Air Fryer Applesauce

Yummy! Air Fryer Applesauce! Are you looking for a simple and delicious way to enjoy applesauce? Try making it in your air fryer! This air fryer method gives you a rich, flavorful applesauce with minimal effort.

Perfect as a healthy snack or a versatile ingredient in various recipes, air fryer applesauce is quick to prepare and brings out the natural sweetness of the apples. No need for added sugar or preservatives—just pure apple goodness. Check out the recipe below and experience the ease and taste of homemade applesauce straight from your air fryer.

If you love easy Air Fryer Fruit Recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Candied Lemon, Air Fryer Peach Pie, or Air Fryer Baked Apples.

Why Make Applesauce In Air Fryer

• Quick and Efficient: The air fryer significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional stovetop or oven methods.
• Enhanced Flavor: Cooking apples in the air fryer helps to caramelize the natural sugars in the apples, enhancing their sweetness and flavor without the need for added sugars or sweeteners.
• Easy Cleanup: Using an air fryer minimizes the mess compared to stove or oven methods. The non-stick basket is easy to clean, and there are fewer dishes to wash.
• Versatile Usage: Air fryer applesauce can be used as a snack, a topping for pancakes or oatmeal, or an ingredient in baking recipes.
• Consistent Results: The controlled environment of an air fryer ensures consistent cooking results, producing evenly cooked, tender apples every time.
• Fun and Innovative: Making applesauce in an air fryer is a fun way to utilize this versatile kitchen appliance.

Ingredients Needed

• Apples: Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for a balanced flavor. They provide the natural sweetness and texture of the applesauce.
• Cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm, spicy flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the apples. It enhances the overall taste of the applesauce.
• Lemon Juice (optional): A splash of lemon juice can help to preserve the color of the applesauce and add a slight tanginess to balance the sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: For added sweetness, you can also use a sugar substitute. Adjust to taste.
• Water: A small amount of water helps to steam the apples, ensuring they become tender and easy to mash. It also helps prevent the apples from drying out during cooking.

How To Make Applesauce In Air Fryer

Step One: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small, even-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly in the air fryer.

Step Two: Place the chopped apples in an oven-safe bowl. Add a small amount of water (about 1/4 cup) to help steam the apples. Season with lemon juice, brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set the bowl into the air fryer basket, cover tightly with foil. Set the air fryer temperature to 375 degrees F (190°C) and set cook time for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring the apples halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step Three: The apples should be tender and easily mashable. If they are not tender enough, cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Step Four: Transfer the cooked apples to a bowl. Use a fork, potato masher, or immersion blender to mash the apples to your desired consistency. For a smoother applesauce, blend until completely smooth.

Step Five: Stir in the cinnamon, brown sugar, and lemon juice, if using. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Step Six: Allow the applesauce to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

Recipe Variations

• Cinnamon Spice: Add extra ground cinnamon for warmth.
• Berry Blend: Mix in fresh or frozen berries while cooking.
• Vanilla Twist: Stir in a splash of vanilla extract.
• Maple Delight: Sweeten with pure maple syrup instead of sugar.
• Tropical Touch: Add diced mango or pineapple for sweetness.
• Nutty Flavor: Top with chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
• Zesty Citrus: Add lemon or orange zest for bright flavor.

Air Fryer Applesauce Recipe Tips

• Use a Variety of Apples: For a balanced flavor, combine sweet apples (like Fuji or Gala) with tart apples (such as Granny Smith) for the best results.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the apples before adding sugar, as some varieties are naturally sweeter than others. You can always adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar.
• Don’t Overcrowd: For even cooking, ensure the apples are spread out in a single layer in the bowl, leaving enough room for air circulation.
• Add Flavor Variations: For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla extract to the applesauce.
• Check Consistency: For chunky applesauce, mash with a fork or potato masher. For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender or regular blender.
• Use a Foil Cover: Covering the bowl with foil helps retain moisture and steams the apples, preventing them from drying out.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices, like cloves or allspice, to customize your applesauce.

Storing

• Storing: Once cooled, store your homemade Air Fryer applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing to avoid excess moisture buildup.
• Freezing: To freeze, portion the applesauce into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving room for expansion. Label with the date, and it will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Reheating: Reheat frozen applesauce in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until warm. You can also reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water if it thickens too much.

Air Fryer Applesauce Recipe Faqs

Can I use any type of apple for applesauce? Yes, you can use any type of apple, but for a sweeter applesauce, try using Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp apples. For a more tart version, Granny Smith apples work great.

Do I need to peel the apples? It’s recommended to peel the apples to get a smoother texture. However, if you prefer a chunkier applesauce, leaving the skins on is fine.

Can I sweeten my applesauce with something other than sugar? Yes, you can use honey, maple syrup, or stevia to sweeten your applesauce to taste.

How do I make the applesauce smoother or chunkier? For a smoother consistency, blend the cooked apples until completely smooth. For a chunkier texture, use a fork or potato masher to mash the apples to your preference.

Can I make a larger batch of applesauce? Yes, you can double or triple the ingredients, but be mindful of your air fryer’s capacity. You may need to cook it in batches to ensure the apples cook evenly.

Can I add spices to my applesauce? Absolutely! You can add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cloves for extra flavor. Experiment with the spices to create your favorite variation.

Can I make applesauce without adding water? While water helps with steaming the apples, you can reduce the amount or substitute with apple juice for more flavor.

Can I reheat my applesauce in the air fryer? Yes, you can reheat the applesauce in the air fryer at a lower temperature (around 350°F) for a few minutes, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Banana Chips
• AIR FRYER DEHYDRATED BLUEBERRIES
• AIR FRYER FRIED APPLE FRIES
• AIR FRYER APPLE DUMPLINGS

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