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If you’re craving a snack that’s both nourishing and irresistibly flavorful, you’re going to love this recipe. Air Fried Apple Wedges: A Healthy and Delicious Snack Recipe transforms humble apples into tender, lightly caramelized wedges bursting with warm cinnamon and just the right touch of sweetness. It’s that perfect balance between health-conscious and crave-worthy, making it an ideal treat for any time of the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet so important to achieving the perfect flavor and texture in your apple wedges. Each one plays a distinct role in making this snack a standout, from the tart brightness of lemon juice to the comforting warmth of cinnamon.
- 4 medium-sized apples: Choose Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for a sweeter bite that holds up beautifully in the air fryer.
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar: Adds just the right mellow sweetness and helps with caramelization.
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon: Brings that cozy, aromatic spice that pairs like a dream with apples.
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice: Keeps the apple wedges from browning and adds a subtle zing.
- 1 tablespoon of melted butter or coconut oil: Helps the spices stick and adds a touch of richness—choose coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg (optional): Offers a deeper spice warmth that’s totally optional but highly recommended.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors without being salty.
- Cooking spray or oil: For greasing the air fryer basket to keep those wedges from sticking and ensure a perfect crisp.
How to Make Air Fried Apple Wedges: A Healthy and Delicious Snack Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Apples
Start by washing your apples thoroughly to remove any wax or pesticide residue. Dry them well with a kitchen towel—dry apples roast better than wet ones. Core the apples and slice them into around 8 wedges each, about half an inch thick. This uniformity helps them cook evenly and achieve that perfect tender-crisp texture.
Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Coating
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg if using, and a pinch of salt. Then drizzle the wedges with fresh lemon juice, which brightens the flavor and keeps the wedges from turning brown. Pour the melted butter or coconut oil over the apples and toss everything gently with the sugar-spice mixture ensuring every wedge is coated in that delicious blend.
Step 3: Ready the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 3 to 5 minutes. Meanwhile, lightly spray or oil the basket so the wedges won’t stick. This simple step is key to easy clean-up and perfect wedges.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Arrange the apple wedges in a single layer inside the basket—don’t overcrowd as this prevents even cooking. If necessary, cook in batches. Set the timer for 10 minutes. Halfway through, pause and shake the basket gently. This little shake helps each wedge crisp up evenly. After 10 minutes, check the texture and if you want them crisper, just add a few more minutes but watch closely so they don’t burn.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Remove your perfectly air fried apple wedges with care using tongs or a spatula. Transfer to a serving plate and if desired, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or brown sugar for some added flair before serving.
How to Serve Air Fried Apple Wedges: A Healthy and Delicious Snack Recipe
Garnishes
To make these wedges truly showstopper-worthy, try sprinkling them with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of honey, or a dollop of Greek yogurt. A light sprinkle of toasted nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts adds crunch and a nutty contrast.
Side Dishes
These apple wedges pair beautifully with creamy sides such as vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert-style snack. For a wholesome twist, try them alongside a bowl of oatmeal or cottage cheese, balancing the sweetness with protein-rich foods.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel like jazzing up your snack? Serve the wedges in mini dessert bowls with a caramel dipping sauce on the side or layer them in parfait glasses with granola and yogurt for a stunning breakfast or brunch option. They’re also fantastic wrapped inside a warm cinnamon tortilla for a quick snack wrap.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay nicely for about 2 to 3 days and are perfect for a quick snack or topping various dishes.
Freezing
While air fried apple wedges are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them for up to a month by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat straight from frozen for a convenient treat.
Reheating
The air fryer shines here again: reheat the wedges at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes to bring back their crispness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture perfect.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Different apples will give you varied sweetness and texture. Granny Smith offers tartness and firmness, while sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji create a milder, softer wedge. Experiment to find your favorite.
Is it necessary to use lemon juice on the apples?
Lemon juice helps prevent browning and adds a refreshing tang that balances the sweetness. While you can skip it, your wedges may darken a little before cooking, so it’s recommended for the best look and taste.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Just swap the melted butter for coconut oil or any plant-based oil, and ensure your other add-ons like whipped cream are vegan-friendly to keep the snack fully plant-based.
How do I know when the apple wedges are done?
The wedges should be tender enough to pierce easily with a fork but still hold their shape, and you’ll notice a slightly caramelized, golden exterior. Cooking times may vary by air fryer model, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.
Can I add other spices or toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with ground ginger, cloves, or even a sprinkle of chili powder for a kick. On top, consider nuts, seeds, or a drizzle of nut butter for extra flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Give Air Fried Apple Wedges: A Healthy and Delicious Snack Recipe a go next time you want something cozy and wholesome to nibble on. It’s such an easy, satisfying way to enjoy apples at their best, with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. I promise once you try this, it’ll become one of your favorite go-to snacks to share with friends and family!
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Air Fried Apple Wedges: A Healthy and Delicious Snack Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-13 minutes
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Air Fried Apple Wedges are a healthy and delicious snack, featuring tender apple slices coated in cinnamon, brown sugar, and a hint of nutmeg, then air fried to perfection. This quick and easy recipe provides a warm, naturally sweet treat that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with ice cream or caramel sauce.
Ingredients
Apples
- 4 medium-sized apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Seasoning Mix
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free option)
- Cooking spray or additional oil for greasing the air fryer basket
Instructions
- Wash the apples: Thoroughly rinse the apples under running water to remove any wax or pesticides, ensuring a clean base for your wedges.
- Dry the apples: Use a kitchen towel to pat the apples dry, preventing excess moisture that could affect coating.
- Core and slice: Core the apples using an apple corer or knife, then slice each apple into approximately 8 wedges about 1/2 inch thick, removing seeds.
- Prepare the seasoning mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg if using, and a pinch of salt.
- Add lemon juice: Drizzle lemon juice over the apple wedges to enhance flavor and prevent browning.
- Coat with butter: Pour melted butter or coconut oil over the apple wedges to help the sugar and spices adhere well.
- Toss apples in seasoning: Sprinkle the sugar-spice mixture over the wedges and gently toss until all slices are evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare the basket: Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange and cook apples: Place apple wedges in a single layer inside the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through at 5 minutes for even cooking.
- Check and crisp: After 10 minutes, check the texture. For crisper wedges, air fry an additional 2-3 minutes, monitoring to prevent burning.
- Remove and serve: Carefully take the apple wedges out using tongs or a spatula. Transfer them to a serving platter and optionally sprinkle with extra cinnamon or brown sugar.
- Serve warm: Enjoy your warm apple wedges as is, or pair with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce for a decadent touch.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet varieties like Honeycrisp for balanced flavor.
- Adjust sugar and spices to taste for a lighter or more robust coating.
- Cooking times may vary depending on air fryer model and apple thickness; watch closely towards the end.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute melted butter with coconut oil.
- Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be reheated gently in the air fryer.
