Jump to RecipePin This

This post may contain affiliate links, please see the privacy policy for details.

These cozy, sweet and spiced air fryer baked apples are the perfect fall dessert, easy enough for weeknights but fancy enough for guests. Gala apples are hollowed out and filled with a warm, creamy oatmeal mixture that’s rich with maple, caramel and cinnamon. A quick spin in the air fryer makes them soft and golden in no time. This is a comfort dessert that’s easy to love, quick to prep and totally worthy of your autumn baking lineup.

A plate of baked apples with granola and cream, made with maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Air fryer baked apples are soft, spiced and generously loaded up with delicious maple caramel oats. This easy autumn dessert comes together quickly in the air fryer.

If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like apple cinnamon fritters, apple Fireball shortcakes, toffee apple Fireball toddies, and apple cider punch.

A baked apple stuffed with oats and nuts, cut in half on a plate, with granola scattered around—this Air Fryer Baked Apple is made with maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Why You’ll Love It

Quick and easy: No oven needed, and they’re ready in just 25 minutes.
Perfect for fall: Apples, maple and cinnamon make it a seasonal favorite.
Kid-friendly and fun: A great way to serve fruit in a cozy dessert form.
Customizable: Swap nuts or mix-ins to suit your preferences.

Air Fryer Baked Apples stuffed with oats and topped with melted cheese, made with maple syrup, served on a round plate near an air fryer.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Maple Baked Apples Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Apples: Gala apples are ideal for holding shape while turning soft and sweet inside.
Rolled oats: Create the hearty, chewy base of the filling.
Walnuts: Add crunch and nutty contrast to the soft apples.
Cinnamon: Brings classic autumn warmth.
Maple syrup: Sweetens naturally with rich flavor.
Caramel: Adds gooey sweetness to the mix and topping.
Heavy cream: Gives the filling a creamy, rich texture.
Vanilla paste: Adds smooth flavor and aroma to the oat filling.

Flat lay of apples, oats, walnuts, spices, and various liquids in bowls on a white marble surface—perfect ingredients for an easy air fryer apple dessert made with maple syrup.

How to Make Air Fryer Baked Apples

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Prep the apples: Cut tops off, core and hollow out the apples, leaving a ¼-inch wall.
Make the filling: Mix minced apple, oats, walnuts and cinnamon in a bowl.
Combine wet ingredients: Whisk maple syrup, caramel, cream and vanilla, then add to oat mixture.
Warm the mixture: Heat briefly in microwave or saucepan to blend flavors.
Stuff and air fry: Fill apples with mixture, place in air fryer and cook until tender.
Garnish and serve: Cool slightly, then top with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle.

Five baked apples stuffed with oats and nuts, topped with melted butter and made with maple syrup, sit on a tray in front of an air fryer for an easy air fryer apple dessert.

Substitutions and Variations

Use different apples: Honeycrisp or Pink Lady also work beautifully.
Make it nut-free: Omit the walnuts or use sunflower seeds.
Vanilla paste: You can use vanilla extract instead, although the flavor will be slightly less intense.
Cinnamon: Substitute nutmeg, ginger or allspice.
Different nuts: Try pecans, pistachios or mixed nuts.
Go dairy-free: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream or oat milk.

A baked apple stuffed with oats, made with maple syrup, topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce on a dark plate—an irresistible air fryer apple dessert.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizers: Start your meal with melon prosciutto salad or baked feta soup.
Main dishes: Mediterranean chicken pasta or Instant Pot pork chops would make a tasty main.
Desserts: Finish off with these air fryer baked apples, and perhaps a cider mojito too.

Baked apples stuffed with oats and topped with cream, sprinkled with cinnamon and granola, made with maple syrup for extra sweetness on a dark surface.

How to Store Air Fryer Baked Apples

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within 3 days.
Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing these, as it changes the texture.
Reheat: You can warm them back up in your air fryer or in the microwave or oven.

Air Fryer Baked Apples filled with oats and nuts, made with maple syrup, then topped with whipped cream and cinnamon on a dark surface.

Top Tips

Don’t hollow too deep: Leave a sturdy bottom to hold the filling.
Use firm apples: Softer varieties may collapse in the air fryer.
Preheat the air fryer: This helps cook the apples evenly from the start.

Baked apple filled with crumble, topped with ice cream, granola, and caramel drizzle—an easy air fryer apple dessert made with maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Air Fryer Baked Apple FAQs

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?

Rolled oats work best. Steel-cut oats would stay too firm without longer cooking.

Do I need to peel the apples?

No, keep the skins on so the apples hold their shape.

Can I prep them in advance?

Yes, you can hollow and fill the apples a few hours ahead and refrigerate before air frying.

Baked apple filled with crumble, topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with maple syrup—an easy air fryer apple dessert served on a plate.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Maple Baked Apples Recipe

Baked apples stuffed with oats and nuts on a black plate, drizzled with maple syrup, make an easy air fryer apple dessert served on a woven tray.
Print
5 from 8 votes

Air Fryer Baked Apples

By: Bella Bucchiotti
These baked apples are stuffed with creamy maple-caramel oats and finished in the air fryer. They’re a quick, easy fall dessert with cozy spices and a gooey finish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 5

Equipment

Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 370°F for 5 minutes.
  • Cut the top off of the apple. Then, cut to remove the seeds and stem from the center and discard. Use a spoon to remove the remaining apple inside. Be sure to stop ¼ inch from the bottom and sides of the apple. Place the inside of the apple onto a wooden cutting board and mince. 
  • Add minced apples, rolled oats, walnuts, cinnamon, and sea salt to a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine maple syrup, caramel, heavy cream, vanilla paste, and water. Whisk until combined, then pour into the bowl with the oatmeal.
  • Microwave for 2 minutes or pour into a saucepan and heat over medium flame for 4 minutes. 
  • Fill apples with oatmeal mixture. Place into the air fryer basket. Cook for 15 minutes. Let cool for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.  
  • Top with whipped cream and drizzle with caramel sauce. 

Notes

Don’t hollow too deep: Leave a sturdy bottom to hold the filling.
Use firm apples: Softer varieties may collapse in the air fryer.
Preheat the air fryer: This helps cook the apples evenly from the start.

Nutrition

Calories: 363kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 234mg | Potassium: 383mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 282IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 2mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!
Flat lay of apples, oats, walnuts, spices, and various liquids in bowls on a white marble surface—perfect ingredients for an easy air fryer apple dessert made with maple syrup.
Red apples, some whole and one halved, on a wooden cutting board with a knife on a marble surface—perfect for prepping an easy air fryer apple dessert or to bake apples in the air fryer.
A bowl of apple crisp mixture with oats is being stirred by a black spoon on a marble countertop—perfect for making an air fryer apple dessert or to bake apples in the air fryer for a quick, delicious treat.
A saucepan filled with oatmeal, apple chunks, and walnuts—an easy air fryer apple dessert made with maple syrup—rests on a white marble surface.
Five Air Fryer Baked Apples stuffed and ready in the basket, making a delightful air fryer apple dessert on a marble countertop.
Five baked apples topped with oats and cream, served on a round plate with milk and spices beside—an easy air fryer apple dessert made with maple syrup for a cozy treat.

Air fryer baked apples are an easy and cozy way to enjoy the flavors of fall. With a spiced oat and maple filling, they offer all the comfort of baked goods in a fruit-forward, healthier package. Whether served with a scoop of ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream, these soft, sweet apples are perfect for family dinners or festive get-togethers. Try this recipe to bring a warm and nostalgic touch to your autumn meals.

Other Recipes to Try

Air Fryer Baked Apples filled with oats and cream, topped with cinnamon and made with maple syrup, on a dark surface.
Three baked apples filled with cinnamon, maple, oats, and nuts, served on a tray—an easy air fryer apple dessert that's simple to make and irresistibly delicious.
Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.

 

You Might Also Like

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




5 from 8 votes (3 ratings without comment)

8 Comments

  2. 5 stars
    This was the first time I baked apples in the air fryer although I guess you’d say air fried not baked. Either way, they were yummy!

    Reply

  3. Oh my, this is a wonderful idea for fall! Mmmm, cinnamon apples are my favorite and I never would have thought to use my air fryer for this!

    Reply