Name: Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Apple Wedges: 3 large apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), sliced into wedges; 1 tablespoon melted butter; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; For the Caramel Whipped Cream Sauce: ½ cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tablespoons caramel sauce; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Optional: extra caramel drizzle

A delightful dessert that combines the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples with the luxurious richness of caramel whipped cream. These air-fried apple wedges offer all the comfort of apple pie with less effort and fewer calories, making it a perfect treat for any season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This simple yet impressive dessert strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and lightness. The air fryer creates tender apples with slightly crisp edges without the need for deep frying. The caramel whipped cream elevates this treat to restaurant quality while requiring minimal effort. It’s quick enough for weeknight cravings but special enough for entertaining guests. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional fried desserts while still satisfying your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apples are the star of this recipe, with Honeycrisp and Granny Smith varieties being ideal choices. Honeycrisps offer a perfect balance of sweetness and firmness, while Granny Smiths provide a pleasant tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet caramel. Choose apples that feel firm and heavy for their size.

Butter helps the apples brown beautifully in the air fryer and adds a rich, satisfying flavor. The small amount used here goes a long way in creating that mouthwatering aroma and taste.

Granulated sugar creates a slight caramelization on the exterior of the apple wedges when air fried. It enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit without overwhelming it.

Ground cinnamon brings warmth and that classic apple pie flavor that makes this dessert so comforting. It’s the perfect spice pairing for apples and caramel.

Heavy whipping cream forms the base of our luscious topping. When whipped, it creates a cloud-like texture that perfectly complements the warm apples.

Caramel sauce infuses the whipped cream with rich, buttery sweetness. You can use store-bought sauce or homemade if you prefer.

Vanilla extract adds depth and complexity to the whipped cream, enhancing the caramel flavor and bringing the whole dessert together.

Directions

Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Toss apple wedges in melted butter in a large bowl.
Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the apples.
Arrange apple wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until apples are tender and slightly crisp.
Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Fold in caramel sauce and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Serve warm apple wedges with caramel whipped cream on the side. Drizzle extra caramel on top if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 servings, making it perfect for a family dessert. Each serving contains approximately 200 calories. The entire process takes just 20 minutes from start to finish – 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time. This quick preparation makes it an ideal dessert option for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.

Variations

Spiced Apple Wedges: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a more complex flavor profile.

Maple Cream Version: Replace the caramel sauce with pure maple syrup for a different but equally delicious flavor.

Nutty Topping: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the finished dessert for added crunch and nutrition.

Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Drizzle melted chocolate over the apples instead of (or in addition to) the caramel sauce.

Coconut Cream Option: For a dairy-free alternative, use chilled coconut cream instead of heavy cream and coconut sugar in place of granulated sugar.

Storage/Reheating

Apple Wedges: Store leftover apple wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They may lose some of their crispness but will still be delicious.

Caramel Whipped Cream: The whipped cream is best enjoyed immediately but can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It may deflate slightly over time.

Reheating: Reheat the apple wedges in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave them for 20-30 seconds, though this method won’t restore any crispness.

Freezing: This dessert is not recommended for freezing as both the apples and whipped cream will degrade in texture when thawed.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the apple wedges in a conventional oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. They won’t get quite as crisp as in an air fryer, but they’ll still be delicious.

What’s the best way to slice apples for this recipe?

For even cooking, slice the apples into wedges about 1/2-inch thick after removing the core. Keeping the slices uniform ensures they’ll cook at the same rate.

Can I use different types of apples?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are recommended for their texture and flavor, any firm apple variety like Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady will work well. Avoid softer varieties like McIntosh, which may become too mushy.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the whipped cream?

Yes, you can use coconut cream as a substitute. Refrigerate a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight, then scoop out the solid cream that rises to the top and whip it just like heavy cream.

How do I know when the apples are done cooking?

The apples should be tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. They should have slight browning on the edges but shouldn’t be mushy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

You can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the apples up to a day in advance and reheat before serving. Make the whipped cream fresh just before serving for best results.

What can I serve with this dessert?

This dessert pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, a sprinkle of granola, or even alongside breakfast items like waffles or pancakes for a special brunch.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can reduce or even omit the added sugar if your apples are naturally sweet or if you prefer a less sweet dessert. The caramel sauce will still provide plenty of sweetness.

Why did my apples get too soft in the air fryer?

If your apples turned out too soft, they may have been sliced too thin or cooked too long. Next time, try cutting them slightly thicker or reducing the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, but you’ll likely need to cook the apples in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which would prevent proper crisping. The whipped cream can easily be doubled with no adjustments needed.

Conclusion

These Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream offer a perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dessert that tastes like it came from a gourmet bakery. The contrast between the warm, cinnamon-spiced apples and the cool, creamy topping makes for a memorable treat that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving this for a casual weeknight dessert or as the finale to a dinner party, it’s bound to impress. Best of all, this healthier take on a classic comfort food lets you enjoy a delicious dessert without the guilt of traditional fried treats.