Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, quick, and made with everyday ingredients. The apples get beautifully golden and slightly crisp in the air fryer without needing much oil, and the cinnamon-sugar coating brings out their natural sweetness. Paired with a cool, creamy caramel whipped dip, it’s a dessert that feels indulgent without being heavy. It’s also gluten-free and vegetarian, so it’s great for sharing.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apple Wedges:

• 3 large apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), sliced into wedges

• 1 tablespoon melted butter

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream

• 2 tablespoons caramel sauce

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Extra caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)

Directions

1. I preheat the air fryer to 375°F. While it heats, I toss the apple wedges with melted butter in a large bowl.

2. In a separate small bowl, I mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together. Then I sprinkle the mixture evenly over the buttered apple wedges, tossing until they’re well coated.

3. I place the coated apple wedges in the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry for 8 to 10 minutes. I give the basket a shake halfway through to make sure they cook evenly and get slightly crisp on all sides.

4. While the apples are cooking, I whip the heavy cream in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form. Then I gently fold in the caramel sauce and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.

5. Once the apple wedges are done, I transfer them to a serving plate while still warm. I serve them with the caramel whipped cream on the side and sometimes drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top for a little extra sweetness.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings (about 24 apple wedges and ½ cup of caramel whipped cream).
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add a crunch: I’ve topped the apples with crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra texture.

• Use different fruits: Pears work well too, though they’re softer—great if I want a more delicate texture.

• Spice it up: I add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon sugar mix for deeper fall flavor.

• Make it dairy-free: I’ve used coconut whipped cream and vegan butter to keep it plant-based.

• Serve over ice cream: I’ve spooned the warm apples over vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of caramel—it’s an instant dessert upgrade.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store the apple wedges in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 5 minutes to bring back their crispness.

The caramel whipped cream can be stored in the fridge for 1 to 2 days. I give it a gentle stir before serving again, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.

FAQs

Can I use pre-sliced apples?

Yes, I’ve used pre-sliced apples to save time. I just make sure they’re not too thin so they hold their shape while air frying.

What type of caramel sauce works best?

I prefer a thicker caramel sauce for both the dip and drizzling. Store-bought or homemade both work—I just avoid anything too runny.

Can I skip the whipped cream?

Absolutely. The apples are delicious on their own or with a scoop of vanilla yogurt or ice cream. But I love the whipped caramel dip for an extra special touch.

Are these apples soft or crispy?

They’re tender in the center with a lightly crisp exterior from the air fryer. If I want more crisp, I let them cook a minute or two longer.

Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?

Yes. I bake them on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture is slightly different but still tasty.

Conclusion

These air fried apple wedges with caramel whipped cream are a fast, festive, and feel-good dessert I can whip up anytime. They’re sweet without being over the top and cozy enough to satisfy all my fall cravings. Whether I’m serving them to guests or snacking on them with a cup of tea, they always bring a little joy to the table.

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