Air fried apple wedges with caramel whipped cream dipping sauce are a fun and easy treat that feels like a cozy hug in food form. The apples come out perfectly tender with just a little crisp on the edges, and the caramel whipped cream adds a sweet, creamy touch that makes every bite extra special.
I love making this when I want something sweet but not too heavy. It’s such a simple recipe that really shines with just a few ingredients. The air fryer does all the hard work, turning the apples soft but still juicy, and the caramel whipped cream is like a dreamy dip that pairs perfectly with the warm fruit.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this is right after making it, when the apples are still warm and the caramel whipped cream is cool and fluffy. It feels like a little dessert party that everyone can share. It’s a great snack for any time of day and always brings a smile to the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I like using Gala or Fuji for their sweetness and crisp texture that holds up well in the air fryer. Honeycrisp also works great. If you want a tarter option, Granny Smith apples add a nice balance.
Oil: Olive oil is my go-to for this recipe, but melted coconut oil brings a subtle richness and pairs nicely with cinnamon. For a neutral taste, you could also use avocado oil or melted butter.
Spices: Cinnamon is key here for warming flavor. Nutmeg is optional but adds a cozy hint that I enjoy. Feel free to swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice or allspice for a twist.
Caramel sauce: Store-bought caramel works just fine. Homemade caramel adds a fresh, buttery taste if you have time. For a lighter option, try drizzling honey or maple syrup instead.
Heavy whipping cream: Using cold cream is important to get a nice fluffy whip for the sauce. If you prefer, coconut cream is a dairy-free substitute but might not whip as firmly.
How Can I Make Perfectly Crispy Air Fried Apple Wedges?
Getting the apples tender and lightly crisp without being mushy is all about timing and arrangement.
- Cut apples into even wedges so they cook uniformly.
- Toss them well with oil and spices so every wedge has flavor and a slight coating.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—give the wedges room to “breathe” for crisp edges.
- Shake or flip them halfway through cooking to brown evenly.
- Check at 12 minutes; cooking too long can make apples mushy, but a little softness is expected and tasty!
These tips helped me get the apples just right—soft with a hint of crispness on the outside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – it cooks the apple wedges quickly with a nice crisp outside and tender inside.
- Mixing bowls – one for tossing apples with oil and spices, and another chilled one for whipping cream.
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer – helps whip the cream into fluffy caramel whipped cream easily.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for slicing the apples into even wedges.
- Measuring spoons – to get the right amount of sugar, spices, and vanilla for perfect flavor balance.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try pears instead of apples for a softer, sweeter twist perfect in fall.
- Mix in a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom with cinnamon for a warm, spicy note I love around the holidays.
- Stir chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the caramel whipped cream for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey to the apple wedges before air frying for an extra touch of sweetness.
How to Make Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Air Fried Apple Wedges:
- 3 large apples (Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp), cored and cut into wedges (keep the skin on)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For the Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup cold heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 12-15 minutes for cooking the apples in the air fryer. Whipping the caramel cream takes about 5 minutes. In total, plan for about 25 minutes and some hands-on fun with easy steps!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Wedges:
Put the apple wedges in a big bowl and toss them with olive oil or melted coconut oil until every piece is lightly coated.
2. Season the Apples:
Mix granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if you like), and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mix over the apples and toss gently so all wedges get a sweet and spicy touch.
3. Air Fry the Apples:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the apple wedges in a single layer inside the basket (you might need to cook in batches). Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway, until the apples are soft and golden on the edges.
4. Make the Caramel Whipped Cream:
While the apples are cooking, chill a mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 5 minutes. Pour the cold heavy cream into the chilled bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream till it thickens a bit.
5. Add Flavors to the Cream:
Add caramel sauce, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to the thickening cream. Whip it all together until you see stiff peaks—be careful not to overwhip so it stays creamy.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Place the warm apple wedges on a plate and serve with a bowl of the caramel whipped cream for dipping. Enjoy right away for the best mix of warm and cool, spicy and sweet.
Can I Use Frozen Apples for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh apples for air frying to get the best texture. If you only have frozen apples, thaw them completely and pat dry to reduce moisture before air frying, but the texture may be softer.
Can I Make the Caramel Whipped Cream Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can whip the cream and mix in the caramel a few hours ahead. Keep it covered and refrigerated, then re-whip briefly before serving to restore fluffiness.
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Wedges?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to regain some crispness before serving.
What Other Fruits Can I Use Instead of Apples?
Pears work wonderfully as a substitute and air fry similarly. Just cut them into wedges and follow the same seasoning and cooking steps!
