Quick Air Fryer Baked Apples with Oat Walnut Filling
Tender baked apples filled with a warm mixture of oats, raisins, walnuts, and cinnamon, cooked to perfection in the air fryer. The filling creates a delightful contrast of textures while the apples become perfectly soft and caramelized. This comforting dessert captures the essence of fall flavors and makes an excellent healthy treat for family dinners or when you want something sweet without the guilt. The air fryer method cuts cooking time significantly while maintaining the traditional baked apple experience.
Ingredients
- 4 small apples
- ¼ cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 3 tablespoon raisins
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon walnuts, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- 1
Trim apple bottoms to level if needed for stability
- 2
Cut tops off apples and set aside
- 3
Scoop out cores with melon baller or paring knife, leaving thick shell with intact bottom
- 4
Mix oats, raisins, brown sugar, walnuts, and cinnamon in medium bowl
- 5
Drizzle melted butter over mixture and toss to coat
- 6
Spoon oat mixture into each apple cavity
- 7
Preheat air fryer if needed
- 8
Line air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper
- 9
Place stuffed apples in basket and replace tops
- 10
Air-fry until apples are tender
Tips
Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith that will hold their shape during cooking and provide nice texture contrast with the filling.
Save time by mixing the filling ingredients while the air fryer preheats, and keep apple tops nearby so they don't get misplaced.
Good to Know
Refrigerate up to 3 days covered. Best served warm.
Stuff apples up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Common Mistakes
Don't scoop cores too thin or apples will collapse during cooking.
Line the basket with foil to prevent filling from burning if it falls out.
Substitutions
Nut-Free Alternatives
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use different apple varieties?
Yes, firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala work best as they hold their shape during cooking.
What if I don't have an air fryer?
Bake in a 375°F oven for 35-40 minutes until tender, covering with foil if tops brown too quickly.
How long do these keep?
Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat in air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore texture.