Air Fried Apple Wedges are a delightful twist on a classic snack that brings together the natural sweetness of apples with a crispy, golden exterior. As someone who has always cherished the comforting taste of baked apples, discovering the air fryer has transformed my approach to this beloved treat. The air fryer not only reduces the cooking time but also enhances the flavor, making it a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste.
Historically, apples have been a staple in many cultures, symbolizing health and prosperity. From the ancient Greeks to modern-day kitchens, they have been celebrated in various forms, and Air Fried Apple Wedges are no exception. People love this dish for its perfect balance of crunch and tenderness, making it an ideal snack for both kids and adults. Plus, the convenience of preparing these wedges in an air fryer means you can enjoy a delicious, guilt-free treat in no time. Join me as we explore this simple yet satisfying recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized apples (I prefer Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their tartness)
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of melted butter (or coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)
- Pinch of salt
- Cooking spray or additional oil for greasing the air fryer basket
Preparing the Apples
- Start by washing the apples thoroughly under running water to remove any wax or pesticides. I like to use a vegetable brush for this step.
- Once clean, core the apples using an apple corer or a knife. If you’re using a knife, carefully slice around the core and remove it. Be cautious with your fingers!
- Next, slice the apples into wedges. Aim for about 8 wedges per apple, but you can adjust the thickness based on your preference. Thinner wedges will cook faster and become crispier, while thicker ones will be softer.
- Place the apple wedges in a large mixing bowl. This is where we’ll add our flavorings!
Flavoring the Wedges
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix them well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Drizzle the lemon juice over the apple wedges. This not only adds flavor but also helps prevent the apples from browning.
- Pour the melted butter over the apple wedges. This will help the sugar and spices stick to the apples and give them a nice caramelized finish.
- Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the apples. Using your hands or a spatula, toss the wedges gently until they are evenly coated with the mixture. I like to make sure every wedge is well-covered for maximum flavor!
Prepping the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This usually takes about 3-5 minutes, depending on your model.
- While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the basket. Lightly spray it with cooking spray or brush it with a little oil to prevent sticking. I find that this step is crucial for easy cleanup later!
Cooking the Apple Wedges
- Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the apple wedges in the basket. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer for even cooking. If you have a lot of wedges, you may need to cook them in batches.
- Set the timer for 10 minutes. After 5 minutes, pause the air fryer and shake the basket gently to ensure the wedges cook evenly. This is a great time to check on their progress!
- After the 10 minutes are up, check the apple wedges for doneness. They should be tender and slightly caramelized. If you prefer them a bit crispier, you can add an additional 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once done, carefully remove the basket from the air fryer. I like to use tongs to avoid burning my fingers. Let the wedges cool for a few minutes before serving.
Assembling and Serving
- Transfer the cooked apple wedges to a serving platter. You can arrange them in a fan shape for a nice presentation, or simply pile them up for a more casual look.
- If you want to elevate the dish, consider drizzling a little extra melted butter or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side can also make this dessert feel extra special!
- These air-fried apple wedges are best enjoyed warm, but they can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back their warmth and crispiness.
Tips and Variations
- If
Conclusion:
In summary, these Air Fried Apple Wedges are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a deliciously healthy snack. The combination of sweet, tender apples with a crispy exterior makes for a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them as a quick afternoon snack, serving them at a gathering, or even using them as a topping for your morning oatmeal or yogurt, these wedges are versatile and satisfying. Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions! You can sprinkle them with cinnamon for an extra flavor boost, drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness, or even pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different apple varieties to find your favorite flavor profile. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. I’d love to hear how your Air Fried Apple Wedges turn out and any unique twists you add to the recipe. So grab those apples, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy this scrumptious snack that’s sure to impress! Happy cooking! Print
Air Fried Apple Wedges: A Healthy and Delicious Snack Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy the delightful taste of air-fried apple wedges, spiced with cinnamon and brown sugar. This simple recipe transforms fresh apples into a warm, sweet treat, perfect for dessert or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Scale- 4 medium-sized apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of melted butter (or coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Cooking spray or additional oil for greasing the air fryer basket
Instructions
- Wash the apples thoroughly under running water to remove any wax or pesticides.
- Core the apples using an apple corer or a knife, carefully slicing around the core.
- Slice the apples into wedges, aiming for about 8 wedges per apple.
- Place the apple wedges in a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
- Drizzle the lemon juice over the apple wedges to add flavor and prevent browning.
- Pour the melted butter over the apple wedges to help the sugar and spices stick.
- Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the apples and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the apple wedges in the basket in a single layer. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Set the timer for 10 minutes. After 5 minutes, pause and shake the basket to ensure even cooking.
- Check for doneness after 10 minutes; they should be tender and slightly caramelized. Add 2-3 more minutes if you prefer them crispier.
- Carefully remove the basket and let the wedges cool for a few minutes.
- Transfer the cooked apple wedges to a serving platter, arranging them as desired.
- Drizzle with extra melted butter or sprinkle with cinnamon if desired. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.
- Enjoy warm, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to restore warmth and crispiness.
Notes
- For a different flavor profile, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a handful of chopped nuts.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
