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    Home » Desserts » Air Fryer Baked Apples

    Air Fryer Baked Apples

    Published: Sep 4, 2022 by HWC Magazine · 40 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    Stuffed air fryer baked apples with a dollop of coconut cream on top.
    Stuffed air fryer baked apples with a dollop of coconut cream on top.

    Looking for a cozy autumn dessert? Try our warm cinnamon-spiced Air Fryer Baked Apples. This vegan apple dessert is so healthy - you could eat it for breakfast! They taste just like a slice of apple pie but are ready to eat in only 30 minutes.

    Stuffed with pecans, gluten-free oats and sweetened with date paste instead of sugar. Add a little dollop of Homemade Coconut Whipped Cream for a decadent dairy free treat.

    Air fryer baked apples stuffed with a date pecan filling and topped with coconut whipped topping.
    Jump to:
    • The Difference
    • Ingredients and Substitutions
    • Step by Step
    • Equipment
    • Recipe Tips
    • Variations
    • How to Serve?
    • Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ's)
    • More EASY Apple Recipes
    • Air Fryer Baked Apples

    The Difference

    There’s nothing like crisp autumn air and biting into a crisp apple. These apples retain their structure, not like those baked apples so soft that you could suck them through a straw.  These air fryer apples are different.

    1. Crisp but tender in texture just like taking a bite of Grandma’s Apple Pie.
    2. Sweetened with date paste instead of refined sugar to help prevent those sugar spikes.
    3. Gluten-free
    4. Vegan because we swapped out butter with coconut oil
    5. Did we mention that unlike oven baked apples that takes upwards of 45 minutes to bake – air fried apples only take about 15 minutes. (we’ve included oven baking instructions too)

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    Ingredients to make air fryer apples laid out on a wooden board.

    Apples – We chose the Gala apple because they are sweet, crunchy, and happened to be on sale.  You can also use Granny Smith, Fuji, Tango, Honey Crisp, or any apple that is crunchy, sweet and holds its texture during the cooking process. Try to avoid the soft apples like Macintosh, unless you like your baked apples mushy.

    Got extra apples? Make a batch of Instant Pot Apple Cider either spiked or plain. We will leave that up to you.

    Oatmeal – Cinnamon spiced air fryer baked oats baked inside an apple is like taking a bite of a delicious apple crisp. We chose to use gluten-free instant oats. However, you can also use regular old fashion oats.

    Date Paste – is a delicious way to sweeten baked apples. We like to make our own and you can learn How to Make Jujube Paste and Medjool Date Paste in our Ultimate Guide or use store-bought. Alternatively, feel free to swap date paste with maple syrup or brown sugar to keep it vegan.

    Coconut Oil – Keeping it vegan with virgin unrefined coconut oil. Alternatively, you can swap with a little butter or margarine.

    Spices – Cinnamon and nutmeg are warming and delicious. You could also add a little pumpkin spice or all spice as well.

    Pecans – We had a few pecan nuts over from making a batch of Healthy Pumpkin Muffins. However, walnuts, almonds, cashews, pine nuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, etc. are all delicious in air fryer baked apples. Feel free to leave them out if your family does not like nuts.

    Lemon juice – optional but is used to prevent browning or oxidation of the apples after cored. Also, it adds a little sparkle to the flavor profile of the stuffed apples.

    Step by Step

    Here is a quick overview of the steps to make our air fryer baked apples. Please read our recipe with tips and a video below for the full recipe.

    Apple oatmeal, pecan and date filling getting mixed together.
    • Make the Oatmeal pecan filling. In a medium bowl add the coconut oil and date paste. Microwave for just about 30 seconds to soften.
    • Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, dried oats, chopped pecans and raisins. Stir well and set aside.
    Apples getting cored and ready for filling.
    • Choose your medium size apples that will stand upright while baking. Cut off the top off the apple with a knife. We used a melon scooper to remove the seeds and core. Drizzle with a little lemon to prevent browning.
    • Stuff the apples with the oatmeal pecan apple filling. Air fry stuffed baked apples at 350 degrees F (176 degrees C) for about 15 minutes or until a knife can pierce the baked apple easily.
    Apples getting stuffed with date oat filling and then hot out of the air fryer.

    Equipment

    We used a COSORI Air Fryer Toaster Oven style, 12-in-1 Convection Oven to make these healthy baked apples. Don’t have an air fryer? No worries! We have also included baking instructions in the recipe notes below.

    A melon baller is helpful for removing the core and seeds from the apple.  You can also cut the apples in half to make it easier to remove the core. However, you get style points if you leave the apples whole.

    Air fried stuffed baked apple garnished with pecans and a dollop of whipped coconut topping.

    Recipe Tips

    Here are some hints for making the delicious dessert in the air fryer.

    1. Line your air fryer basket or baking tray with either parchment paper or aluminum foil to reduce cleanup time.
    2. Spray the parchment or aluminum foil with a little spray oil to prevent sticking.
    3. Microwave your coconut oil and date paste for just about 20 to 30 seconds to soften. This makes it easier to stir the cinnamon spice oats filling mixture.
    4. Choose apples that stand upright on their own and do not tip over.
    5. Pack the pecan date oatmeal stuffing mixture well into the cavity of the apple. Press it down with your fingers or a spoon. This makes sure there are no gaps.
    6. Do not let your apples touch in the air fryer. Make sure there is space between each so that the convection oven can do its thing.
    7. If you have a toaster oven style air fryer, place the apples in the middle tray. Make sure the tops of the apple are not touching any of the cooking elements.
    8. Air fry at a 350 degrees F (176 degrees C) not at 400 degrees F! This is very important as the filling will burn before your apples have a chance to cook through. We have already tested this theory for you.
    Fresh warm baked apple on a beige plate without any whipped topping.

    Variations

    • Try sweetening with maple syrup if you do not have dates or date paste.
    • Add a little pumpkin spice or all spice to the filling.
    • Exchange the raisins with dried cranberries.
    • Serve them as stuffed “half “apples instead of “whole”.
    • Fabulous a part of Holiday meal or as a sweet side to our savory Rosemary Pork Chops with Shallot Wine Sauce.
    • Turn your stuffed whole air fryer apples into an apple crisp or crumble. Slice your apples and toss with the rest of the ingredients and air fry. Check your air fryer apple crumble at the 10-minute mark. Sliced apples take will take less time to cook compared to a whole apple.
    Close up shot of the filling of the stuffed baked apple showing the date paste, pecans and oats inside the apple.

    How to Serve?

    We love serving our air fried baked apples hot out of the oven but you can also serve them at room temperature. Try them as part of a decadent breakfast with our Panettone Air Fryer French Toast sticks for the ultimate treat.

    Delicious with a swirl of vegan homemade coconut whipped topping. We even added a little cinnamon in the topping too.

    Try with a little dollop of vanilla ice cream or even Greek yogurt, if you don’t need to keep it dairy free.

    Serve it as a dessert or even as a part of a healthy Gluten Free and Dairy Free Breakfast for any Occasion.

    Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ's)

    How long do baked apples last?

    Air fried baked stuffed apples can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

    How to reheat baked apples?

    Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees F (176 degrees C) and air fry for 3 to 4 minutes or until warm. Alternatively, you can also preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (176 degrees C) and reheat in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until toasty warm.

    How to make air fryer apple slices low carb?

    Peel and toss apple slices with cinnamon, lemon juice and a sugar alternative of choice. Air fry apple slices for about 10 minutes or until a knife pierces the flesh of the apple easily.

    More EASY Apple Recipes

    Apple Pie Pot Stickers

    Meat Lover’s Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash

    Apple Pecan Spring Roll Mooncakes

    Chewy Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

    Quinoa Harvest Salad

    • Grandma's Apple Pie hot out of the oven golden brown and bubbly.
      Grandma's Apple Pie
    • Hands wrapped around a cozy mug of hot apple cider.
      Instant Pot Apple Cider
    • Meat Lover's Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash
    • Apple Pecan Spring Roll Mooncakes

    Did You Like Our Recipe? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and/or a review in the comments section below. Your feedback is always appreciated! Follow us for more delicious recipes on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook! Don't forget to sign up for our email list for more free recipes.

    Air fryer baked apples stuffed with a date pecan filling and topped with coconut whipped topping.

    Air Fryer Baked Apples

    Warm cinnamon spiced Air Fryer Baked Apples stuffed with pecans, gluten-free oats and sweetened with date paste for a healthy easy vegan dessert.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Desserts
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free, Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 270kcal
    Author: HWC Magazine

    Equipment

    • air fryer We used the Cosori toaster oven style air fryer
    • melon baller scoop

    Ingredients

    Filling

    • 3 tablespoons coconut oil
    • ¼ cup date paste
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon dried ground
    • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg dried ground - optional
    • ⅓ cup oatmeal dried plain ( we used gluten free instant oats or can use old fashion oats)
    • 2 tablespoons pecans chopped
    • 1 tablespoon raisins optional

    Apples

    • 4 medium apples whole
    • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice (to prevent your apples from browning or oxidizing)
    • spray oil to prevent sticking
    • 4 tablespoon Coconut whipped cream as a garnish (optional) - or regular whipped cream, ice cream or a dollop of yogurt.
    US Customary - Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees F (176 degrees C)
    • Assemble the filling. In a medium microwavable bowl, add coconut oil and date paste. Microwave for approximately 20 to 30 seconds on high power just to soften. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, dried oatmeal, chopped pecans and raisins and stir until incorporated. Set aside.
    • Prepare apples. Wash, cut a circle around the stem and core apples. Be careful not to puncture the sides or poke holes on the bottom of the apple. (Hint: Use a melon baller to remove the seeds and core) Drizzle the inside of the apple with lemon juice to prevent browning. Repeat this process with the remaining apples.
    • Scoop the oatmeal date nut filling into each prepared apple. Be sure to pack the filling with your fingers or a spoon so there are no gaps.
    • Line your air fryer basket or air fryer baking tray with either parchment paper or aluminum foil and spray with oil. (Makes clean up faster and prevents sticking) Place your stuffed apples in the lined air fryer basket or air fryer baking tray. Leave space between each apple so the air fryer can work its convection magic. (If you have a toaster oven style air fryer, place the tray in the middle section so that the apples and filling are not touching the cooking elements.
    • Air fry baked apples for approximately 15 to 18 minutes or until you can easily pierce a knife into the apple. The goal is to have a "crisp but tender apple". If you like your apples softer, continue to cook for a few minutes longer to your desired tenderness.
    • Top with coconut cream whipped topping or topping of choice, dust with a little ground cinnamon. Enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    Recipe Tips
    • Line your air fryer basket or baking tray with either parchment paper or aluminum foil to reduce cleanup time.
    • Spray the parchment or aluminum foil with a little spray oil to prevent sticking.
    • Microwave your coconut oil and date paste for just about 20 to 30 seconds to soften. This makes it easier to stir the cinnamon spice oats filling mixture.
    • Pack the pecan date oatmeal stuffing mixture well into the cavity of the apple. Press it down with your fingers or a spoon. This makes sure there are no gaps.
    • Do not let your apples touch in the air fryer. Make sure there is space between each so that the convection oven can do its thing.
    • If you have a toaster oven style air fryer, place the apples in the middle tray. Make sure the tops of the apple are not touching any of the cooking elements.
    • Air fry at a 350 degrees F (176 degrees C) not at 400 degrees F! This is very important as the filling will burn before your apples have a chance to cook through. We have already tested this theory for you.
    Oven Baking Option
    No air fryer or convection oven? No problem. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) Bake stuffed apples for approximately 35 to 45 minutes or until the apple pierces easily with a knife.  

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1apple | Calories: 270kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 327mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 104IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Tag us @HWCMagazine or hastag us #HWCMagazine!

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    About HWC Magazine

    Join our Healthy World Cuisine medical editors (trained in both Western and Eastern Medicine) and learn how to EAT your way around the WORLD from the comfort of your own kitchen. Grab free health tips, recipe ideas, meal plans and gain a better understand how eating choices can affect your health. Be the healthier and happier YOU!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Heidi | The Frugal Girls says

      September 07, 2022 at 12:12 am

      I can't think of a tastier way to kick off Fall than making your outrageously delicious Baked Apples. YUM!!!

      Reply
    2. Ron says

      September 06, 2022 at 2:37 pm

      5 stars
      Hiya Bobbi, great fallish recipe. We're just starting to pick our apples, so this will be included in our apple-eating marathon. Thanks for including the oven option as we are without an air fryer and we're trying not to add anything electrical just now.

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        September 07, 2022 at 3:08 pm

        Hiya Ron! Happy Fall to you. Baked apples are delicious in the oven. I understand the fuel situation. Maybe its time to give all your recipes a try on the BBQ grill- well at least until the snow flies. Take care

        Reply
    3. Judee says

      September 05, 2022 at 11:31 pm

      5 stars
      I love baked apples and had no idea I could make them in my air fryer! Great recipe. Thanks. Visiting from Gluten Free A-Z Blog

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        September 07, 2022 at 3:12 pm

        Hi Judee, so happy we could introduce you to a new cooking method for your stuffed apples. Cooking them in the air fryer cuts down the cook time by about 30 minutes- so thats a very good thing. Take Care

        Reply
    4. Lynn Fenby says

      September 04, 2022 at 11:07 pm

      5 stars
      I just made this. I had everything in the house, including Michigan Gala apples. I bought an air fryer a few months ago, so I was interested in this recipe. I followed the recipe exactly, except for the date paste, I used brown sugar instead. What a delicious, amazing recipe....it was really wonderful, a great fall treat.

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        September 07, 2022 at 3:14 pm

        Thanks so much for trying our air fryer baked apples Lynn. Fall is our favorite time of the year and mostly because of all the cozy recipes we love eating. Stay well and take care

        Reply
    5. Ken says

      September 01, 2020 at 5:45 pm

      5 stars
      I think I am gonna make this and the apple potstickers as the sweets for our event.

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        September 10, 2020 at 1:14 am

        We have a recipe for that too. https://www.hwcmagazine.com/recipe/apple-pie-pot-stickers/

        Reply
    6. Raul says

      August 21, 2020 at 7:49 pm

      5 stars
      Like Ritter sport. Good, practical. Square.

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        September 10, 2020 at 1:15 am

        Thanks, this recipe is super easy.

        Reply
    7. karla says

      August 19, 2020 at 4:10 pm

      5 stars
      I wonder if I could use pears as well? I have a bushel

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        August 22, 2020 at 2:29 am

        Hi there Karla! Absolutely, you can use pear for this recipe too. We also have a recipe for Asian Spiced Pears you might enjoy as well. https://www.hwcmagazine.com/recipe/asian-spiced-pears/. Take Care

        Reply
    8. mjskit says

      November 06, 2017 at 5:57 pm

      I see a new breakfast on the horizon! Coconut whipped cream? Sounds fabulous!

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        November 07, 2017 at 6:36 pm

        Love your thinking! This dessert is so healthy you could easily enjoy for breakfast too. Thank you dear.

        Reply
    9. The Hungry Mum says

      November 06, 2017 at 9:03 am

      What a great, easy dessert! You have inspired me - theres a few apples in the fruit bowl that may just end up as dessert 😉

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        November 07, 2017 at 6:47 pm

        Thank you dear, we are all about easy these days. This dessert is so healthy, you really could eat it for breakfast.

        Reply
    10. Maggie | Omnivore's Cookbook says

      November 03, 2017 at 3:48 am

      Very interesting to see how you use star anise in a dessert recipe. And that coconut cream sounds so yummy!

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        November 04, 2017 at 9:13 pm

        Thanks so much Maggie. Just love that tongue numbing star anise.... makes us miss the flavors of Asia!

        Reply
    11. abbethisishowicook says

      November 01, 2017 at 9:54 pm

      Love baked apples and I happen to have the ingredients! Gorgeous photos, too! Thanks for letting me know about Pinterest. I have no idea what's going on but have someone on it right now. Seems like i can never get it right!

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        November 02, 2017 at 2:13 pm

        Thanks so much Abbe! Yes technological issues are such a bore. Hope you get that sorted soon.

        Reply
    12. anupama (MGGK) says

      November 01, 2017 at 9:08 am

      What a pretty Fall-Tastic looking dessert, Bobbi. Who can say no to these delish cinnamon baked apples. Wonderful treat my friend. 🙂

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        November 01, 2017 at 9:30 pm

        Thank you Anu! Wish you lived closer would send some on over...

        Reply
    13. Katerina says

      November 01, 2017 at 5:25 am

      I love baked apples and this is perfect not only for unexpected guests but also for unexpected sweet teeth!

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        November 01, 2017 at 9:28 pm

        No doubt! 30 minute quick fix for the unexpected sweet tooth.

        Reply
    14. kitchenriffs says

      October 31, 2017 at 11:47 pm

      Baked apples are so good, aren't they? Their flavor really becomes concentrated. Neat spices in this -- wonderful dish. Thanks!

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        November 01, 2017 at 9:30 pm

        You are so right... concentrated and naturally sweet all on their own.

        Reply
    15. Emma @ Bake Then Eat says

      October 31, 2017 at 9:13 pm

      I absolutely love the spices you have in this recipe, I bet they go really well with the apples.

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        November 01, 2017 at 9:31 pm

        Thank you dear Emma. Love the tongue numbing star anise, it is a really nice addition to this dessert.

        Reply
    Newer Comments »

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