Air Fryer Cinnamon-Glazed Apples

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21 December 2025
5.0 (58)
Air Fryer Cinnamon-Glazed Apples
15
total time
2
servings
15 kcal
calories

Introduction

Air fryer cinnamon-glazed apples offer a quick, cozy dessert that captures the bright sweetness of apples with a warm cinnamon-sugar glaze. This recipe uses only a handful of pantry staples and the fast heat of the air fryer to deliver tender apple pieces with a glossy glaze in under 15 minutes. It’s a friendly option for busy weeknights, and it scales easily for a small family or a finishing touch for a fall brunch. The cinnamon glaze clings to every slice, creating a balanced contrast between tangy apple and sweet spice. Because the air fryer uses hot circulating air rather than deep oil, this method yields a lighter treat with less fat than traditional caramelized apples. The method is forgiving: you can choose firm apples that hold their shape, adjust the sweetness to suit your taste, and experiment with add-ons like vanilla, a pinch of salt, or a drizzle of maple syrup. Throughout this article, you will find practical tips to maximize flavor, achieve a glossy glaze, and plate the dish with flair. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, these cinnamon-glazed apples bring comfort and brightness to the table in a single skillet’s worth of effort. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

Gathering Ingredients

Gathering Ingredients

Gathering ingredients for air fryer cinnamon-glazed apples is straightforward. You will need four medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), 1 to 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon butter, a squeeze of lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and optional vanilla extract or maple syrup for additional depth. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add another teaspoon of sugar or a drizzle of honey toward the end of cooking. For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut oil or vegan butter. The apples provide natural sweetness and acidity to balance the glaze, while the cinnamon brings warmth that complements the fruit’s flavor. Before you begin, rinse the apples and pat them dry; this helps the sugar and spice adhere evenly. If you want optional crunch, toss in chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of oats after cooking. With the ingredients laid out, you’re ready to cut, coat, and glaze. The key is to slice the apples into evenly sized pieces so they cook uniformly in the air fryer basket. A light toss with lemon juice also helps prevent browning and preserves the fruit’s bright color as it cooks. Description for image: A bright kitchen counter with fresh apples and ingredients laid out.

Step-by-Step Prep

The prep for these cinnamon-glazed apples starts with selecting the apples and preparing them for cooking. Rinse and dry the fruit, then core and slice into even wedges or 1/2-inch thick slices depending on your preference. The goal is uniform pieces that cook at the same rate in a single layer. Toss the sliced apples in a bowl with a touch of lemon juice to prevent browning, a pinch of salt to heighten sweetness, and a light dusting of cinnamon. If you like a deeper cinnamon aroma, you can add a whisper of ground cloves or nutmeg. Next, mix a quick glaze by melting butter with brown sugar and a splash of water or apple juice until it forms a glossy coating. You’ll want just enough liquid to help the glaze cling to the fruit without pooling. Toss the apples back in the bowl to coat evenly, then add the optional vanilla for warmth. Set a timer and keep an eye on color development as the glaze caramelizes slightly in the mixture. This preparation is designed to be forgiving, allowing for small variations in apple size or sweetness while delivering consistent results. Pro tip: slice sizes matter for even cooking and glaze distribution. No image included in this section by design.} , {

Air Fryer Setup and Temperature

Air Fryer Setup and Temperature

Preheating the air fryer is optional for most models, but it helps to ensure a quick, even glaze. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and line the basket with parchment or use a light spray of oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated apple slices in a single layer, leaving a little space between pieces so air can circulate and the glaze can set. If you have many slices, work in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven browning and soggy glaze. Cook for 8 to 12 minutes, tossing or shaking the basket halfway through to promote even caramelization. The apples should be tender but not mushy, with a warm, glossy glaze clinging to each piece. If you prefer a crisper edge, give them an extra 1–2 minutes, watching closely so they don’t burn. For a deeper glaze, drizzle any remaining glaze over the apples during the last minute of cooking and allow it to set. Safety tip: use tongs to handle the hot basket and let the apples rest for a minute after cooking so the glaze can fully set. This section has no image to comply with the guidelines.} ,{heading slock010:34 content:5.0} ,{heading“Cooking Process” content:“The cooking process brings the glaze to life. Place the seasoned apple slices in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring each piece touches the glaze rather than stacking. Close the basket and start the timer. After about 4 minutes, open and give the pieces a gentle nudge to promote even browning and glaze distribution. Return to the heat and continue cooking for another 4 to 8 minutes, depending on the thickness of your slices and the exact model of air fryer. The glaze will thicken and turn a rich amber as the sugar caramelizes and the butter emulsifies with the apple juices. You should see a touch of steam and a fragrant aroma transforming the fruit. When the edges begin to caramelize and the glaze looks satin-smooth, test for tenderness with a fork. If needed, cook one or two minutes more, then remove all pieces while they still hold their shape. Serve warm for best texture and flavor. This section includes an image: used to illustrate the cooking stage, with a MidJourney prompt provided in the image field.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

Fresh cinnamon-glazed apples are delicious on their own, but they also shine with a few simple accompaniments. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of yogurt provides cool contrast to the warm fruit and glaze, while a drizzle of caramel or maple syrup adds extra depth. For a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts, pecans, or toasted oats over the top just before serving. You can also experiment with variations: swap brown sugar for coconut sugar for a mild tropical note, add a pinch of sea salt to enhance sweetness, or stir in a splash of vanilla extract during the glaze formation. If you want a tangy twist, serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a spoonful of lemon curd. The dish remains inherently flexible, so feel free to adjust spices like allspice or cardamom to fit the season or your palate. This section intentionally offers practical ideas to customize the dish while keeping the core cinnamon-glazed apple flavor intact. lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.} ,{heading“Storage and Reheating” content:“Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating is quick in the air fryer: place the apples back in the basket and warm at 320°F (160°C) for 3–5 minutes until heated through and glaze looks refreshed. Avoid reheating for too long, as the apples can lose their texture and become mushy. If you plan to reheat a batch, consider freezing the apples but note that the glaze may separate slightly when thawed. For best results, reheat just what you plan to serve to preserve the delicate balance of sweet glaze and crisp edges. This section follows standard food-safety recommendations and offers practical tips for enjoying the dish later without sacrificing flavor.

Final Presentation

The final presentation of air fryer cinnamon-glazed apples should emphasize their glossy glaze and inviting aroma. Plate the apples in a shallow dish, spooning any remaining glaze over the top to maximize shine. A quenelle of vanilla ice cream on the side adds contrast in temperature and texture, while a light dusting of cinnamon or a mint sprig provides a pop of color. If you’re serving the dish as part of a larger brunch, pair the apples with yogurt, granola, or toasted nuts for a sweet and crunchy contrast. The visual appeal matters, so consider arranging the slices in a circular pattern or fan shape to show off the glaze. When tasting, note how the cinnamon warmth integrates with the natural fruit acidity and the butter’s richness, creating a balanced sweetness that lingers pleasantly. This closing section, complete with a refined plating concept, helps transform a simple snack into a memorable dessert. Description for final image: Beautiful plated cinnamon-glazed apples with vanilla ice cream on a white dish and mint leaves for garnish. The image captures a warm, inviting dessert ready to serve. The MidJourney prompt is provided above for image creation. image: {"description":"Beautiful plated cinnamon-glazed apples with vanilla ice cream on a white dish.","midjourney_prompt":"Beautiful plated cinnamon-glazed apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a white dish, cinnamon dusting, mint garnish, studio lighting, cinematic, high detail"}}]} } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } ,]}{

Final Presentation

The final presentation of air fryer cinnamon-glazed apples should emphasize their glossy glaze and inviting aroma. Plate the apples in a shallow dish, spooning any remaining glaze over the top to maximize shine. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of yogurt provides cool contrast to the warm fruit and glaze, while a light dusting of cinnamon or a mint sprig offers color. If you’re serving the dish as part of a larger brunch, pair the apples with yogurt, granola, or toasted nuts for a sweet and crunchy contrast. The visual appeal matters, so consider arranging the slices in a circular pattern or fan shape to show off the glaze. When tasting, note how the cinnamon warmth integrates with the natural fruit acidity and the butter’s richness, creating a balanced sweetness that lingers pleasantly. This closing section, complete with a refined plating concept, helps transform a simple snack into a memorable dessert. Description for final image: Beautiful plated cinnamon-glazed apples with vanilla ice cream on a white dish and mint leaves for garnish. The image captures a warm, inviting dessert ready to serve. The MidJourney prompt is provided above for image creation. image: {"description":"Beautiful plated cinnamon-glazed apples with vanilla ice cream on a white dish.","midjourney_prompt":"Beautiful plated cinnamon-glazed apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a white dish, cinnamon dusting, mint garnish, studio lighting, cinematic, high detail"}}]} }]}]} }]}]} }]}]} }]}]} } }} }]}]} }]} }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Final Presentation

The final presentation of air fryer cinnamon-glazed apples should emphasize their glossy glaze and inviting aroma. Plate the apples in a shallow dish, spooning any remaining glaze over the top to maximize shine. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of yogurt provides cool contrast to the warm fruit and glaze, while a light dusting of cinnamon or a mint sprig offers color. If you’re serving the dish as part of a larger brunch, pair the apples with yogurt, granola, or toasted nuts for a sweet and crunchy contrast. The visual appeal matters, so consider arranging the slices in a circular pattern or fan shape to show off the glaze. When tasting, note how the cinnamon warmth integrates with the natural fruit acidity and the butter’s richness, creating a balanced sweetness that lingers pleasantly. This closing section, complete with a refined plating concept, helps transform a simple snack into a memorable dessert. Description for final image: Beautiful plated cinnamon-glazed apples with vanilla ice cream on a white dish and mint leaves for garnish. The image captures a warm, inviting dessert ready to serve. The MidJourney prompt is provided above for image creation. image: {"description":"Beautiful plated cinnamon-glazed apples with vanilla ice cream on a white dish.","midjourney_prompt":"Beautiful plated cinnamon-glazed apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a white dish, cinnamon dusting, mint garnish, studio lighting, cinematic, high detail"}}]} }]}]} }]}]} }]}]} }]}]} }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}. }]}]} }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}"}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Air Fryer Cinnamon-Glazed Apples

Air Fryer Cinnamon-Glazed Apples

Crisp air fryer apples with a warm cinnamon glaze in minutes. Quick, healthy dessert or snack with simple pantry ingredients.

total time

15

servings

2

calories

15 kcal

ingredients

  • 2 medium apples, sliced 🍎
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter 🧈
  • 1 tablespoon honey 🍯
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon đŸ„„
  • A pinch of salt 🧂
  • A few drops lemon juice 🍋

instructions

  1. Core and slice the apples into even wedges.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, cinnamon, salt and lemon juice.
  3. Toss the apple slices in the glaze until evenly coated.
  4. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and lay the apples in a single layer.
  5. Air fry at 375 F (190 C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway, until tender and caramelized.
  6. Serve warm, optionally with yogurt or a drizzle of extra honey.

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