If you’re craving a snack that’s both comforting and guilt-free, look no further than this delightful treat: Air Fried Apple Wedges: A Healthy and Delicious Snack Recipe. This simple dish transforms everyday apples into warm, cinnamon-spiced wedges that are perfectly tender on the inside with a subtle crispness on the outside. It’s an incredibly easy recipe that captures the essence of cozy fall flavors without any fuss, making it your new go-to for anytime snacking or a wholesome dessert option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this recipe. Each element brings something special to these Air Fried Apple Wedges: A Healthy and Delicious Snack Recipe—whether it’s the natural sweetness of the apples or the warm spices that elevate every bite.
- 4 medium-sized apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness that complements the apples beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon: This spice gives the wedges their signature warm, aromatic flavor.
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice: Keeps the apples vibrant and prevents them from browning.
- 1 tablespoon of melted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free): Helps the spices stick and adds richness to the flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg (optional): Adds a subtle depth and complexity to the spice blend.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Cooking spray or additional oil: For greasing the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
How to Make Air Fried Apple Wedges: A Healthy and Delicious Snack Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by washing the apples thoroughly to remove any residues or wax coatings. Dry them completely so your spice mixture adheres perfectly later. Then, core the apples carefully; if you don’t have an apple corer, simply cut them into quarters and remove the seeds by hand. Slice each quarter into roughly 1/2 inch thick wedges to ensure every piece cooks evenly and crisps up nicely in the air fryer.
Step 2: Spice It Up
In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt. Drizzle lemon juice over the apple wedges—it keeps their color bright and adds a subtle zing. Next, pour melted butter or coconut oil over the apples, tossing gently so the spice mixture clings to every wedge. This step is crucial for that irresistible coating you’ll love.
Step 3: Ready the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. This preheating step ensures the apples cook evenly from the start. Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking—trust me, this little trick saves a lot of cleanup and keeps your wedges intact.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Arrange the apple wedges in a single layer inside the basket; overcrowding will steam them instead of crisping. Cook for 10 minutes at 350°F, shaking or gently tossing the basket halfway through to promote even browning. If you love a crispier finish, add 2 to 3 minutes more—but keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. Once golden and fragrant, carefully remove them with tongs or a spatula.
How to Serve Air Fried Apple Wedges: A Healthy and Delicious Snack Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can make these apple wedges even more special. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a light dusting of powdered sugar adds visual appeal and an extra pop of flavor. For a fresh touch, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. You can even drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness if desired.
Side Dishes
These Air Fried Apple Wedges: A Healthy and Delicious Snack Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert, or dollop some whipped cream to add smooth creaminess. For a more indulgent treat, try drizzling warm caramel sauce over the wedges. They also work well as a naturally sweet contrast next to savory dishes like roasted pork or grilled chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your friends or family? Serve the wedges in small mason jars layered with Greek yogurt and granola for a healthy parfait. Or place them on a pretty platter scattered with fresh mint leaves for a vibrant presentation. You could also thread the wedges onto skewers for an easy-to-eat snack at parties or picnics—fun, pretty, and practical!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (though they rarely last long!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 3 days and maintain their softness with that lovely cinnamon aroma intact.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s better to enjoy these Air Fried Apple Wedges fresh. Freezing may alter their texture slightly, making them softer after thawing. If you do freeze, spread the wedges on a tray first, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To bring back their fresh-from-the-air-fryer magic, reheat apple wedges in a warm oven or even the air fryer at 300°F for 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving when possible since it can make the apples soggy and less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal due to their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can experiment with Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady—just keep in mind that sweeter apples might result in a softer wedge.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply swap melted butter with coconut oil or your favorite dairy-free butter alternative, and you’ll have a delicious dairy-free version without compromising flavor.
Can I add other spices?
Definitely. Spices like cloves, allspice, or even ginger powder work beautifully if you want to mix up the flavor profile. Just start with a small amount as these spices can be quite strong.
How can I make these wedges less sweet?
Reduce the brown sugar slightly or use less than the recipe calls for, and rely more on the natural apple sweetness combined with the cinnamon for flavor.
Is an air fryer necessary?
The air fryer gives these wedges a lovely crispy edge with minimal oil, but you can also bake them in the oven at 375°F on a parchment-lined sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fried Apple Wedges: A Healthy and Delicious Snack Recipe are hands down one of my all-time favorite snacks to whip up, especially when you want something warm, cozy, and not too heavy. They are incredibly versatile, easy to make, and bring a little bit of joy to any time of the day. Once you try them, I bet you’ll be reaching for apples in a whole new way. Give this recipe a go and treat yourself to a wholesome bite of happiness!
Print
Air Fried Apple Wedges: A Healthy and Delicious Snack Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 to 13 minutes
- Total Time: 25 to 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Air Fried Apple Wedges are a healthy and delicious snack option made by coating apple slices with cinnamon, brown sugar, and spices, then perfectly crisping them in an air fryer. This easy recipe preserves the natural sweetness and adds a warm, spiced flavor, making it an ideal guilt-free treat for any time of day.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 4 medium-sized apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Coating
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Additional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of melted butter (or coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
- Cooking spray or additional oil for greasing the air fryer basket
Instructions
- Wash the Apples: Rinse the apples thoroughly under running water to remove any wax, dirt, or pesticide residues ensuring clean fruit for a fresher taste.
- Dry the Apples: Pat the apples dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove any moisture which helps the coating stick better.
- Core the Apples: Remove the apple cores using an apple corer or knife. Alternatively, quarter the apples and remove the seeds manually for easier slicing.
- Slice Into Wedges: Cut each apple into approximately 8 wedges, about half an inch thick, for uniform cooking and crispness.
- Prepare Spice Mixture: In a large bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt to create a flavorful coating blend.
- Toss Apple Wedges with Lemon Juice: Drizzle the lemon juice over the apple wedges to add brightness and prevent them from browning.
- Add Butter: Pour melted butter or coconut oil over the apple wedges to help the sugar and spices adhere and enhance flavor.
- Coat Apples with Spice Mix: Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the apple wedges and toss gently until each wedge is evenly covered with the blend.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes for optimal cooking temperature.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray or brush the basket with cooking spray or a bit of oil to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Arrange Apple Wedges: Place the apple wedges in the air fryer basket in a single layer to allow even air circulation; cook in batches if necessary.
- Air Fry the Apples: Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket gently at the 5-minute mark to ensure even crisping and browning.
- Check Crispness: After 10 minutes, assess if you prefer crisper wedges. If so, add 2-3 more minutes of cooking while carefully monitoring to avoid burning.
- Remove and Serve: Use tongs or a spatula to carefully take the apple wedges out of the air fryer to avoid breaking them.
- Optional Garnish: Transfer the wedges to a serving dish and sprinkle with additional cinnamon or brown sugar for extra flavor.
- Enjoy Warm: Serve the wedges warm as is or paired with treats like vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce for an indulgent snack.
Notes
- Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture after air frying.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and cinnamon to your taste preference or dietary needs.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with melted coconut oil.
- Air fryer models vary; check your wedges frequently during extra cooking time to prevent burning.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or halved to accommodate servings.
- Leftover apple wedges can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the air fryer for a quick snack later.
