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Air Fryer Apple Pie Baked Apples

Name: Air Fryer Apple Pie Baked Apples
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 package prepared pie crust; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon water (cold); 5 medium apples; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon milk

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: August 2, 2021

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Imagine pulling a whole apple from your air fryer — its skin tender and golden, a bubbling cinnamon-sugar lattice crust on top, sweet filling spilling down the sides. That’s exactly what these air fryer apple pie baked apples deliver, and they come together in under 40 minutes with just a handful of ingredients. No pie dish, no pastry skills, no fuss — just individual, show-stopping baked apples in air fryer style that taste like fall in every bite.

Air Fryer Apple Pie Baked Apples topped with a cinnamon-sugar crust, ready to enjoy.

My kids go absolutely crazy for these. They love helping weave the dough strips on top, and honestly, they look impressive enough to serve to guests. I’ve made them every autumn weekend since discovering this technique, and I promise: once you try baked apples in the air fryer, you’ll never go back to the oven.

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Fall Desserts, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER APPLE CHEDDAR BACON SCONES, AIR FRYER APPLE PIE EGG ROLLS, AIR FRYER APPLE TURNOVERS, and EASY AIR FRYER APPLE FRIES.

Air Fryer Apple Pie Baked Apples with cinnamon-sugar filling and a golden, crispy exterior.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in 35 minutes, start to finish — faster than heating up a full oven for pie
Each apple is its own individual serving with a flaky lattice top — no slicing or serving dish needed
Four simple pantry ingredients make the filling: cinnamon, sugar, vanilla, and cornstarch
Works with store-bought or homemade pie crust — both produce great results
Naturally gluten-free adaptable: just swap to a GF crust

Ingredients Needed

Pie Crust – A flaky, buttery crust that forms the base of the baked apple pie.
Cornstarch – Helps thicken the filling and creates a smooth texture.
Warm Water – Used to dissolve the cornstarch and create a smooth mixture.
Apples – The star of the dish, providing sweetness and texture, perfect for baking.
Ground Cinnamon – Adds a warm, aromatic spice that complements the apples beautifully.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the apple filling and enhances the natural flavors of the fruit.
Pure Vanilla Extract – Adds depth and a hint of sweetness to the overall flavor.
Egg – Provides a golden, glossy finish when brushed on the crust before baking.
Milk – Helps create a smooth, creamy consistency for the filling and crust.
Optional For Serving: Vanilla Ice Cream or Caramel Sauce

How to Make Air Fryer Apple Pie Baked Apples

Mixing cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then simmering apples with cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar in a saucepan.

Step 1: Make the filling Mix cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl. Dice one apple and add to a saucepan over medium-low heat with the cornstarch mixture, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Rolling out cold dough on a floured surface and cutting it into 1/3 inch wide strips with a pizza cutter.

Step 2: Prep the crust strips On a lightly floured surface, roll out the cold pie crust. Using a pizza cutter, slice into strips about ⅓ inch wide. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F for 5 minutes.

Cutting the tops off apples and using a spoon to remove the seeds and core before filling with pie filling.

Step 3: Core the apples Slice the tops off the remaining 4 apples. Using a spoon or melon baller, scoop out the core and seeds, leaving at least ¼ inch of flesh at the bottom to hold the filling in. Fill each cavity generously with the cinnamon-apple filling.

Topping filled apples with dough, weaving a lattice pattern, brushing with an egg/milk mixture, and sprinkling cinnamon sugar on top.

Step 4: Add the lattice top Lay pie crust strips over each apple — straight across or woven into a lattice. Trim any overhanging excess. Whisk the egg and milk together and brush over the tops. Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon sugar.

Placing apples into the air fryer basket and cooking until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling, then serving with caramel drizzle and vanilla ice cream.

Step 5: Air fry until golden Place apples in the air fryer basket. Cook at 320°F for 10–15 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown and the filling is visibly bubbling. Check at 10 minutes — size and air fryer models vary.

Step 6: Serve warm Serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. These are best eaten fresh while the crust is still crisp.

Air Fryer Apple Pie Baked Apples with a golden crust, cinnamon-sugar filling, and served with caramel drizzle and vanilla ice cream.

Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Apples

Keep the dough cold. Warm dough tears and shrinks. If it starts softening while you work, pop it back in the fridge for 5 minutes.
Don’t overfill. Fill the cavity level with the top of the apple — a heaping pile will bubble over and can stick to the air fryer basket.
Check for doneness visually. The crust should be deep gold, not pale. If your apples are large, add 3–5 extra minutes.
Use a melon baller for coring. It gives you much more control than a spoon and leaves a clean, even cavity.
Customize the filling. Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice, a tablespoon of raisins, or a handful of chopped pecans for variety.

Storing & Reheating

Refrigerate: Let cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap each apple individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes from the fridge, or 10–12 minutes from frozen. The crust crisps back up beautifully.

Air Fryer Apple Pie Baked Apples with a cinnamon-sugar filling, golden crust, and topped with caramel and vanilla ice cream.

Serving Suggestions

Air Fryer Apple Pie Baked in the Apple pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and toppings to elevate the dessert. Serve it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fluffy whipped cream to balance the warm, spiced apples. For added richness, drizzle caramel sauce over the top, or sprinkle with chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy contrast. For a lighter option, consider a spoonful of Greek yogurt to add a tangy twist. Pairing it with a warm beverage like chai tea or hot apple cider completes this cozy, comforting treat perfect for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best apples for baking in the air fryer? Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are the top choices. They’re firm enough to hold their shape through cooking and tart enough to balance the sweet filling. Avoid softer varieties like McIntosh, which can turn mushy.

Can I make the filling ahead of time? Yes — the filling can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Assemble and air fry just before serving.

Can I make this without an air fryer? Absolutely. Bake the stuffed apples in a conventional oven at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until the apples are fork-tender and the crust is golden. Cooking time may vary depending on apple size.

How do I stop the filling from leaking out? Two things: first, make sure you leave a solid base at the bottom of the apple when coring — at least ¼ inch thick. Second, don’t overfill. A level cavity is all you need; the filling expands as it heats.

Can I use pears instead of apples? Yes! Firm pears like Bosc work well. Reduce the cook time by 2–3 minutes and check early, as pears tend to soften faster than apples.

Golden brown Air Fryer Apple Pie Baked Apples topped with flaky crust, served with caramel drizzle and vanilla ice cream.

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