Description: Crispy and sweet air-fried apple wedges dusted with cinnamon sugar, served with a rich caramel whipped cream dipping sauce—an easy, delightful treat! This recipe brings together the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples and the decadent sweetness of caramel in a light, delightful dessert. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for those cozy nights when you crave something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Apple Wedges:
- 3 large apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), sliced into wedges
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: extra caramel drizzle for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Apples:
Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Using a sharp knife or an apple corer, remove the core from each apple. Cut each apple into even wedges, about ½-inch thick. Uniformity in size ensures they cook evenly in the air fryer. Place the apple wedges in a large bowl.
Step 2: Coat the Apple Wedges:
In a separate small bowl, melt the butter. Pour the melted butter over the apple wedges in the large bowl. Toss gently to coat all the apple slices evenly. This helps the cinnamon sugar adhere properly and adds a subtle richness to the apples during air frying.
Step 3: Mix Cinnamon Sugar:
In another small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well to ensure the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. This cinnamon sugar mixture is the secret to the delightful flavor of the apple wedges, providing both sweetness and warmth.
Step 4: Apply Cinnamon Sugar to Apples:
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the butter-coated apple wedges. Toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring each apple slice is well coated with the cinnamon sugar. The cinnamon sugar should adhere nicely to the buttery surface of the apple wedges.
Step 5: Prepare the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures the apples begin cooking immediately once placed in the air fryer, resulting in a crispier texture. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, simply run it at the specified temperature for a few minutes before adding the apples.
Step 6: Arrange Apple Wedges:
Carefully arrange the apple wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking. If necessary, cook the apple wedges in batches to ensure each wedge gets enough hot air circulation for optimal crispness.
Instructions:
Step 1: Air Fry the Apple Wedges:
Place the basket in the air fryer and set the timer for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time (around 4-5 minutes), remove the basket and gently shake or flip the apple wedges. This ensures they cook evenly on all sides.
Step 2: Check for Doneness:
Check the apple wedges for doneness after 8 minutes. They should be tender when pierced with a fork and slightly crisp around the edges. If they need more time, continue air frying for an additional 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning.
Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Whipped Cream:
While the apple wedges are air frying, prepare the caramel whipped cream dipping sauce. In a mixing bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream. Using an electric mixer (either a stand mixer or a hand mixer), begin whipping the cream on medium speed.
Step 4: Whip the Cream:
Continue whipping the heavy cream until soft peaks begin to form. Soft peaks are formed when the cream holds its shape but the tips curl over slightly when the beaters are lifted.
Step 5: Incorporate Caramel and Vanilla:
Once soft peaks have formed, gently fold in the caramel sauce and vanilla extract. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the whipped cream to become stiff and lose its light, airy texture. Fold until the caramel sauce and vanilla are evenly distributed throughout the whipped cream.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve:
Once the apple wedges are done, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly for a minute or two. Serve the warm apple wedges immediately with the caramel whipped cream dipping sauce on the side. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the apple wedges and dipping sauce for an added touch of decadence, if desired.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce recipe is a winner for several reasons:
- Quick and Easy: It takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight dessert or a spontaneous treat.
- Healthier Alternative: Air frying significantly reduces the amount of oil used compared to traditional frying methods, making it a healthier option.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The warm, spiced apples paired with the sweet and creamy caramel dipping sauce create a delightful flavor combination that appeals to all ages.
- Versatile: This recipe can be easily adapted to suit your preferences. Use different apple varieties, experiment with various spices, or try different dipping sauces.
- Impressive Presentation: The warm apple wedges drizzled with caramel and served with a dollop of caramel whipped cream look elegant and inviting, making it a great dessert for guests.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the apple wedges warm as a dessert.
- Enjoy them as a snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an even more indulgent treat.
- Garnish with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt for added texture and flavor.
- Serve as part of a dessert platter alongside other fruits and sweets.
Tips:
- Choose the Right Apples: Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples are excellent choices for air frying, as they hold their shape well and offer a balance of sweetness and tartness. However, other apple varieties like Fuji or Gala can also be used.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook the apple wedges in batches to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer. Keep an eye on the apples and adjust the time as needed.
- Make Ahead: The caramel whipped cream can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Experiment with Spices: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a unique flavor twist.
- Homemade Caramel Sauce: For an even more delicious dipping sauce, consider making your own caramel sauce. It’s surprisingly easy and adds a richer, more complex flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Protein: 1 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
Conclusion:
The Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting and delicious dessert without a lot of effort. It’s simple, customizable, and sure to become a family favorite. The combination of warm, cinnamon-spiced apples and creamy caramel is simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight treat or a simple dessert for guests, this recipe delivers on flavor and satisfaction. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the sweet and crispy goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q1: Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples are highly recommended due to their texture and flavor, you can certainly use other varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn. Just keep in mind that softer apples may become slightly mushier during air frying, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q2: Can I make the caramel whipped cream ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make the caramel whipped cream ahead of time. Prepare it as directed in the recipe and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a gentle whisk before serving to re-incorporate any separated liquids.
Q3: What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake the apples in the oven?
A: Yes, you can bake the apple wedges in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the apple wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender and slightly caramelized, flipping them halfway through.
Q4: Can I use a sugar substitute instead of granulated sugar?
A: Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia blend in place of granulated sugar. Just be sure to use a 1:1 substitution ratio. Keep in mind that some sugar substitutes may affect the texture and browning of the apples.
Q5: How do I store leftover apple wedges?
A: Leftover apple wedges can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, they will lose some of their crispness over time. To reheat, you can briefly air fry them or bake them in the oven until warmed through. The caramel whipped cream should also be stored separately in the refrigerator.
