Healthy Air Fryer Baked Apples Recipe – Low calorie

I have found the best dessert ever and I am in love! Have you been on the hunt for a dessert recipe that’s not only delicious but also healthy and gluten-free? It is here! Air fryer baked apples recipe!

These delicious air fryer baked apple are the perfect treat for satisfying your sweet tooth while also being kind to your gut and overall wellbeing. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also contain fiber and nutrients that are great for digestion and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.

Let’s walk you through the simple steps to make this tasty dessert in your air fryer. Trust me, once you’ve tried these baked apples, you’ll never want to go back to your old dessert routine.

They can be combined with so many other things to make it an amazing and festive choice! A scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream…or more healthier options like other fruits and nuts.

So grab your apples and your air fryer, and let’s make this delicious and healthy recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen!

Can you bake apples in air fryer?

Yes and it’s actually a better option than using an oven in some ways. Air fryers are a convenient and energy-efficient way to cook food quickly and evenly, making them a great option for baking apples.

What apples can be baked?

I have chosen Gala Apples for this recipe but, obviously, you choose your favorites.

However, when it comes to baking apples, not all varieties are the same. Some apples are better for baking than others, as they hold up well in the oven and don’t turn to mush or lose their flavor.

Here are a few apple varieties that are great for baking:

1. Granny Smith: These tart apples are a popular choice for baking, as their firm texture holds up well in the oven and their tangy flavor pairs well with sweet desserts.
2. Honeycrisp: These sweet apples are also a great choice for baking, as they have a firm texture and hold their shape well during baking.
3. Braeburn: These crisp apples have a sweet and slightly tart flavor, and they hold up well when baked.
4. Jonathan: These tart apples have a firm texture and a tangy flavor that works well in baked goods.
5. Rome: These sweet apples are often used in pies and baked desserts, as they hold their shape well during baking and have a mild flavor.

Ultimately, the best apple for baking depends on personal preference and the specific recipe you’re making. But these are five varieties which are a good starting point to consider.

As I always say, trial and error is the best when it comes to cooking.

How To Make Baked Apples in the Air Fryer

Ingredients:

I won’t give you quantities as, with this recipe, I find that it is more to the taste or choice of the chef 😉

• Apples
• Cane Sugar (or any other variety you prefer)
• Cinnamon

OPTIONAL:

• Butter (I haven’t used since trying to not increase the calories)
• Apple corer (I don’t use it, just do it with the knife)

How to Bake the Apples in the airfryer:

I don’t preheat the air fryer in this case so the cooking time is about 20 minutes. If you prefer to pre-heat, maybe 15 minutes will be enough. Check the manufacturer instructions if any or just check while cooking.

Step 1 – Wash and core the apples. I leave the skin on but you can peel them if you prefer.

Step 2 – In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.

Step 3 – Add a Tsp of the mixture on top of each apple.

Step 4 – Place the apples in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.

Step 5 – Cook the apples for 20 minutes at 200 Celsius, depending on their size and how soft you want them to be. Check on them halfway through and use a pair of tongs to turn them over.

Step 6 – When done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.

Step 7 – Add the liquid on top of them (I find this substitutes the melted butter somehow)

And that’s it! With just a few simple ingredients and some help from your trusty air fryer, you can have a delicious and healthy dessert in no time. And gut friendly!

Keep the leftovers in the fridge. I love to eat them cold as well in the summer topped with some walnuts and oats. And kids love them drowned (literally) in maple syrup or caramel sauce.

FAQS

Why are baked apples so good?

Baked apples are delicious for several reasons. First, the baking process helps to intensify the natural sweetness of the apples, making them taste even better. Additionally, the heat from the oven or air fryer in this case, causes the apples to become tender and juicy, creating a luscious texture that’s both satisfying and comforting.

When baked with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, the apples take on a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for fall and winter desserts. These spices also have health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Moreover, baked apples are a relatively healthy dessert option compared to other treats. They’re low in calories and high in fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, they’re naturally sweet, so you can enjoy them without the need for added sugars.

Overall, baked apples are a delicious and wholesome dessert that’s perfect for any time of year. Whether you’re looking for a comforting treat to enjoy on a chilly evening or a healthy dessert option to satisfy your sweet tooth, baked apples are a great choice.

Are cooked apples healthier than raw?

Both cooked and raw apples are healthy choices and provide various health benefits. However, the nutrient content and health benefits of apples can change slightly when cooking them.

Cooking apples can help to break down the tough cellular structure of the fruit, making them easier for our bodies to digest and absorb nutrients. In fact, some nutrients in apples, such as vitamin C and potassium, are not affected much by cooking, while other nutrients, like fiber, may be slightly reduced.

On the other hand, raw apples have a higher fiber content than cooked apples, as the cooking process can break down some of the fiber. Additionally, some of the natural enzymes and antioxidants in raw apples may be slightly diminished when they are cooked.

So, in short, both cooked and raw apples are healthy choices and can provide various health benefits. It really comes down to personal preference and how you like to enjoy your apples.

Should I use Bake or Air fry setting?

I also wondered that. Whether you should use the bake or air fry setting to cook your apples.

I used Air frying because it is a great way to cook quickly while still achieving a tender and crispy texture.

Ultimately, the decision to use the bake or air fry setting comes down to personal preference and the type of recipe you’re following. It’s always a good idea to read through the recipe carefully and follow the instructions closely to ensure that you achieve the desired results.

Do you need a special pan to bake in an air fryer?

Not really, most air fryers come with a basket or tray that is designed for baking and cooking a variety of foods, including apples.

To bake apples in an air fryer, you can simply place the apple halves cut-side up in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer tray, making sure they are not touching each other.

I prefer to use a parchment paper to line the basket or tray, which can make cleaning up easier.

Another  option are these silicone trays which I am about to try myself (more on that to come).

However, if you prefer to use a baking dish or pan, place it inside the air fryer basket. Make sure it fits comfortably inside the air fryer. Just be sure to choose a baking dish that is oven-safe and small enough to fit inside the air fryer.

Read More on Apples:

How To Make Apple Butter

Is Baby Applesauce The Same As Regular Applesauce?

Why Did My Applesauce Explode?

How To Quickly Defrost Frozen Applesauce