These air fryer baked apples with granola are an easy fall dessert made with tender, pumpkin-spiced apples, crunchy granola, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They’re ready in about 20 minutes with just a handful of ingredients and no need to make a separate crumble topping.
A Note From Kristen
These air fryer baked apples have quickly become one of my favorite ways to turn a couple of apples into an easy sweet treat. Instead of making a separate oat or crumble topping, I use premade granola and add it after the apples are tender, which keeps it crunchy and makes the whole recipe incredibly simple. I tested a few cooking times to get the apples properly soft without drying them out, and 15 to 20 minutes was the sweet spot for me. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream while they’re still warm and you have a comforting apple dessert with very little work. Enjoy!
~Kristen
Use a Firm Apple or It Turns to Mush
Honeycrisp, Gala, Cosmic Crisp, Granny Smith, and Braeburn are all good choices because they soften while still holding their shape. Softer apples can break down quickly in the air fryer, so a firm, crisp apple works best here.
The Butter Helps the Sugar and Spice Stick
Brush the cut sides with melted butter before adding the brown sugar and pumpkin spice. It helps everything cling to the apples instead of falling into the air fryer basket, while also adding a little richness as the apples soften.
Add the Granola After Cooking, Not Before
Wait until the apples are tender before adding the granola so it stays crisp instead of over-browning in the air fryer. Premade granola makes this especially quick, but homemade works too. My chocolate chip cookie granola would be delicious here if you want to make your own.
How to Serve Air Fryer Baked Apples
My favorite way to serve these is warm from the air fryer with the granola piled on and a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top. A drizzle of caramel or maple syrup is delicious, or try a spoonful of my apple curd for even more apple flavor. For breakfast or a snack, skip the ice cream and serve them with plain or vanilla yogurt instead.
Kristen’s Top Tips
- Scoop out just the core. Use a spoon or melon baller to remove the seeds and tough center, but don’t hollow out too much of the apple. You want plenty of fruit left to soften and eat.
- Start checking at 15 minutes. Apple variety, size, and air fryer model can all affect the cooking time. They’re ready when a fork or paring knife slides easily into the flesh.
- Give them a minute before adding ice cream. I let the apples cool very briefly after air frying so the ice cream gets melty without immediately turning to liquid.
- Adjust the sweetness to your granola. If your granola is already quite sweet, you can go lighter on the brown sugar.
My Favorite Variations
- Change the spice. Replace the pumpkin spice with cinnamon, apple pie spice, or my homemade Christmas spice for a festive twist.
- Make them extra indulgent. Add caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or a handful of mini chocolate chips while the apples are still warm.
- Add some crunch. Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the finished apples, or try my spicy candied pecans for a sweet-and-spicy twist.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover air fryer baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, store the granola separately and add it just before serving.
Reheat the apples in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, though they will be a little softer. Add fresh granola and any ice cream or other toppings after reheating.
More Delicious Fall Apple Recipes You Might Enjoy
Air Fryer Baked Apples
Ingredients
- 2 large firm apples skins on; red or green
- 1 tablespoon melted butter use vegan butter if necessary
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 1/2 cup granola of choice store-bought or homemade; use certified gluten-free if necessary
- Vanilla ice cream for serving; use dairy-free if necessary
Method
- Cut the apples in half vertically, from stem to bottom. Remove the stems, then scoop out the cores with a spoon or melon baller. Place the halves cut-side up in the air fryer basket.
- Brush with the melted butter, then sprinkle with the sugar and pumpkin spice.
- Air fry at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the apples are tender and a fork easily pierces the flesh. Larger apples may need a few extra minutes.
- Spoon granola over the hot apples.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is automatically calculated using a third-party calculator and is an estimate only.
