Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel
Nothing says cozy and indulgent like warm apple wedges drizzled with caramel. But instead of deep-frying or baking for hours, this air fryer recipe gives you tender, golden apple wedges in a fraction of the time. Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, these apple wedges are a guilt-free dessert, snack, or even a fun breakfast treat for the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines convenience, flavor, and a touch of indulgence. Air frying keeps the apples tender without excess oil, making it a healthier choice. You’ll love how quick it is, yet it tastes like a dessert straight from a bakery. Kids and adults alike will enjoy dipping these wedges in caramel or sprinkling with cinnamon sugar.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes.
- Healthier: Uses an air fryer instead of oil-heavy frying.
- Versatile: Perfect with caramel, yogurt, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love dipping these apple wedges in sweet sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
These air fried apple wedges are not only delicious but surprisingly light. They provide natural sweetness from the apples with minimal added fat. A perfect treat for those keeping an eye on calories without sacrificing flavor. Knowing the nutritional info helps you enjoy them guilt-free.
- Calories: ~150
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 0.5g
Note: Nutritional info varies depending on caramel type and apple variety.
Time Breakdown
This recipe is designed for speed without compromising taste. From prep to plate, it takes under 20 minutes. Air frying reduces cooking time dramatically compared to baking, making it perfect for busy weekdays or last-minute cravings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Air Frying Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 15–17 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need
The recipe uses simple pantry staples and fresh apples. No complicated ingredients or special tools are required. These easy-to-find items come together to create a sweet, crispy, and flavorful snack.
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1–2 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
Condensed Grocery Checklist
To make shopping a breeze, you’ll only need a handful of items. Most are everyday ingredients you likely already have at home. This checklist ensures you don’t miss anything and can get straight to cooking.
- Apples
- Cinnamon
- Sugar
- Lemon juice
- Butter or coconut oil
- Caramel sauce
How to Make – Step by Step
The process is quick, straightforward, and foolproof. From prepping the apples to air frying and drizzling caramel, each step is easy to follow. Even beginners can achieve perfectly cooked wedges with this guide.
- Prep the apples: Wash, core, and slice the apples into wedges. Toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Season: Mix the melted butter with cinnamon and sugar, then coat the apple wedges evenly.
- Air fry: Place wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve: Drizzle with caramel sauce while warm and enjoy!
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
This recipe is flexible and easy to customize. Swap apple varieties, sweeteners, or spices to match your taste preferences. With a few tweaks, you can make it vegan, extra sweet, or even spiced for fall flavors.
- Apple variety: Swap for Gala, Pink Lady, or Braeburn.
- Sweetener: Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
- Flavor twist: Add nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the seasoning.
- Vegan option: Use coconut oil and plant-based caramel.
Serving Suggestions
These apple wedges are versatile and pair well with a variety of toppings. Try ice cream, yogurt, or nuts for a simple upgrade. They work as a snack, dessert, or even a breakfast treat.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Top with Greek yogurt and granola for breakfast.
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts for added crunch.
Storing Tips
Proper storage keeps your apple wedges fresh and delicious. Refrigeration extends their shelf life for a couple of days. Reheating in the air fryer restores crispiness, while caramel should be added fresh before serving.
- Store leftover wedges in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Caramel sauce is best added fresh before serving.
Chef’s Special Tips
Small tricks make a big difference in flavor and texture. Avoid overcrowding the basket and flip halfway for even cooking. Using slightly tart apples balances sweetness, and spices elevate the taste to the next level.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; wedges cook best in a single layer.
- Flip halfway through for even browning.
- Use slightly tart apples for a balanced sweet-and-tangy flavor.
Conclusion
Air fried apple wedges with caramel are quick, delicious, and comforting. They’re perfect for any occasion and loved by kids and adults alike. With this recipe, you can enjoy a warm, sweet snack anytime without much fuss. Try it today and share your favorite topping combinations, or tag a friend who needs a cozy treat.