We regularly have apples we need to use up, including frozen apples, and the option to cook them in the air fryer has been so helpful. It’s fast, yummy, and is a great snack for kids—and adults. You can also use them as a topping or as part of a dessert. The apples are tender, lightly spiced, and a perfect texture to serve as a finger food for babies and toddlers. Plus, you can use any type of apple you have on hand—the only difference is that the firmness of the apple will impact how long it needs to cook. Try this as an option to send in a packed lunch, to serve as an easy side dish for a weeknight dinner, or to pair with yogurt or Yogurt Pancakes. (You may also like my Apple Smoothie, Sauteed Apples, Cinnamon Apples or Instant Pot Applesauce.)
Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to make this apple recipe for kids so you know what to have on hand. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.
Apples: Medium to large apple varieties including Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Empire, Envy, or Opal. (Softer apples like MacIntosh can be used, but they may break down and turn into applesauce really quickly.) You can use fresh or frozen apples for this. Coconut oil (or butter): This ensures the apples don’t stick to the air fryer, and it adds richness which is yummy here. Maple syrup: You can sweeten a little to enhance the flavor of the apples if you’d like. Cinnamon: A little cinnamon in this recipe adds apple pie flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Below is a look at how to make the air fryer apples recipe so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of the post for the amounts and timing.
Best Budget Air Fryer
The air fryer I use throughout this post and use in my real life is the Instant Vortex 6 Quart. It’s small enough to not take up too much counter space yet holds enough food for my family. It’s also less than $80, making it one of the more affordable air fryers.
How to Store
Store for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Serve warm or cold. You can also freeze for future use if needed.
Best Tips for Success
These can be served on their own as a snack or side or can be a topping over pancakes, oatmeal, or yogurt. They also pair nicely with roasted chicken and pork. I prefer to use cooking apples, such as Granny Smith, for this recipe, as they hold up a little better, but any apple will work. The main difference is that softer apples cook faster, and firmer apples take a little longer.
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate and comment below!
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This recipe was first publishes November 2023.
