I’m sharing my Air Fried Apple Wedges with a caramel whipped cream and one clever twist that puts a fresh spin on Fried Apples.

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I’m kind of addicted to how these air fried apple wedges turn out, crispy at the edges yet still juicy inside, and yeah it feels like cheating. I used Honeycrisp apples because they keep their texture and give that bright, crunchy bite, plus a silky caramel sauce for dunking that somehow makes this feel indulgent without going overboard.

There’s a little crunch, a little sweet, and that pull of caramel that makes you pause and think, wow, did I just make this in minutes. If you like quick treats you’re gonna want to try this one, it’s perfect for Air Fryer Recipes Dessert.

Ingredients

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Crisp apples add fiber and natural sweetness, Granny Smiths give a tart kick.
Bright sour tang, keeps apples from browning, adds freshness without calories.
Gives golden browning and richness, butter tastes better while oil is lighter.
Sprinkles sweetness and helps caramelize, simple carbs so eat in moderation.
Warm spice combo adds aroma and depth, makes it smell like fall.
Whips into a fluffy caramel dip, very rich and high fat.
Sticky sweet, makes the dip decadent, it’s mostly sugar so be mindful.

Ingredient Quantities

4 medium apples, cored and cut into wedges (about 1 1/4 pounds), Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best

1 tablespoon lemon juice (to keep apples from browning)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, or 2 tablespoons neutral oil if you prefer

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, optional

1/8 teaspoon fine salt

1 cup cold heavy whipping cream

3 tablespoons caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling if you want

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of flaky sea salt or table salt, optional

How to Make this

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1. Core and cut 4 medium apples into wedges, toss immediately with 1 tablespoon lemon juice to keep them from browning, then pat lightly with a paper towel so they arent too wet.

2. In a medium bowl whisk together 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (or oil), 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg if using, and 1/8 teaspoon fine salt.

3. Add the apple wedges to the bowl and toss until every wedge is coated with the cinnamon sugar butter mixture.

4. Preheat your air fryer to 375 F (190 C) for about 3 minutes.

5. Arrange apples in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding; cook 10 to 12 minutes, shaking or flipping the apples at about 5 to 6 minutes, until edges are browned and the centers are tender. Work in batches if needed so they crisp up instead of steaming.

6. While apples are cooking chill a mixing bowl and beaters for a few minutes in the freezer, then pour in 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream.

7. Add 3 tablespoons caramel sauce, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of flaky sea salt if you like; whip on medium high until soft to medium peaks form. Taste and stir in a bit more caramel if you want it sweeter.

8. When apples are done let them rest 1 to 2 minutes so they firm up slightly, then transfer to a serving plate.

9. Serve warm with the caramel whipped cream for dipping, and drizzle extra caramel on top and sprinkle flaky sea salt if desired.

10. Leftover tips: store whipped cream and apples separately in the fridge up to 2 days; reheat apples in the air fryer 3 to 4 minutes to re-crisp before serving.

Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board
2. Chef’s knife (or paring knife for coring and wedging apples)
3. Paper towels
4. Medium mixing bowl (for tossing the apples)
5. Whisk
6. Measuring cups and spoons
7. Electric hand mixer with chilled beaters or stand mixer
8. Air fryer with basket
9. Silicone spatula or tongs
10. Serving plate

FAQ

What kind of apples are best for these wedges?

Go with firm, crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith — they hold their shape and get nicely caramelized. Softer, mealy apples wont crisp up the same.

What temp and time do I use in the air fryer?

I usually do 375 F for about 10 to 12 minutes, shaking or flipping once around the 5 to 6 minute mark. If your wedges are smaller check earlier, bigger wedges need a couple extra minutes.

How do I stop the apples from browning after I cut them?

Toss the wedges right away with the tablespoon of lemon juice in the ingredients list. That keeps them looking fresh and wont change the flavor much.

Can I bake them instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, bake on a lined sheet at 400 F for 12 to 18 minutes, turning once. Theyll be slightly less crisp than air fried but still delicious.

How long can I store leftovers and can I reheat them?

Store apple wedges in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days, sauce separately for 24 to 48 hours. Reheat apples in the air fryer or oven at 350 F for 3 to 5 minutes to revive crispness; the whipped caramel might need a quick re-whip before serving.

Any easy swaps for the caramel whipped cream if I dont want dairy or its too sweet?

Use chilled coconut cream whipped with powdered sugar and vanilla for a dairy free version, or mix plain Greek yogurt with a little caramel for a tangy lighter dip. Store bought caramel or dulce de leche works fine too if you dont want to make it from scratch.

Air Fried Apple Wedges With Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): swap for firm pears like Bosc or Anjou, same cut and cook time, or use Fuji or Gala if you want sweeter fruit.
Lemon juice (to keep apples from browning): use the same amount of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, or orange juice for a milder, sweeter note.
Unsalted butter or neutral oil: try melted coconut oil for a hint of coconut, ghee for a nuttier richness, or avocado oil for a neutral high heat option.
Heavy whipping cream (for the caramel whipped cream): use chilled full fat coconut cream whipped until fluffy for dairy free, or beat mascarpone with a splash of milk to loosen it, or fold Greek yogurt with a little powdered sugar for a tangy lighter dip.

Pro Tips

1) Toss the apple wedges very lightly with a teaspoon of cornstarch or arrowroot before coating, it soaks up surface juice and helps the edges crisp instead of turning soggy.
2) Swap melted butter for brown butter if you want deeper, nutty flavor, just watch it so it doesnt burn — it makes the caramel notes sing.
3) To keep the caramel whipped cream stable for hours, fold in 2 tablespoons mascarpone or 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin (dissolved and cooled) after whipping, or use a bit more powdered sugar if you prefer a simpler fix.
4) For extra caramelization and texture, after air frying give the apples a quick hit in a hot cast-iron skillet or under the broiler for 30–90 seconds, watch them closely though they can go from perfect to burnt fast.
5) Finish with contrasts: toasted pecans or oats for crunch, a sprinkle of lemon zest to brighten, and a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on the caramel to make the flavors pop.

Air Fried Apple Wedges With Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce Recipe

Recipe by Sam Ecclestone

0.0 from 0 votes

I’m sharing my Air Fried Apple Wedges with a caramel whipped cream and one clever twist that puts a fresh spin on Fried Apples.

Servings

servings

Calories

406

kcal

Equipment: 1. Cutting board
2. Chef’s knife (or paring knife for coring and wedging apples)
3. Paper towels
4. Medium mixing bowl (for tossing the apples)
5. Whisk
6. Measuring cups and spoons
7. Electric hand mixer with chilled beaters or stand mixer
8. Air fryer with basket
9. Silicone spatula or tongs
10. Serving plate

Ingredients

4 medium apples, cored and cut into wedges (about 1 1/4 pounds), Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best
1 tablespoon lemon juice (to keep apples from browning)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, or 2 tablespoons neutral oil if you prefer
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, optional
1/8 teaspoon fine salt
1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling if you want
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of flaky sea salt or table salt, optional

Directions

Core and cut 4 medium apples into wedges, toss immediately with 1 tablespoon lemon juice to keep them from browning, then pat lightly with a paper towel so they arent too wet.
In a medium bowl whisk together 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (or oil), 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg if using, and 1/8 teaspoon fine salt.
Add the apple wedges to the bowl and toss until every wedge is coated with the cinnamon sugar butter mixture.
Preheat your air fryer to 375 F (190 C) for about 3 minutes.
Arrange apples in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding; cook 10 to 12 minutes, shaking or flipping the apples at about 5 to 6 minutes, until edges are browned and the centers are tender. Work in batches if needed so they crisp up instead of steaming.
While apples are cooking chill a mixing bowl and beaters for a few minutes in the freezer, then pour in 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream.
Add 3 tablespoons caramel sauce, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of flaky sea salt if you like; whip on medium high until soft to medium peaks form. Taste and stir in a bit more caramel if you want it sweeter.
When apples are done let them rest 1 to 2 minutes so they firm up slightly, then transfer to a serving plate.
Serve warm with the caramel whipped cream for dipping, and drizzle extra caramel on top and sprinkle flaky sea salt if desired.
Leftover tips: store whipped cream and apples separately in the fridge up to 2 days; reheat apples in the air fryer 3 to 4 minutes to re-crisp before serving.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.