If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, **Air Fryer Baked Apples with Walnuts and Spices Recipe** is exactly what you need. This delightful treat transforms simple apples into a fragrant, tender, and richly spiced masterpiece that’s bursting with textures and flavors—thanks to the crunch of walnuts, the sweetness of raisins, and a cozy cinnamon-nutmeg blend. Plus, the air fryer keeps things quick and easy, giving you that perfect caramelized finish without heating up your whole kitchen or needing endless supervision. Once you try this recipe, it will become one of your go-to desserts for any season!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential for capturing the full magic of this dish, with each one playing a special role—whether it’s bringing sweetness, warmth, crunch, or a buttery richness to every bite.
- 4 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala): Great for holding their shape and offering a balance of sweetness and tartness.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Adds a lovely crunch and nutty depth.
- 2 tablespoons raisins or dried cranberries: Gives bursts of chewy sweetness that complement the nuts perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or coconut sugar: Caramelizes beautifully and adds a touch of molasses flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides that classic warm spice aroma that’s irresistible.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle hint of earthiness and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a lovely, sweet fragrance.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or coconut oil: Helps bind the filling and adds richness.
- Optional: vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for serving: Offers a creamy contrast that complements the warm baked apples.
How to Make Air Fryer Baked Apples with Walnuts and Spices Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by setting your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures your apples will cook evenly and the filling will caramelize just right.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Core each apple carefully without cutting through the bottom. This little trick keeps the filling from spilling out and allows the apples to cook into a cute little “bowl” that holds all those delicious flavors.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a small bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, raisins, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well mixed and sticky, perfect for packing into the apples.
Step 4: Stuff the Apples
Fill each hollowed apple with the nut and fruit mixture. Press down gently to get as much filling inside as possible, giving you that amazing gooey texture with every bite.
Step 5: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Place the apples upright in the air fryer basket, making sure they have a little space between them. This lets the hot air circulate evenly, ensuring each apple bakes perfectly on all sides.
Step 6: Air Fry
Cook the apples for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the apples are tender to the touch and the filling is bubbling and caramelized beautifully.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Carefully remove the baked apples and let them cool just a bit before digging in. For an extra special touch, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt, which melts into all those spices so wonderfully.
How to Serve Air Fryer Baked Apples with Walnuts and Spices Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of additional chopped walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon on top can add a final burst of texture and aroma that really brings the dish to life.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, or even alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or creamy Greek yogurt to balance the warm, spiced apples.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your apples in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup and a fresh mint leaf. You can even crumble some granola on top for an extra crunch that makes the dish feel like breakfast meets dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover baked apples, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, making the next-day dessert just as delicious.
Freezing
Baked apples can be frozen if you want to save some for later. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at about 325°F for 5 to 7 minutes or until warm. This helps keep the apples tender without drying them out, preserving the meltingly soft texture and caramelized filling.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
Yes! While Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Gala apples are preferred because they hold their shape and have balanced sweetness, you can experiment with your favorite apple varieties. Just avoid ones that turn mushy quickly when cooked.
Is it necessary to use walnuts, or can I substitute another nut?
Walnuts and pecans work best for their texture and flavor, but feel free to swap in almonds or even pistachios if you like. Just chop them finely so they fit nicely inside the apples.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can bake the stuffed apples in a conventional oven at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until tender and caramelized. Just watch them closely so they don’t overcook.
What if I don’t want to use dried fruit in the filling?
The dried fruit adds sweetness and texture, but you can leave it out or replace it with chopped fresh fruit like pears or berries. Just keep in mind fresh fruit might release more moisture as it cooks.
How do I keep the apples from overflowing while cooking?
Leaving the bottom intact when coring creates a natural container for the filling. Firmly packing the filling inside and spacing the apples evenly in the air fryer basket will help prevent overflow during cooking.
Final Thoughts
Making this Air Fryer Baked Apples with Walnuts and Spices Recipe is like inviting warmth and comfort straight into your kitchen. It’s simple, quick, and oh-so-satisfying—a perfect dessert to enjoy any day of the week with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become a beloved favorite for so many. Trust me, your sweet tooth and your guests will thank you!
Print
Air Fryer Baked Apples with Walnuts and Spices Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Air Fryer Baked Apples recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy warm, tender apples filled with a spiced mixture of nuts, dried fruit, and brown sugar. Perfect as a cozy dessert or an elegant snack, these baked apples are caramelized to perfection using an air fryer, making the cooking process fast and hands-free while retaining all the juicy flavors.
Ingredients
Apples
- 4 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work well)
Filling
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 2 tablespoons raisins or dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or coconut oil
Optional Serving
- vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking of the baked apples.
- Core the Apples: Carefully core each apple from the top, making sure to leave the bottom intact so the filling stays inside during cooking.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine the chopped nuts, raisins, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well mixed.
- Stuff the Apples: Fill each hollowed apple with the prepared nut and fruit mixture, pressing down gently to pack the filling firmly inside.
- Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Place the stuffed apples upright in the basket of the air fryer, making sure they don’t touch each other for even heat circulation.
- Air Fry: Cook the apples at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until the apples are tender and the filling is bubbly and caramelized.
- Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the apples from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt.
Notes
- Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala to ensure they hold their shape while baking.
- Adjust the amount of sugar based on your sweetness preference or substitute with coconut sugar for a natural alternative.
- For a vegan version, use coconut oil and serve with dairy-free yogurt or ice cream.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook the apples in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Let the baked apples cool for a few minutes before eating to avoid burning yourself on the hot filling.
