Air Fryer “Baked” Apples with Dairy-Free Ice Cream: Your Ultimate Gluten-Free Fall Treat

Thank you to Cosmic Bliss for partnering on this post! All opinions are my own.

As autumn leaves begin to change and a crispness fills the air, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of baked apples wafting through your home. This recipe for air fryer “baked” apples offers all the nostalgic flavors of a classic fall dessert, but with a modern twist that makes it incredibly quick and easy. Perfect for a cozy evening, these tender, spiced apples are elevated with a generous scoop of creamy dairy-free ice cream, creating a delightful gluten-free and dairy-free indulgence that everyone can enjoy.

Baked apples have long been a quintessential fall staple, gracing tables in pies, crumbles, and as simple standalone treats. Here in Dallas, TX, where the warm weather often lingers into autumn, I sought a way to enjoy this beloved dessert without heating up the entire kitchen. The solution? My trusty air fryer! This ingenious appliance transforms fresh apples into perfectly tender, flavorful “baked” delights with minimal effort and in a fraction of the time. The result is a soft, aromatic apple dish, bursting with sweet and spiced notes, making it an ideal canvas for a dollop of your favorite dairy-free ice cream.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Air Fryer Apple Dessert

• Instant Autumn Comfort: This dessert truly embodies the essence of fall. The warm, spiced apples, especially when paired with a rich caramel or classic vanilla ice cream, create a comforting experience that’s both familiar and incredibly satisfying. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those cooler evenings.
• Effortless Preparation: Forget the lengthy baking times and extensive clean-up of traditional apple pies or crisps. This air fryer method streamlines the process, delivering all the delicious flavors you crave with significantly less fuss. It’s an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or when you need a quick dessert fix.
• Dietary Friendly: Catering to various dietary needs, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. By choosing plant-based ice cream and using naturally gluten-free ingredients, it ensures that those with sensitivities or dietary preferences can enjoy a truly decadent dessert without compromise.
• Quick Cook Time: The air fryer drastically cuts down cooking time compared to an oven. You can have warm, tender apples ready in under 15 minutes, making it an excellent last-minute dessert option.
• Less Energy Consumption: Using an air fryer is often more energy-efficient than preheating and operating a full-sized oven, which is a bonus for both your utility bill and keeping your kitchen cool.

Essential Ingredients for These Heavenly Air Fryer Apples

Crafting these delectable “baked” apples requires a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the incredible flavor and texture of this fall favorite.

• Apples: The star of our show! I highly recommend using large honey crisp apples for their ideal balance of sweetness and tartness, and their crisp texture that softens beautifully when cooked. However, other firm apple varieties like Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith (if you prefer a tangier profile) will also work wonderfully. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly for smaller or softer apples.
• Coconut Sugar and Coconut Oil (or Ghee): This dynamic duo creates a luscious, caramelized coating for the apples, enhancing their natural sweetness and adding a rich, buttery depth of flavor. Coconut oil is a fantastic plant-based option, while ghee offers a dairy-free (lactose-free) alternative with a lovely nutty flavor. The cinnamon perfectly complements the apples, evoking classic fall spice notes.
• Almonds and Raisins: These add a delightful textural contrast and an extra layer of flavor. The almonds, when lightly toasted, provide a satisfying crunch and nutty aroma. If you have an almond intolerance or simply prefer an alternative, shredded coconut makes an excellent substitute, adding a tropical hint and chewy texture. Raisins introduce a burst of concentrated sweetness and a chewy bite that pairs beautifully with the apples.
• Cosmic Bliss Plant-Based Madagascan Vanilla Bean or Sea Salt Caramel Frozen Dessert: For me, Cosmic Bliss is the absolute go-to for recipes like this. Their commitment to creating the best plant-based products truly shines through in their incredibly creamy and flavorful frozen desserts. They even offer grass-fed dairy ice cream now, for those who tolerate dairy. For this specific recipe, the Madagascan Vanilla Bean is a classic choice, offering a pure, aromatic vanilla flavor that beautifully complements the spiced apples. However, if you’re looking for an extra layer of decadence, the Sea Salt Caramel is an absolute game-changer; its rich, buttery caramel notes pair exquisitely with the apples. I always stock up on Cosmic Bliss products whenever I visit Sprouts!

Mastering the Air Fryer “Baked” Apples: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making these delicious apples is surprisingly simple. Follow these easy steps for a perfect fall treat every time.

• Step One: Prepare the Flavorful Mixture. In a small bowl, combine the melted ghee (or coconut oil), coconut sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until well combined. This aromatic mixture will infuse your apples with incredible taste.
• Step Two: Coat the Almonds. Take your chopped almonds and add them to the ghee mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure each almond piece is evenly coated. This step helps the almonds toast beautifully and provides a delightful crunch.

• Step Three: Prepare the Apples. Using an apple corer, carefully remove the core from each apple, including the stem and seeds. Once cored, slice each apple in half vertically, creating two apple “bowls.”

• Step Four: Load the Air Fryer. Line your air fryer basket with a piece of parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Arrange the apple halves in the basket, placing them skin-side down with the flesh facing up. Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously brush the exposed apple flesh with the remaining ghee mixture, ensuring an even coat. Finally, sprinkle the coated almonds on top of each apple half.

• Step Five: Air Fry to Perfection. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the apples for 8-12 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and variety of your apples. Keep a close eye on them; you want the apples to be fork-tender and the nuts lightly toasted and fragrant.

• Step Six: Serve and Enjoy! Carefully transfer the warm, “baked” apples to serving bowls. Sprinkle with raisins for an added touch of sweetness and texture. Finally, top each apple with 1-2 generous scoops of your chosen Cosmic Bliss plant-based frozen dessert – whether it’s the classic Madagascan Vanilla Bean or the irresistible Sea Salt Caramel. Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite!

Beyond the Air Fryer: Oven Baking Instructions

No air fryer? No problem! You can absolutely make this delightful recipe using a conventional oven. Here’s how:

• Oven Method: Follow steps one through three for preparing the ghee mixture, almonds, and apples. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the prepared apple halves in a baking dish, flesh side up. Brush with the ghee mixture and top with almonds. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes if you prefer the nuts to be a bit crispier.

Pro Tips & Smart Tricks for Perfect Baked Apples

• Monitor Cooking Time Closely: Apple size is the biggest variable here. Larger apples will require more cooking time than smaller ones. Always start with the shorter end of the recommended cooking time (8 minutes for air fryer, 20 minutes for oven) and check for doneness. The apples are ready when the flesh is easily pierced with a fork. It’s always better to cook a little longer than to end up with mushy apples.
• Experiment with Ice Cream Flavors: While Madagascan Vanilla Bean is a timeless pairing, don’t hesitate to explore other options. The Cosmic Bliss Sea Salt Caramel Frozen Dessert offers an incredibly complementary flavor profile that elevates this dessert to new heights. You might also consider a cinnamon, pecan, or even a coffee-flavored dairy-free ice cream for a unique twist.
• Spice it Up: Feel free to add a pinch of other fall spices to your ghee mixture, such as nutmeg, allspice, or a touch of ground cloves, to further enhance the autumn flavor.
• Add a Touch of Citrus: A squeeze of lemon juice over the apples before cooking can prevent browning and add a bright, fresh note that balances the sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make this recipe ahead of time?

While these “baked” apples are undeniably at their best when served fresh and warm, you can certainly prepare them slightly ahead of time. The cooked apples will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes or warm them gently in the oven until heated through. Add fresh ice cream just before serving.

What if I don’t tolerate almonds?

If almonds are not suitable for your diet, simply omit them! Instead, you can top the baked apples with a sprinkle of shredded coconut (unsweetened works best) after they come out of the air fryer or oven. Toasted pecans or walnuts are also fantastic alternatives if you can tolerate other nuts.

Can I use a different sweetener?

Absolutely! While coconut sugar provides a lovely caramel note and is a less refined option, you can substitute it with brown sugar for a similar richness or maple syrup for a liquid alternative. If using maple syrup, reduce the coconut oil/ghee slightly to maintain consistency.

Air Fryer “Baked” Apples with Dairy Free Ice Cream

Yield:
4 servings

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
12 mins

Total Time:
22 mins

Author:
Michelle

These air fryer “baked” apples are the perfect fall treat! Top them off with some dairy-free ice cream and enjoy a delightful gluten and dairy-free dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp ghee or coconut oil, melted
• 2 tsp coconut sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ⅓ cup almonds, chopped (see notes for alternative)
• 2 large honey crisp apples
• ¼ cup raisins
• Cosmic Bliss Plant-Based Madagascan Vanilla Bean Frozen Dessert
• Cosmic Bliss Plant-Based Sea Salt Caramel Frozen Dessert (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine the melted ghee (or coconut oil), coconut sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir well and set aside.
2. Chop the almonds into smaller pieces. Add them to the ghee mixture and toss to coat evenly. Set aside.
3. Using an apple corer, remove the core from the center of each apple. Then, slice each apple in half vertically.
4. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. Place the apple halves in the basket, skin side down and flesh side up. Brush the exposed apple flesh with the remaining ghee mixture until evenly coated. Sprinkle the coated almonds on top of the apples.
5. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8-12 minutes. The cooking time will vary based on apple size, so check frequently. The apples are ready when they are soft and the nuts are lightly toasted.
6. Transfer the warm apples to a bowl and top with raisins. Serve immediately with 1-2 scoops of Cosmic Bliss Plant-Based Madagascan Vanilla Bean or Sea Salt Caramel frozen dessert.

Notes

• For the oven method: Prep apples as directed. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place apples in a baking dish, cover, and bake for 20-30 minutes or until soft.
• If you don’t tolerate almonds, you can omit them and sprinkle the apples with shredded coconut (unsweetened) after baking.
• All nutritional information is an estimation and will vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. Estimations do not include optional ingredients.

All nutrition facts are estimated and will vary.