healthy?
Yes! Apples are high in fiber and antioxidants. Skip the ice cream and use a light drizzle of honey for a healthier version under 150 calories.
Can I add maple syrup instead of brown sugar?
Absolutely. Replace brown sugar with 2 tbsp pure maple syrup for a natural sweetener option.
Written by Sarah Jenkins
Former restaurant line cook turned home kitchen obsessive. I've tested over 200 air fryer recipes and I share exactly what works, what doesn't, and the temperatures that make the difference.
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