Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium-sized apples (such as Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Fuji, Gala, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (or vegan butter alternative)
- 1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar (or maple syrup/honey to taste)
- 1/4 cup rolled oats or quick-cooking oats (optional, gluten-free if needed)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, toasted)
- Optional topping: Cinnamon and sugar mixture, caramel sauce, whipped cream, ice cream, extra chopped nuts.
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Begin by washing and drying your apples thoroughly. This step is important to remove any residue or wax from the apple skin. Using an apple corer, carefully remove the core from each apple, leaving about ½ inch at the bottom intact. This creates a cavity for the filling while preventing it from leaking out during cooking. If you don’t have an apple corer, you can use a sharp paring knife to carefully cut around the core in a circular motion, then scoop it out with a spoon. Be cautious not to cut all the way through the bottom of the apple.
- Make the Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, oats (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Use a fork or your fingers to mix the ingredients together until they are well combined and crumbly. If you are adding raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts, gently fold them into the filling mixture at this stage. Taste the filling and adjust the sweetness or spice level to your preference. If you are using maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar, you may need to adjust the amount of butter slightly to achieve a good consistency.
- Stuff the Apples: Spoon the filling mixture generously into the cavity of each apple, pressing it down lightly to pack it in. Don’t overstuff the apples, as the filling will expand slightly during cooking. If you have any leftover filling, you can sprinkle it around the base of the apples in the air fryer basket. If you are using a cinnamon and sugar topping, sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar evenly over the top of each stuffed apple. This will create a lovely caramelized crust as they air fry.
- Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly necessary for all air fryers, preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes can help ensure even cooking and a slightly crispier exterior on the apples. Refer to your air fryer’s manual for specific preheating instructions.
- Air Fry the Apples: Carefully place the stuffed apples in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded and are arranged in a single layer to allow for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of apples you are cooking, you may need to cook them in batches. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork and the filling is bubbly and golden brown. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of apples you use and the specific model of your air fryer. Start checking for doneness around 15 minutes and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Check for Doneness: To check if the apples are done, gently pierce one of them with a fork. The fork should easily slide into the apple flesh with minimal resistance. The apples should be tender but not mushy. The filling should be hot and bubbly, and the tops of the apples may be slightly wrinkled and caramelized.
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Once the baked apples are cooked through, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket. They will be very hot, so allow them to cool slightly for a few minutes before serving. This will prevent burning your mouth and allow the flavors to meld together a bit more. Serve warm, as is, or with your favorite toppings such as caramel sauce, whipped cream, ice cream, or extra chopped nuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 250-350 kcal
- Sugar: 30-40g
- Sodium: 50-100mg
- Fat: 10-15g
- Saturated Fat: 6-9g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Fiber: 5-7g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Cholesterol: 30-45mg