Air Fryer Baked Apples with Oats

Learn to make Air Fryer Baked Apples with Oats for a quick and healthy dessert that everyone loves. This delightful treat is bursting with cinnamon flavor and features a crunchy, sweet oat filling. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, these baked apples are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for last-minute cravings.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with oats and fresh apples, this dessert is nutritious and guilt-free.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them warm as a dessert or chilled as a snack; they’re delicious either way!
• Customizable Flavors: Feel free to add nuts, dried fruit, or spices to the oat filling for extra flair.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun way to get kids involved in the kitchen while enjoying a healthy treat!

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin, gather your tools to make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or melon baller
• Nonstick cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: Cooks the apples evenly while providing that perfect baked texture without excess oil.
• Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining your oat filling ingredients easily.
• Spoon or melon baller: Helps in hollowing out the apples neatly for stuffing.
• Nonstick cooking spray: Prevents the apples from sticking to the basket during the cooking process.

Ingredients

For the Baked Apples

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 3 Red or green apples

For the Oat Filling

• 1/3 cup rolled oats (gluten-free, if necessary)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar or coconut sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

How to Make Air Fryer Baked Apples with Oats

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Spray the inside of your air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

1. Wash your apples thoroughly.
2. Cut each apple in half.
3. Use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the seeds and core from each apple half.

Step 3: Pre-Bake the Apples

Lay the apple halves skin side down in the air fryer basket. If they do not sit flat, slice a tiny amount off their skin to help balance them. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes to soften.

Step 4: Make the Oat Filling

While the apples are baking:
1. In a small bowl, combine rolled oats, melted coconut oil, brown sugar (or coconut sugar), and ground cinnamon.
2. Stir well until fully combined.

Step 5: Stuff the Apples

After 10 minutes of baking:
1. Open the air fryer basket carefully.
2. Use a spoon to divide the oat mixture between each apple half (about 1½ tablespoons per half).

Step 6: Final Baking of Apples

Close the air fryer and cook the stuffed apples for an additional 10 minutes until tender.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Let your Air Fryer Baked Apples cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this warm dessert on its own or with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream!

How to Serve Air Fryer Baked Apples with Oats

Air Fryer Baked Apples with Oats make for a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the warm baked apples.
• Coconut milk ice cream: A dairy-free option that complements the coconut oil in the recipe.

Topped with Yogurt

• Greek yogurt: Adds a tangy flavor and extra protein to your dessert.
• Dairy-free yogurt: A great choice for those following vegan or dairy-free diets.

Drizzled with Maple Syrup

• Pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that enhances the cinnamon flavor of the apples.
• Honey: For non-vegan options, honey adds a lovely sweetness.

Sprinkled with Nuts

• Chopped walnuts: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Sliced almonds: Toasted almonds can bring an extra layer of taste.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Baked Apples with Oats

To achieve the best results with your Air Fryer Baked Apples, follow these tips for perfecting your recipe.

• Choose the right apples: Select firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for optimal texture and flavor.
• Don’t overfill: Be cautious not to pack too much oat mixture into each apple half; it can overflow during cooking.
• Check doneness: Use a fork to test if the apples are tender before serving; they should be soft but not mushy.
• Adjust sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of sugar based on your personal preference or dietary needs.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Baked Apples with Oats

Pairing side dishes with Air Fryer Baked Apples can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options:

1. Cinnamon-Spiced Quinoa: A protein-packed grain that echoes the flavors of the baked apples.
2. Vanilla Chia Pudding: Creamy and nutritious, this pudding adds a satisfying contrast.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness complements the baked apples beautifully.
4. Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad balances the richness of the dessert and adds crunch.
5. Granola Bars: These chewy snacks make for a great treat alongside your warm dessert.
6. Herbed Rice: Fluffy rice infused with herbs provides a savory backdrop to the sweet apples.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing Air Fryer Baked Apples with Oats. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the Cooking Spray – Not using nonstick cooking spray can lead to sticking, making it hard to remove the apples from the basket. Always spray your air fryer basket before placing the apples inside.

• Overstuffing the Apples – Filling the apple halves too much can cause them to overflow during cooking. Stick to about 1 ½ tablespoons of the oat mixture per apple half for best results.

• Not Prepping the Apples Properly – Failing to scoop out enough of the core can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure you remove all seeds and core from each apple half for even baking.

• Ignoring Cooking Times – Cooking for too long or too short can affect texture. Follow the recommended times closely for perfectly baked apples that are soft yet still hold their shape.

• Using Non-Gluten-Free Oats – If you’re following a gluten-free diet, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats. Regular oats contain gluten, which may not be suitable for some diets.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Air Fryer Baked Apples with Oats

• Place cooled apples in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Baked Apples with Oats

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.

• Microwave – Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds, checking frequently until warm.

• Stovetop – Place in a skillet over medium heat, cover, and warm for approximately 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Air Fryer Baked Apples with Oats that may help you along the way.

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes! Pears or peaches work well as alternatives in this recipe, providing similar sweetness and texture.

How do I make these Air Fryer Baked Apples with Oats vegan?

This recipe is already vegan-friendly by using coconut oil and brown sugar. Just ensure all ingredients are plant-based!

Can I add nuts to the oat filling?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add great flavor and crunch to your oat filling.

How do I know when my apples are done?

The apples should be soft but not mushy when they’re done cooking. Check after each cooking time to achieve your preferred tenderness.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Baked Apples with Oats make a delightful dessert that’s easy and healthy. This versatile recipe allows you to experiment with different fruits or toppings like nuts and dried fruits. Give it a try, and enjoy a warm treat that everyone will love!