Cinnamon-Stuffed Air Fryer Baked Apples

Sweet, tender and juicy, Air Fryer Baked Apples are an effortless dessert that combines warm cinnamon oats with baked apple sweetness. Ready in about 15 minutes in the air fryer, this recipe uses only eight simple ingredients and makes a fast alternative to traditional oven-baked apples (which can take 30–45 minutes). These stuffed apples deliver the comforting flavor of apple crisp or crumble with far less hands-on time. The recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan when made with plant-based butter, and it can be made gluten-free with certified gluten-free oats and flour.

These baked apples work equally well as a dessert or a sweet breakfast—much like baked pears prepared the same way. The recipe is forgiving, easy to scale and ideal for busy mornings or a quick weeknight treat.

Details on the ingredients

The ingredient list is short and straightforward. Choose quality apples that will hold their shape during baking for the best results.

• Apples – Use six firm apples. Varieties such as Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, Cortland, SweeTango or Granny Smith work well. Avoid apples that become mushy when cooked.
• Oats – ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats (or quick oats). For gluten-free results, use certified gluten-free oats.
• Flour – 2 tablespoons whole wheat or all-purpose flour. Substitute 1:1 gluten-free flour to keep the recipe gluten-free.
• Butter – 1 tablespoon melted plant-based butter to keep the recipe vegan; dairy butter works as an alternative.
• Maple syrup – 1 tablespoon to sweeten and bind the oat filling.
• Coconut sugar – 1 tablespoon, or use brown sugar as a substitute.
• Cinnamon – ½ teaspoon for a warm, cozy flavor.
• Salt – A pinch to balance the sweetness.

How to bake stuffed apples in the air fryer

Start by combining the oats, flour, coconut sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, cinnamon and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened and holds together slightly.

Wash and dry the apples, then slice off about ¼–½ inch from the tops. Use a paring knife and a spoon (or an apple corer) to remove the cores, leaving a cavity for about 2 tablespoons of filling.

Divide the oat mixture among the cored apples, filling each cavity but not packing the filling too tightly. Place the apples upright in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for air circulation.

Air fry at 330°F (165°C) for 13–15 minutes, or until the apples are fork-tender. If you prefer them very soft, extend the cooking time to 15–17 minutes. Carefully remove the apples with tongs and serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or a scoop of ice cream.

Recipe substitutions

• Swap plant-based butter for melted coconut oil or regular dairy butter.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or use apple pie spice or pumpkin spice to vary the flavor.
• Use brown sugar instead of coconut sugar; avoid plain granulated sugar for this filling.
• If not keeping the recipe vegan, honey can replace maple syrup.
• Stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, dried cranberries or raisins for extra texture and flavor.

Storage and reheating

Frequently asked questions

Key recipe tips

• Stable apples: Pick apples that can sit upright without tipping in the air fryer.
• Apple size: Choose rounder apples and avoid ones that are too tall; tall apples may need more trimming and the topping can brown faster.
• Coring: Remove enough flesh to hold about 2 tablespoons of filling, but avoid thinning the sides or bottom too much.
• Filling: Don’t overpack the cavity; the filling should be loosely packed for even cooking.
• Cooking time: For firmer apples remove at 13 minutes; for very soft apples cook for 15–17 minutes.
• Air fryer size and model: Times and temperature may vary by brand and model. This method was tested in a medium-sized 5–6 quart air fryer; you may need to work in batches if your basket is small.

Recipe