Name: Air Fryer Cinnamon Maple Glazed Apples Recipe
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 red apples (Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Gala), peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch bite-sized cubes; 2 tablespoons real maple syrup, divided; 1 tablespoon melted refined coconut oil; 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 5 reviews

I simply adore this Air Fryer Cinnamon Maple Glazed Apples Recipe because it feels like a warm hug in dessert form. The apples come out tender yet with a slight crispness, perfectly coated in this luscious cinnamon and maple syrup glaze that tastes both cozy and indulgent. Whenever I make these, they’re gone in a flash, and I love that they’re vegan, gluten-free, and free from refined sugar, making them a guilt-free treat that’s effortless to prepare and delightful to share.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Cinnamon Maple Glazed Apples Recipe

What really draws me to this recipe is the incredible balance of flavors. The natural sweetness of the apples shines through, amplified by the rich maple syrup, while the cinnamon adds that classic warmth that feels so comforting. Every bite hits that perfect note between soft, juicy fruit and just a touch of caramelized crispness that the air fryer gives them. It’s a flavor profile that feels both familiar and fresh every single time.

Besides tasting amazing, the simplicity of this dish makes it a staple in my kitchen. It comes together in under 15 minutes, which means I can whip it up at the last minute when I need a quick dessert or snack. Plus, it works wonderfully for so many occasions — whether it’s a cozy weeknight treat, a sweet addition to a holiday spread, or a light finish to a dinner party. I find that this recipe stands out because it’s healthy, requires minimal ingredients, and is totally fuss-free but still feels special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows fresh apple ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. There are two whole red apples with shades of pink and yellow, one apple cut in half exposing its pale yellow inside and seeds, and a white bowl filled with small, white apple cubes. Near these, there is a small white cup containing a light brown liquid, likely syrup or honey, and a metal tart mold holding two whole cinnamon sticks laid over brown ground cinnamon. The scene is bright with soft natural light, and all items are spaced neatly with clear details visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients here are refreshingly simple and easy to find, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the color, texture, and flavor of this dish.

2 red apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch cubes: I prefer Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Gala for their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
2 tablespoons real maple syrup, divided: Adds natural, complex sweetness and helps create the irresistible glaze.
1 tablespoon melted coconut oil (refined): Coats the apples evenly without adding coconut flavor, helping them crisp up beautifully.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Brings that warm, cozy spice that elevates the dish.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. I always lightly spray the basket with a non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, toss the peeled and chopped apple cubes with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, the melted coconut oil, and the cinnamon. Make sure every piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Spread the apple cubes evenly in the preheated air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them — give each piece some breathing room for even cooking and lovely caramelization.

Step 4: Cook for 10 to 14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure everything cooks evenly. I watch for a golden color and light crisp on the outside while keeping the apples tender inside.

Step 5: When the apples are done, transfer them to a bowl and toss with the remaining tablespoon of maple syrup while they’re still warm. This finishing touch adds sticky, glossy goodness that’s irresistible.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 2 servings, perfect for a sweet snack or dessert for two people. The prep time is unbelievably quick — just 3 minutes to peel, core, and cut the apples and mix everything. The cooking time is around 12 minutes in the air fryer, so your total time from start to finish is just 15 minutes. There’s no resting time needed; these apples are best enjoyed immediately while warm and fresh.

How to Serve This Air Fryer Cinnamon Maple Glazed Apples Recipe

A white scalloped plate holds a layer of small, golden-brown roasted potato cubes with a slightly crispy texture and some darker caramelized edges spread evenly across the plate. The background is a white marbled surface with a hint of other objects partly visible, including a wooden spatula and a cup containing a dark liquid near the edges of the frame. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve these air fryer apples, I love to keep things simple and cozy. They are incredible just as they are—warm and glowing from the maple glaze—but pairing them with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream instantly takes them to the next level. The cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm apples. If you want a breakfast twist, these glazed apples are fantastic on top of oatmeal or yogurt for a naturally sweet and spiced start to the day.

For presentation, I like serving the apples in small bowls with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or even some crushed walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and texture. They also look charming garnished with a fresh mint leaf for a pop of color if you’re hosting guests. When it comes to beverages, a warm chai latte or a cup of spiced apple cider complements the flavors perfectly. For an adult crowd, a sweet Riesling or a cinnamon-spiked cocktail pairs beautifully and makes the dish feel festive.

This recipe shines at cozy dinners, holiday tables, or casual get-togethers. I almost always serve it warm, but they can be enjoyed at room temperature, too, especially when you want a lighter, less decadent dessert option. Portion-wise, a half-cup per person feels just right as a snack or dessert, but you can easily double the recipe to feed a crowd!

Variations

I love that this recipe is so versatile, giving lots of room for creativity in the kitchen. If you want to switch things up, try swapping the red apples for Granny Smith for a tarter profile, or even pears for a softer, juicier texture. Maple syrup is essential for that characteristic depth of sweetness, but if you’re out, good-quality honey works well as a substitute.

If you’re vegan or gluten-free, this recipe is already perfect, but for an oil alternative, I sometimes use olive oil for a subtle fruity note instead of coconut oil. For a smoky, rich twist, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon—this instantly makes the dish feel more autumnal and decadent. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can adapt it to roast the apples in a 400°F oven on a parchment-lined baking sheet, stirring every 5 minutes, though it won’t crisp up quite the same way.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (not likely, but it happens!), I store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days. I find that glass containers work best for keeping them fresh without absorbing odors, and a tight seal is key to preserving the maple glaze’s texture.

Freezing

While I don’t usually freeze these apples because they’re best fresh and warm, you can freeze them if needed. Spread the cooled apple cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until firm (about 2 hours), then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen apples will keep for up to 2 months. Just note that thawed apples may become softer and lose some crispness.

Reheating

To reheat, I suggest using a microwave-safe bowl and warming the apples for 30 to 45 seconds until just heated through. Microwaving quickly restores the maple glaze without drying them out. Avoid reheating in the air fryer again for too long or at high temps, as this can dry the fruit and toughen the texture. If you want a touch of crispness back, a short 2-minute stint in a toaster oven on low heat works well.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! I recommend using firmer and sweeter varieties like Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Gala for the best texture and flavor. Granny Smith apples work too if you prefer a tarter contrast, though they’ll be a bit more tangy.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, this Air Fryer Cinnamon Maple Glazed Apples Recipe is naturally vegan since it uses maple syrup instead of honey and refined coconut oil without any animal products. It’s a sweet treat everyone can enjoy!

Can I prepare these apples without an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can roast the apples in a conventional oven at 400°F. Spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for 10-15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until tender and caramelized. They won’t have the exact crisp texture but will still taste delicious.

How should I adjust cooking time for different air fryer models?

Air fryer power can vary, so I recommend checking the apples at the 10-minute mark and shaking the basket. If they aren’t golden and tender yet, continue cooking in 2-minute increments until they reach the desired texture. The goal is tender inside with slightly crispy edges.

Can I add other spices or flavorings?

Definitely! While cinnamon is classic, I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or ground ginger to bring extra warmth and complexity. Vanilla extract or a splash of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors beautifully.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a simple, wholesome dessert that feels cozy and indulgent all at once, I can’t recommend this Air Fryer Cinnamon Maple Glazed Apples Recipe enough. It’s fast, healthy, and full of comforting fall flavors that feel like a special treat but are easy enough to make any day. Give it a try — I promise you’ll fall in love with these warm, sweet apples just like I have!