These Air Fryer Caramel Apple Muffins are soft, moist, and packed with sweet apple chunks and gooey caramel. Quick and easy to make, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack any time of day.
Bring a taste of fall into your kitchen with these Air Fryer Caramel Apple Muffins.
Soft and fluffy, filled with tender apple pieces and drizzled with rich caramel, they’re an easy way to enjoy a cozy, bakery-style treat without turning on the oven.
Perfect for breakfast, a sweet snack, or even brunch, these muffins are quick to make and sure to impress.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Soft and Moist: Each bite is tender, fluffy, and melts in your mouth.
- Packed with Apple Chunks: Sweet, juicy pieces in every single muffin.
- Rich Caramel Flavor: Drizzled caramel adds indulgent sweetness without overpowering.
- Quick and Easy: Air fryer makes baking faster and mess-free.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or cozy treats.
Ingredients Needed
- All-Purpose Flour: Make sure you sift the flour for the best texture for these muffins. You can also prepare these muffins gluten-free by using gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- Applesauce: Use unsweetened applesauce.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter.
- Baking Powder: Helps your muffin rise.
- Granulated Sugar: You can also use a sugar substitute.
- Eggs: Use large, room-temperature eggs
- Apples: Use your favorite apples, peel and dice them.
- Seasonings/Spices: Lemon Juice, Ground Cinnamon, Salt, and Vanilla Extract.
How To Make Air Fryer Caramel Apple Muffins
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the peeled, diced apples with lemon juice and toss to coat. Set aside. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and spices until evenly combined.
Step 2: In another bowl, combine the eggs, applesauce, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Gently fold the prepared apple pieces into the batter, being careful not to crush them.
Step Three: Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly spray with cooking spray. Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the muffin batter.
Step Four: Place the muffin tin in the air fryer basket. Set air fryer temperature to 320 degrees F and set cook time for 10-12 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Air Fryer Caramel Apple Muffins Recipe Tips
- Use fresh or frozen apples: Peel and dice apples evenly for consistent cooking.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Fold ingredients gently to keep muffins soft and fluffy.
- Check air fryer fit: Ensure muffin tin or silicone liners fit comfortably for even cooking.
- Optional streusel topping: Adds a sweet, crunchy layer for extra texture.
- Serve warm: Muffins taste best fresh from the air fryer or slightly cooled.
Storing Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days; warm briefly before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap muffins individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave 20–30 seconds before eating.
Baking Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare muffin cups by greasing or lining them with paper/silicone liners. Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with batter, sprinkle with streusel topping if desired, and bake for 20–25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, then let cool slightly before serving.
Air Fryer Caramel Apple Muffins Recipe Faqs
Can I use frozen apples? Yes, just fold them in gently and pat dry if too wet.
How do I prevent sticking? Use silicone liners or lightly spray muffin tins with cooking spray.
Can I make these without a streusel topping? Absolutely, they’re still moist and flavorful without the topping.
How long do muffins last? Store at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerate up to 5 days, or freeze up to 2 months.
How do I know when they’re done? Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
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Air Fryer Caramel Apple Muffins
Description
Ingredients
Apple Cinnamon Muffins:
- 1 cup apples, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1/2 cup butter, unsalted and melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Streusel Topping
- 1/4 cup butter, unsalted and melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup pecans, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the diced (peeled) 1 cup apples with the 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and toss to coat. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoon baking powder, 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, and mix well. And in another bowl, add the wet ingredients, the2 large eggs 1 cup unsweetened apple sauce, 1/2 cup butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient and mix well. Fold in the apples. Line your muffin tin with paper muffin liners, or spray them with cooking spray. Fill the muffin tin, about 2/3 the way full.
- In a small bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup butter, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup pecans, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Sprinkle the streusel topping on top, and then set the muffin tin into the air fryer basket, set the air fryer temperature to 320 degrees F, and set cook time for 10-12 minutes, using the air fryer setting.
Equipment
- Muffin Tin
- Muffin Liners
Nutrition
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Suzanne Boos
I had to cook them an extra few minutes. They are delicious. The topping is crunchy. I added raisins and they were great.