Air Fryer Baked Apples

Ingredients

• 4apples
• 6 tspraisins
• 2 tsproughly chopped walnuts
• 2 tsphoney
• 1/2 tspcinnamon

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the apples

   Halve the apples through the middle and scoop out the cores. Sprinkle them with cinnamon, add the raisins and roughly chopped walnuts, then drizzle with honey. Allow one apple half per serving.

2. 2

   Air fry the apples

   Arrange the filled apple halves in the air fryer basket with a little space between them. Cook at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes, until the apples are soft enough to pierce easily with a fork.

3. 3

   Check for doneness

   Check the apples towards the end of the cooking time, as air fryers can cook at different rates.

4. 4

   Serve while warm

   Serve the apples as soon as they are cooked, while still warm.

What are air fryer baked apples?

Baked apples are a home-style American dessert made by softening apples with a sweet filling. This version uses an air fryer for a shorter cook and fills halved apples with raisins, walnuts, honey and cinnamon.

The halved fruit is easy to portion, and the filling adds sweetness and a little crunch. Serve it as a dessert or alongside breakfast.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 128 calories, 1g protein, 34g carbs, 1g fat.

The apples and raisins provide most of the carbohydrates, while the walnuts contribute most of the fat and a small amount of protein; honey adds sweetness. For a more balanced plate, serve an apple half with plain yoghurt or alongside a protein-rich breakfast.

Choosing the apples

Firm apples: choose fruit that holds its shape when cooked, so the halves can support their filling.

Even sizing: apples of a similar size are more likely to soften at the same rate. If yours vary, check the smaller halves first.

Preparing the filling

Core carefully: scoop out the centre while leaving enough apple around the edges to contain the filling.

Fill lightly: distribute the raisins and chopped walnuts between the halves, then drizzle over the honey. The cinnamon goes directly on the apple before the filling is added.

Getting the texture right

Space matters: leave a little room between the halves in the air fryer so hot air can circulate around them.

Fork test: the apples are ready when a fork pierces them easily. Start checking towards the end of the 15–20-minute cooking time, since air fryers can vary.

Timing and serving

Cook in one layer: if the halves do not fit with space between them, cook them in batches rather than crowding the basket.

Serve promptly: the recipe is best served warm straight after cooking. The soft fruit and warm filling also pair well with porridge or plain yoghurt at breakfast.

What to serve alongside

For breakfast: serve an apple half with porridge or yoghurt for a more substantial bowl.

For dessert: enjoy the warm apple on its own, or pair it with a spoonful of yoghurt or custard.

Recipe notes & tips

• Halve the apples through the middle so each portion has a broad side for the filling.
• Scoop out the cores thoroughly, but avoid removing so much flesh that the filling cannot sit in the apple.
• Use roughly chopped walnuts so they are easy to distribute between the halves.
• Leave a little space around each apple half in the air fryer basket.
• Begin checking for tenderness near the end of the cooking time, especially if your air fryer tends to cook quickly.
• Serve the apples warm for the softest texture.

Variations

• Add nutmeg: use a small pinch alongside the cinnamon for a warmer spice flavour.
• Swap the nuts: use chopped pecans in place of the walnuts.
• Change the dried fruit: replace the raisins with chopped dried cranberries.
• Add citrus: grate a little orange zest over the filling before cooking.
• Serve with yoghurt: add a spoonful of plain yoghurt alongside each warm apple half.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Crowding the basket: the apples may cook unevenly; leave a little space between them or cook in batches.
• Removing too much apple: a very thin shell may not hold the filling; scoop out only the core and a little surrounding flesh.
• Skipping the fork test: cooking time can vary by air fryer and apple size; check for easy piercing before serving.
• Overfilling the halves: the filling can spill out; distribute it between the apples without piling it too high.
• Serving them cold: the recipe is intended to be served warm; serve soon after cooking.

How to store

Refrigerate leftover apples in an airtight container and eat within 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer until warmed through, checking frequently so they do not become too soft.

Frequently asked questions