Quick Baked Apples With Delicious Fillings In The Air Fryer
Can You Bake An Apple In An Air Fryer?
Air fryer baked apples have become popular due to their healthy appeal.
This blog will show you how to air fry apples, its benefits, recipe variations, and tips for achieving the perfect baked apples.
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Air Fryer Baked Apple Variations
Classic Cinnamon-Spiced: A timeless favourite with a mixture of cinnamon, sugar, and butter for a warm and comforting flavour.
Nutty Delight: Adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon-spiced filling provides a lovely crunch and enhances the overall taste.
Sweet and Tangy: For those who prefer a tangy twist, drizzling a bit of maple syrup or honey mixed with lemon juice over the apples before baking adds extra flavour.
Choosing The Right Type Of Apples For Baking
When it comes to cooking baked apples, the right choice of apples can make all the difference.
Factors to Consider
Sweetness Level
The sweetness of the apples you choose can significantly impact the overall taste of your baked goods.
Opt for varieties such as Granny Smith, Pink Lady or Golden Delicious for sweeter desserts or you can use a typical cooking apple such as Bramley.
These apples bring a natural sweetness that complements the sugar in your recipe, creating a great balance.
Texture
Apple’s texture is another crucial factor.
Some apples remain firm when baked, while others become softer and tender.
Consider using firm apples like Granny Smith or Bramley. They hold their shape well.
Tartness
Tart apples add a zing to your recipes, and they work particularly well in contrast with other sweet ingredients.
Firmness
Firmness is key when choosing apples for baking.
You want your apples to maintain their shape rather than turning mushy.
Varieties like Pink Lady, Bramley and Granny Smith apples are excellent options for maintaining firmness during baking.
Ingredients
- 4 Fresh Apples: Choose crisp, firm and sweet varieties like Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Bramley or Golden Delicious.
- 1 teaspoon of Cinnamon: For that warm and comforting flavour.
- 4 tablespoons of Brown Sugar: To add sweetness and a caramelised touch.
- 4 tablespoons of Butter: A little butter goes a long way in enhancing the texture and flavour. (Melt in microwave for 20 seconds)
- Handful of Nuts: Try pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
- Splash of Lemon Juice: For a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness.
- 4 Tablespoons Of Water: This creates a steamy atmosphere for the apples.
- Optional Toppings: Get creative with toppings like raisins, dried cranberries, or a drizzle of caramel.
How To Cook Air Fryer Baked Stuffed Apples
Start by preheating your air fryer to 180C / 360F. This ensures that your air fryer baked apples cook evenly and get that perfect crisp.
Wash and dry the apples. Slice off the top of the apple (if you keep the top of the apple as a lid, core this as well) remove the seeds and create a cavity for your fillings. An apple corer or a small knife works wonders for this.
How To Core An Apple Correctly
Featuring a sturdy ABS handle for a comfortable grip and a serrated stainless steel blade, this essential tool makes coring apples quick and effortless.
Whether you're baking pies, making snacks, or preparing fruit salads, this apple corer is your go-to kitchen tool for cored fruit in no time!
Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and some nuts in a bowl. This mixture will serve as your apple filling.
Generously stuff each cored apple with the sweet filling.
Place your filled apples in the basket on top of the crisper plate, ensuring they’re evenly spaced. A little spritz of lemon juice on top of each apple will add a zesty kick. Carefully pour 1 tablespoon of water per apple into the bottom of the basket.
Air fry at 180C / 360F for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they achieve that perfect golden-brown crispiness.
Check halfway through the cooking time, if they are browning too quickly place a piece of foil over them.
Remove your baked apples, let them cool slightly, and serve with your choice of toppings.
More Air Fryer Recipes
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How To Make Classic Greek Desserts With An Air Fryer
Air Fryer Baked Apples Serving Suggestions
1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of rich, creamy vanilla ice cream goes beautifully with the warm, cinnamon-infused baked apples.
2. Whipped Cream: Top your baked apples with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and airy touch.
3. Greek Yoghurt: For a healthier option, serve your baked apples with a dollop of Greek yoghurt.
4. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the baked apples for an indulgent treat. The sweet, buttery caramel complements the natural sweetness of the apples.
5. Chopped Nuts: A sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavour to your baked apples.
6. Granola: A handful of granola adds a delightful crunch and a bit of whole-grain goodness. It’s perfect for a breakfast or brunch variation of baked apples.
7. Dusting of Icing Sugar: A light dusting of icing sugar not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a touch of sweetness.
8. Fresh Berries: A handful of fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries, can add a burst of colour, freshness, and a hint of tartness to balance the sweetness of the apples.
9. Sprinkle of Cinnamon: To enhance the flavour of your air fryer baked apples, a light sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top is a good idea.
10. Enjoy with Tea or Coffee: Enjoy your baked apples with a cup of tea or coffee.
11. Cheese: Believe it or not, some types of cheese can be a surprising and lovely accompaniment to baked apples. A mild cheddar or a creamy brie can provide a unique contrast.
12. Pancakes or Waffles: Serve your baked apples as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
13. Pudding: A creamy rice pudding or bread pudding can make a lovely base for your baked apples, creating a comforting and filling dessert.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Baked Apples
- Experiment with different apple varieties to discover your favourite flavour.
- If your apples do not sit level, cut a slice off the bottom of the apple.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar and cinnamon to suit your sweetness or dietary preference.
- Don’t overstuff the apples.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth in your filling.
- Keep a close eye on your apples as they air fry to prevent overcooking.
Troubleshooting Air Fryer Baked Apples
Apples Aren’t Browning
If your apples aren’t browning, try brushing them with a little melted butter.
Soggy Texture
If your baked apples turn out a bit soggy, it might be due to overcrowding in the air fryer basket.
Make sure the apples are in a single layer with space in between.
Also, consider extending the cooking time slightly to crisp them up.
Uneven Cooking
If you notice that some apples are cooked perfectly while others are undercooked, it could be because of varying apple sizes or their placement in the air fryer.
Use uniform-sized apples and rearrange them during cooking to ensure even results.
Overly Soft Apples
If your baked apples become too soft, you may have cooked them for too long. Adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly to maintain a firmer texture.
Sticking Issue
If the apples stick to the air fryer basket, you can lightly grease the basket with a non-stick cooking spray or use a suitable tray.
Burnt Edges
If the edges of your apples are burning before the centre is cooked, reduce the temperature and cook for a longer time. You can also cover the edges with aluminium foil to protect them from overcooking.
Apples Browning Too Quickly
If your apples brown too quickly on the outside while the inside remains uncooked, try lowering the temperature and extending the cooking time. This will ensure that they cook more evenly.
Flat Flavour
If you find your apples lack flavour, consider adjusting the spices, sugar, or any other flavourings to suit your taste.
Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect flavour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any apples for baking, or do I need specific varieties?
While you can use many apple varieties for baking, choosing the right type can significantly improve your results.
Some apples are better suited for certain baked goods due to their flavour, texture, and sweetness.
How can I prevent apples from browning when preparing them for baking?
To prevent apples from browning, toss them in lemon juice. This will help preserve their colour and flavour.
Are there any vegan or gluten-free apple baking options?
Yes, many baking recipes can be adapted to be vegan or gluten-free.
You can find various alternatives and recipes to accommodate different dietary preferences.
Can I mix different apple varieties in one baking recipe?
Mixing apple varieties can add depth and complexity to your recipes.
Experimenting with different combinations can be a fun way to discover new flavours.
What are some alternative uses for baked apples besides desserts?
Baked apples can also be used in savoury dishes, such as stuffing for poultry or as a side dish for roasted meats.
Their natural sweetness and texture make them a versatile ingredient in the kitchen.
Air Fryer Baked Apples
Ingredients
- 4 Fresh Apples: Choose crisp, firm and sweet varieties like Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Bramley or Golden Delicious.
- 1 teaspoon of Cinnamon: For that warm and comforting flavour.
- 4 tablespoons of Brown Sugar: To add sweetness and a caramelised touch.
- 42 grams of Butter: A little butter goes a long way in enhancing the texture and flavour.
- Handful of Nuts: Consider pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
- Splash of Lemon Juice: For a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness and stops the apple browning.
- 4 Tablespoons Of Water: This creates a steamy atmosphere for the apples.
- Optional Toppings: Get creative with toppings like raisins, dried cranberries, or a drizzle of caramel.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat Your Ninja Air Fryer
- Start by preheating your air fryer to 180C / 360F. This ensures that your baked apples cook evenly and get that perfect crisp.
- Step 2: Prepare Your Apples
- Wash and dry the apples. Slice off the top of the apple (if you keep the top of the apple as a lid, core this as well) then remove the seeds and create a cavity for your fillings. An apple corer or a small knife works wonders for this.
- How To Core An Apple Correctly
- Step 3: Create the Filling
- In a bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter and some nuts. This mixture will serve as your apple filling.
- Step 4: Stuff the Apples
- Generously stuff each cored apple with the sweet filling.
- Step 5: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket
- Place your filled apples in the basket on top of the crisper plate, ensuring they’re evenly spaced. A little spritz of lemon juice on top of each apple will add a zesty kick. Carefully pour 1 tablespoon of water per apple into the bottom of the basket.
- Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection
- Air fry at 180C / 360F for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they achieve that perfect golden-brown crispiness.
- Check halfway through the cooking time, if they are browning too quickly place a piece of foil over them.
- Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove your baked apples, let them cool slightly, and serve with your choice of toppings.
Notes
Don’t overstuff the apples to ensure even cooking.
Nutritional values may not be accurate.
