Gluten-Free Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Whoopie Pies
Soft, spiced cake rounds filled with cinnamon cream cheese frosting and studded with tender sauteed apples. These handheld treats combine the comfort of apple cinnamon flavors with the convenience of air fryer cooking. Perfect for fall gatherings, lunch boxes, or afternoon snacks. The cake mix base keeps preparation simple while the sauteed apple pieces add texture and concentrated apple flavor that sets these apart from typical whoopie pies.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mixspice cake mix1:1gluten-free
adds spice flavor
- ⅓ cup applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup apples, diced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 8 ounce cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 tablespoon butter, unsalted
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- 1
Combine cake mix, eggs, and applesauce in large mixing bowl until combined
- 2
Add diced apples and spices to small saucepan and saute over medium heat until apples have softened
- 3
Allow apple mixture to cool slightly and stir into cake batter
- 4
Fill whoopie pie cavities using whoopie pie pan or drop tablespoons of batter onto parchment paper working in batches
- 5
Set air fryer to 320 degrees and cook until whoopie pies are cooked through
- 6
Cool whoopie pie cakes on wire rack while preparing filling
- 7
Add cream cheese, butter, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and cream to large mixing bowl and beat until smooth with electric or stand mixer
- 8
Fill piping bag with cream filling and pipe onto one cake, top with another to create whoopie pie
- 9
Serve and enjoy
Tips
Saute apples until just tender to prevent them from becoming mushy in the final whoopie pies and concentrate their flavor.
Cool apple mixture before adding to batter to prevent eggs from cooking and ensure even distribution throughout.
Use piping bag for clean, professional-looking filling application and consistent portion control between whoopie pies.
Good to Know
Store assembled whoopie pies in refrigerator up to 3 days in airtight container.
Bake cakes up to 2 days ahead and store covered. Make filling day of assembly.
Serve at room temperature for best texture and flavor.
Common Mistakes
Don't overmix batter to avoid tough cakes.
Cool apple mixture completely to prevent eggs from scrambling.
Don't overfill air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
Gluten-Free Swaps
adds spice flavor
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes, bake at 350F for 10-12 minutes in regular oven using whoopie pie pan or baking sheet.
How long do these keep?
Store assembled whoopie pies in refrigerator up to 3 days or freeze unfilled cakes up to 1 month.
Can I use fresh apples instead of sauteed?
Sauteed apples work better as raw apples release moisture during baking and may make cakes soggy.