There’s something magical about the scent of cinnamon apples wafting through your kitchen. Whether it’s a chilly fall evening, a festive winter gathering, or just a regular Tuesday craving something sweet, Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce offer the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence.
Inspired by the nostalgia of caramel apples at county fairs and crisp autumn hikes, this quick and easy recipe transforms fresh apples into a warm, cinnamon-kissed delight—without the hassle or mess of deep frying. Best of all, the creamy caramel dipping sauce takes this dish from simple snack to show-stopping dessert.
If you’re looking for a healthier, faster way to enjoy that rich caramel apple flavor, read on—you’re about to meet your new favorite dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Easy: 20 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous sweet cravings.
- Healthier Alternative: With air frying, you get that golden crispiness using just a touch of butter—no deep frying required.
- Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: Great for family desserts, parties, or holiday platters.
- Customizable: Use your favorite apples and adjust the spices to suit your taste.
Whether you’re making this as an afternoon snack for the kids or a cozy treat for a date night in, these apple wedges are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious treat:
For the Apple Wedges:
- 3 large apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best for a sweet-tart contrast)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Extra caramel drizzle for serving
Kitchen Tools:
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Knife and cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Apple Wedges
Start by slicing your apples into evenly sized wedges—about 8–10 per apple. No need to peel unless you prefer a smoother texture.
In a large bowl, toss the wedges in melted butter to coat. In a separate small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar, then sprinkle this over the apples. Toss gently to evenly coat every piece.
Pro Tip: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon sugar for a deeper flavor profile.
2. Air Fry the Apples
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the apple wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket—avoid overcrowding for the crispiest results.
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. You’re aiming for tender apples with slightly crisp edges.
Tip: For ultra-crispy edges, air fry for an additional 1–2 minutes at the end.
3. Make the Caramel Whipped Cream
While the apples cook, whip your heavy cream until soft peaks form—this should take about 2–3 minutes using a hand mixer.
Once soft peaks appear, gently fold in the caramel sauce and vanilla extract. Avoid overmixing to keep the cream light and fluffy.
Refrigerate until ready to serve, or use immediately for a warm, melty experience.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the warm apple wedges on a plate or platter, and place a small bowl of caramel whipped cream in the center. Drizzle with extra caramel for a picture-perfect presentation.
Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Apple Varieties: What Works Best?
Choosing the right apple makes a big difference in this recipe. Here are our top picks:
- Honeycrisp: Crisp, sweet, and slightly tart—perfect for air frying.
- Granny Smith: Bold tartness pairs wonderfully with caramel and cinnamon.
- Fuji or Gala: Sweeter options that soften well and caramelize beautifully.
For a more complex flavor, try using a mix of apples!
Tips & Tricks for the Best Air Fried Apple Wedges
1. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Give your apples room to breathe. Air fry in batches if needed—this ensures even cooking and crispy edges.
2. Adjust the Sweetness
Prefer a more natural flavor? Use less sugar or swap for coconut sugar, maple syrup, or even a sprinkle of monk fruit sweetener.
3. Spice It Up
Want to add a fall-inspired twist? Add a dash of pumpkin spice, cloves, or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mix.
4. Dip It Differently
Not a fan of whipped cream? Try Greek yogurt with honey and cinnamon, or a peanut butter yogurt dip for a protein boost.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These wedges are best served fresh and warm, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To reheat:
- Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Re-whip the dipping sauce lightly if it separates or loses volume.
Note: The whipped cream may lose some structure if stored overnight, but it still tastes great!
Perfect Occasions for This Recipe
- Fall gatherings or apple-picking parties
- Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving appetizers
- Movie nights at home
- Holiday dessert boards
- Afterschool snacks
This dish is also a fun interactive dessert—set up a dipping station with other options like melted chocolate, peanut butter, or marshmallow fluff.
How to Make It Kid-Friendly and Fun
Turn this recipe into a family activity:
- Let kids toss the apple slices in the cinnamon sugar.
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces for a mini dessert fondue.
- Use apple corers and fun slicers to get kids excited about prepping.
The recipe is simple enough for young helpers, making it a great opportunity to teach basic kitchen skills.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 1g
Please note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits?
Yes! Pears, peaches, and even bananas work well. Adjust cooking time based on fruit softness.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Swap butter with coconut oil, and use a non-dairy whipped topping (like coconut cream) for the dip.
Can I bake instead of air fry?
Absolutely. Bake in the oven at 400°F (204°C) for 15–18 minutes on a parchment-lined sheet.
Share the Sweetness
This recipe is made for sharing—both at the table and online. It’s beautiful, easy, and perfect for Instagram-worthy snack boards or TikTok dessert demos.
📸 Don’t forget to tag us!
If you try this recipe, snap a photo and tag #AirFriedApples or mention us on social media. We’d love to see your delicious results!
Final Thoughts: A Dessert Worth Falling For
With minimal ingredients, no mess, and maximum flavor, these Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce are a go-to recipe for anyone craving something cozy, sweet, and satisfying.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe brings together the best of both worlds—healthy meets indulgent, simple meets stunning.