Air Fryer Upside Down Caramel Apple Cake

This Air Fryer Upside Down Caramel Apple Cake features tender apples and rich caramel baked beneath a soft, fluffy cake. Made quickly in the air fryer, it’s an easy and comforting dessert perfect for any occasion.

This Air Fryer Upside Down Caramel Apple Cake is a cozy, homemade dessert that combines tender, caramel-coated apples with a soft, fluffy cake.

Made right in the air fryer, it’s quick, easy, and perfect for when you want a warm, comforting treat without turning on the oven.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Quick and Easy: Made in the air fryer for faster baking with less effort.
• Warm and Comforting: Loaded with tender apples and rich caramel flavor.
• No Oven Needed: Perfect for when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
• Beautiful Presentation: The caramel apple topping looks stunning when flipped.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for dessert, holidays, or a cozy weekend treat.

Ingredients Needed

• Light brown sugar: Adds rich sweetness and caramel-like depth
• Butter: Unsalted butter provides richness and smooth texture
• Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with warm, sweet aroma
• Ground cinnamon: Warm spice that complements apples perfectly
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor
• Apples: Fresh apples sliced into tender, juicy wedges
• All-purpose flour: Forms the base structure of the cake
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise light and fluffy
• Kosher salt: Enhances sweetness and balances cake flavors
• Ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice to the cake batter
• Ground nutmeg: Brings subtle warmth and depth of flavor
• Butter: Creates moist, rich, tender cake texture
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add structure and moisture
• Milk: Adds moisture for soft, tender cake crumb
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and balances flavors
• Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and subtle caramel notes
• Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and overall cake flavor

How To Make Air Fryer Upside Down Caramel Apple Cake

Step One: Preheat your air fryer temperature to 320 degrees F and grease a cake pan or springform pan.

Step Two: Melt the butter, brown sugar, vanilla cinnamon, and salt in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Step Three: Pour the caramel sauce into the bottom of your prepared pan. Arrange the apple wedges on top of the caramel sauce in the pan.

Step Four: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl until combined. Use an electric or hand mixer to blend the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy in a large bowl. Stir in the eggs one at a time until combined. Add in the vanilla, followed by half of the dry ingredients until incorporated—mix in the remaining dry ingredients, followed by the milk, until just combined. 

Step Five: Spread the batter over the caramel apple mixture.

Step Six: Set cook time for 20-30 minutes, at 320 degrees F, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. If the toothpick comes out with uncooked batter, return to the air fryer and bake for several more minutes.

Air Fryer Upside Down Caramel Apple Cake Recipe Tips

• Choose firm apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for air fryer baking.
• Evenly slice apples: Ensures uniform cooking and a consistent caramel layer.
• Grease the pan well: Prevents sticking and makes flipping the cake easier.
• Check doneness early: Air fryer times may vary; start checking at 20 minutes.
• Cool slightly before flipping: Helps the caramel and apples stay intact.
• Use room temperature ingredients: Butter, eggs, and milk blend more smoothly.
• Optional toppings: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of ice cream.

Storing Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store cooled cake in an airtight container for 1–2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat slightly before serving.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: Warm in the air fryer at 300°F for 3–5 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds until warmed through.

Air Fryer Upside Down Caramel Apple Cake Recipe Faqs

Can I use a different type of apple? Yes, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work well. Choose firm apples to maintain their shape.

Do I have to use the air fryer? No, you can bake this cake in the oven at 350°F until golden brown, about 35–40 minutes.

How do I prevent the caramel from sticking? Grease the pan thoroughly and let the cake cool slightly before flipping.

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the apples and caramel in advance, then assemble and bake when ready.

Can I add nuts or other toppings? Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or a scoop of ice cream on top make it extra delicious.

Is this recipe gluten-free? Not as written, but you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.

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