These easy air fryer baked apples have all the flavor of classic apple crisp but are ready in under 20 minutes. Each apple is filled with a buttery oat topping, then air fried until tender with a crisp golden top. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and you've got the easiest fall dessert.
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Looking for more apple recipes? Try my Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins, Ninja Creami Apple Pie Ice Cream, homemade Canned Applesauce, or this Cinnamon Apple Blondies Recipe next!
Ingredients You'll Need
- Fresh Apples: You can use different varieties of apples. My favorites are Honeycrisp, Gala, Pink Lady, or Fuji because they're naturally sweet, hold their shape, and bake up tender without turning mushy. Tart apples like Granny Smith can also be used. Soft apples like MacIntosh tend to go soft and mushy, so not the best.
- Rolled Oats: Adds a chewy, crisp texture. I used rolled oats, but quick-cooking oats will work as well. Don't use steel-cut oats; they won't soften properly.
- Melted Butter: Helps the oat mixture brown and adds buttery flavor. I used unsalted butter, but you could use salted butter if you like.
- Brown Sugar: Caramelizes into the apple as it bakes. Sticky in the best possible way. You can use dark brown sugar or light brown sugar.
- Spices: Ground cinnamon and a little nutmeg go a long way. Apple pie spice works too if that's what you've got.
How to Make Air Fryer Baked Apples
Cut 2 apples in half from stem to base with a sharp knife. Use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the core and seeds, leaving a shallow well in the apple cavity for the filling.
In a small bowl, stir together ½ cup rolled oats, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg. It should look crumbly but slightly sticky.
Spoon the oat mixture into each apple half and gently press it down. Overfilling can cause the oats to spill over as they crisp up, so just make a small mound.
Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F. Place the apples cut side up in the air fryer basket in a single layer so they cook evenly. Air fry apples for 12-15 minutes, or until the apples are fork-tender and the topping is golden brown and crispy. TIP: If your apples are on the larger side, add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time. Smaller apples may finish in as little as 12 minutes. The topping should look toasted, not burnt.
Cool the apples 5 minutes before serving. Top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce or maple syrup and enjoy!
Oven Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Place the filled apple halves in a parchment-lined baking dish or cast-iron skillet, cut side up.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the oat topping is golden brown.
- Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Pro Tip: If you want an extra crunchy topping, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye on them so they don't burn.
Tips from My Farmhouse Kitchen
- Make the filling ahead. You can mix the oat topping a day ahead and store it in an airtight container.
- Don't overcrowd the basket. Give the apples a little breathing room. If you cram them in, the air can't circulate properly, and they won't cook evenly. Cook in batches if cooking more than two apples or if you have a smaller air fryer.
- Watch the time. Air fryers vary slightly in power. Check your apples at the 12-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer baked apples are one of those desserts that fit just about anywhere.
- Classic: Serve warm with a scoop of Ninja Creami Vanilla Ice Cream, Ninja Creami Apple Pie Ice Cream, or a dollop of whipped cream and a little drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Breakfast: Top with a spoonful of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola.
- Holiday favorite: Serve them alongside cinnamon rolls, Sourdough French Toast, or Sourdough Discard Pancakes for holiday brunch.
- Fancy Dessert: Add a scoop of cinnamon or Ninja Creami Maple Walnut Ice Cream and crushed candied pecans.
Variations
Maple Pecan: Switch the brown sugar for pure maple syrup and add a sprinkle of chopped pecans to the filling.
Vegan and Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or plant-based butter in place of regular butter.
Extra indulgent: Add a few mini chocolate chips or raisins to the oat filling.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The oat topping will soften slightly, but you can crisp it back up when reheating.
Reheating
Air Fryer: 350°F for 2-3 minutes until warm and crisp (or on the REHEAT setting).
Microwave: Heat in 20-second bursts until warmed through (topping will be softer).
Oven: If reheating a larger batch, bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
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Printable Recipe
Air Fryer Baked Apples
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, or Fuji)
- ½ cup rolled oats (or quick-cooking oats)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. While it's heating, slice the apples in half from stem to base. Use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the core and seeds, leaving a shallow well in the center of each half.
- In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the oats, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The mixture should look crumbly and just slightly sticky.
- Spoon the oat mixture evenly into the cored apple halves, gently pressing it down so it stays in place during air frying.
- Arrange the filled apple halves in a single layer in the air fryer basket with the cut side facing up. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until the apples are soft and tender when pierced with a fork. The oat topping should be golden brown and crispy. Start checking at 12 minutes since air fryer times can vary. Larger apples may need an extra 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the basket and let the apples rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup or caramel sauce. Enjoy!
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Notes
- Firm apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith work best because they hold their shape and don't collapse during cooking. Softer apples like McIntosh can turn mushy and are not recommended.
- If your air fryer basket is small, work in batches to give the apples enough space for proper air circulation.
- The oat crumble can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This makes assembling the apples even faster.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer at 350°F until warm and crisp, or on the REHEAT setting.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
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