This delightful air fryer stuffed apple recipe brings the authentic flavor of autumn right into your kitchen. Tender, juicy, and irresistibly sweet, these apples are filled with chewy caramel squares and topped with a delicate cinnamon-butter glaze. Finished off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel, it's a dessert that's both simple and sophisticated.
While most ingredients in this recipe are common household staples, there are a couple that may require a quick trip to the supermarket. Caramel squares, for instance, are essential to achieving the classic gooey center of the stuffed apple. Additionally, Breyers natural vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the warm, spiced apple. However, any good-quality vanilla ice cream can be substituted.
Ingredients for the Air Fryer Stuffed Apple Recipe
Cooking spray: Used to grease the baking dish and prevent the apples from sticking.
Butter: Creates a savory balance to the sweet filling and aids in the cooking process.
Brown sugar: Adds a deep, rich sweetness to the buttery glaze.
Granulated sugar: Works with the brown sugar to sweeten the glaze.
Ground cinnamon: Gives a warm spice flavor that complements the sweet apple and caramel nicely.
Apples: The star ingredient, best to use a crisp, tart variety like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor.
Chewy caramel squares: Melts inside the apple during cooking to create a gooey, sweet center.
Breyers natural vanilla ice cream: A cool and creamy contrast to the hot, spiced apple.
Caramel: Drizzled over the top for extra sweetness and a professional touch.
One reader, Hortense Bowie says:
This air fryer stuffed apple recipe is a game-changer! The apples turned out perfectly tender and the caramel filling was divine. It's a quick and easy dessert that's sure to impress. Plus, the ice cream and caramel drizzle take it to the next level. I highly recommend trying it out!
Essential Techniques for Making Air Fryer Stuffed Apples
How to prepare the apples: Wash and dry the apples. Then, slice off the top of each apple and use a melon baller or teaspoon to scoop out the core.
How to stuff the apples: After coring the apples, fill each one with two chewy caramel squares.
How to bake the stuffed apples: Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish, brush them with the melted butter mixture, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 30 minutes or until tender.
How to serve the stuffed apples: Serve the baked apples warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
How To Make Air Fryer Apple Stuffed
The air fryer apple stuffed version is consists of apples with scooped-out core and filled with two caramel squares and served with ice cream.
Serves:
Ingredients
- cooking spray
- 4tbspbutter,melted
- 1tbspbrown sugar,packed
- 1tbspgranulated sugar
- ½tspground cinnamon
- 4apples
- 8chewy caramel squares
- Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream,for serving
- caramel,for drizzling
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and grease a medium baking dish with cooking spray. In a small bowl, whisk together butter, sugars, and cinnamon.
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Slice the top off of each apple then use a melon baller (or a teaspoon) to scoop out the core. Using a paring knife, make two circular cuts in the apple.
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Place apple cut side down on a cutting board and slice crosswise, being careful not to cut through the core. Place cut apples in a small baking dish.
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Fill each apple with two caramel squares, then brush melted butter mixture on top.
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Bake until the apples are tender for about 30 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream and drizzle with caramel.
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In a small bowl, whisk together butter, sugars, and cinnamon. Slice top off of each apple then use a melon baller (or a teaspoon) to scoop out the core.
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Using a paring knife, make two circular cuts in the apple. Place apple cut side down on a cutting board and slice crosswise, being careful not to cut through the core.
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Fill each apple with two caramel squares, then brush melted butter mixture on top. Place cut apples in the basket of the air fryer.
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Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes.
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Serve warm with ice cream and drizzle with caramel.
Nutrition
- Calories: 319.05kcal
- Fat: 15.84g
- Saturated Fat: 8.00g
- Trans Fat: 0.47g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.81g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.90g
- Carbohydrates: 46.93g
- Fiber: 4.54g
- Sugar: 37.47g
- Protein: 1.55g
- Cholesterol: 31.94mg
- Sodium: 55.35mg
- Calcium: 47.37mg
- Potassium: 245.85mg
- Iron: 0.29mg
- Vitamin A: 105.06µg
- Vitamin C: 8.47mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Air Fryer Stuffed Apples
When scooping out the core of the apple, make sure to leave the bottom intact. This will create a 'bowl' for the caramel squares and prevent them from leaking out during the cooking process. Also, when making the circular cuts, try to keep them as even as possible for a more uniform cooking and presentation.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Air Fryer Stuffed Apples
Prep ahead: Prepare the butter mixture and core the apples the night before. Store the butter mixture in the fridge and the cored apples in a bowl of water with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Use an apple corer: Invest in an apple corer to make the coring process quick and efficient. This tool will help you remove the apple cores effortlessly, saving you time and effort.
Air fryer: Utilize the air fryer for a quicker cooking time. The air fryer provides a faster and more energy-efficient way to cook the stuffed apples, resulting in a delicious dessert in no time.
Ice cream scoop: Use an ice cream scoop to easily serve the ice cream alongside the warm stuffed apples. This will help create uniform and visually appealing portions for serving.
Caramel sauce: Use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making it from scratch to save time. Drizzle the sauce over the warm stuffed apples and ice cream for a delightful finishing touch.
Substitute Ingredients For Air Fryer Apple Stuffed Recipe
cooking spray - Substitute with olive oil spray: Olive oil spray can provide a similar non-stick coating and adds a hint of flavor to the dish.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative and adds a subtle coconut flavor to the dish.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a healthier alternative with a similar sweetness and caramel-like flavor.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add natural sweetness and moisture to the dish, and it complements the flavors of the apples.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with apple pie spice: Apple pie spice is a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, which can enhance the flavors of the dish with a slightly different profile.
apples - Substitute with pears: Pears can be a delicious alternative with a similar texture and can be stuffed and air-fried in a similar manner.
chewy caramel squares - Substitute with date caramel: Date caramel can be made by blending dates with a little water, creating a sweet and sticky caramel-like filling.
breyers natural vanilla ice cream - Substitute with coconut milk ice cream: Coconut milk ice cream can be a dairy-free alternative with a creamy texture and a hint of coconut flavor.
caramel - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can provide a sweet and rich flavor similar to caramel, adding a delicious drizzle to the dish.
Presenting Air Fryer Stuffed Apples for Maximum Appeal
Elevate the plating: When presenting the stuffed apples, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Arrange the apples on the plate with precision and attention to detail, ensuring that they are the focal point of the dish.
Garnish with finesse: Add a touch of sophistication to the dish by garnishing with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a delicate mint leaf. This will enhance the overall aesthetic and provide a pop of color to the plate.
Incorporate texture contrast: Consider adding a small scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream alongside the warm stuffed apples to create a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures, elevating the overall dining experience.
Drizzle with precision: When drizzling the caramel sauce over the apples, exercise precision and finesse to create an artful design on the plate. This attention to detail will showcase your culinary expertise and attention to presentation.
Utilize complementary servingware: Select elegant and complementary servingware that enhances the visual appeal of the dish. Consider using minimalist, high-quality plates to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the stuffed apples.
Storing and Freezing Air Fryer Stuffed Apples
- Let the stuffed apples cool completely before storing or freezing
- To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled stuffed apples in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap
- They will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days
- To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through
- For longer storage, you can freeze the stuffed apples
- Wrap each apple tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag
- Label the container with the date and contents
- Frozen stuffed apples will keep for up to 2-3 months
- To reheat, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the filling is bubbly
- Note: The texture of the apples may change slightly after freezing and thawing, but they will still taste delicious!
How To Reheat Leftover Air Fryer Stuffed Apples
- The best way to reheat leftover air fryer stuffed apples is to place them back in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and the caramel is melted and gooey again
- Alternatively, you can reheat the stuffed apples in the microwave by placing them in a microwave-safe dish and heating on high for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed to your liking
- If you prefer a crispier exterior, you can also reheat the stuffed apples in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the tops are slightly caramelized
- For a quick and easy reheating method, simply scoop the filling out of the apples and heat it in a small saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, then spoon it back into the apple shells and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- If you want to get creative, try slicing the leftover stuffed apples and using them as a topping for pancakes or waffles for a decadent breakfast treat
- You can also chop up the leftover stuffed apples and use them as a filling for crepes or pastries, or as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt parfaits
- For a fun and easy dessert, try layering the chopped up stuffed apples with granola and whipped cream in small jars or glasses for a quick and easy parfait-style treat
Interesting Fact About Air Fryer Stuffed Apples
Air fryer stuffed apple recipe is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apples with gooey caramel and warm cinnamon flavors. This recipe is a great way to enjoy a classic treat with a modern twist, as the air fryer provides a quick and efficient way to cook the stuffed apples to perfection. It's a fun and creative way to enjoy a sweet treat, and the result is a delicious dessert that's perfect for any occasion.
Is Making Air Fryer Stuffed Apples Cost-Effective?
This air fryer stuffed apple recipe offers a moderate cost-effectiveness, with common pantry staples and minimal ingredients. The use of apples and butter is budget-friendly, while the addition of caramel squares and ice cream may slightly increase the overall cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15. The overall verdict rates this recipe at 8/10 for its simplicity, delightful flavors, and versatility as a comforting dessert.
Is This Air Fryer Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This air fryer stuffed apple recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:
- High sugar content from the brown sugar, granulated sugar, caramel squares, and caramel drizzle
- Significant amount of butter, which is high in saturated fat
- Vanilla ice cream, which adds more sugar and fat to the dish
The apples themselves are a healthy component, providing fiber and nutrients. However, the added ingredients overshadow the nutritional benefits of the fruit.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of sugar used in the butter mixture or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Use a smaller amount of butter or substitute it with a healthier alternative like coconut oil
- Opt for a lower-fat ice cream or yogurt, or skip it altogether
- Instead of caramel squares and drizzle, try filling the apples with a mixture of chopped nuts, rolled oats, and a sprinkle of cinnamon for added texture and flavor without the extra sugar and fat
- Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom to enhance the natural sweetness of the apples without relying on added sugars
By making these adjustments, you can still enjoy a tasty and satisfying dessert while significantly reducing the overall sugar and fat content, making it a more balanced and health-conscious choice.
Editor's Opinion: Air Fryer Stuffed Apples
This recipe for air fryer stuffed apples is a delightful and indulgent treat. The combination of sweet, tender apples, gooey caramel, and warm cinnamon is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The use of the air fryer adds a modern twist to a classic dessert, resulting in a quicker and more efficient cooking process. The addition of vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle elevates the dish, creating a truly decadent and satisfying dessert. It's a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of fall in a simple yet impressive dish.
Enhance Your Air Fryer Apple Stuffed Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Ideal Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve with Air Fryer Stuffed Apples
Why trust this Air Fryer Apple Stuffed Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic dessert, combining the natural sweetness of apples with the rich flavors of caramel and cinnamon. The use of butter and a touch of sugar enhances the overall taste and texture. The method of baking the apples ensures a tender and juicy result, while the addition of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel provides a decadent finish. With the perfect balance of flavors and a simple preparation, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth.
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