Air Fryer Apple Pie
This easy Air Fryer Apple Pie is a soft, cinnamon-scented apple dessert made with fresh apples and a simple pourable batter. Despite its name, this recipe is closer to an apple cake or crustless apple pie than a traditional pastry pie. The air fryer creates a beautifully golden top while the apples become tender, juicy, and fragrant underneath. It is an easy homemade dessert for when you want something warm and comforting without turning on the oven.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Air Fryer Time: 30–40 minutes
Total Time: About 50–60 minutes
Servings: 8
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Apple Base
3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced into half-moons
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Zest of 1 lemon
50 g dried apricots, finely chopped, optional
For the Pourable Batter
2 large eggs
170 g granulated sugar
260 g all-purpose flour
11 g baking powder
120 ml milk
75 ml sunflower oil or melted unsalted butter
2 g vanilla extract or vanilla powder
For Finishing
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Oil or butter, for greasing the parchment paper
Instructions
Begin by selecting a baking pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket. A round or square cake pan around 6–7 inches wide usually works well, but the exact size depends on your air fryer. Make sure there is enough space around the pan for hot air to circulate.
Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit inside the pan and lightly grease it with oil or butter. This helps prevent sticking and makes removing the finished apple pie much easier.
Peel the apples, remove the cores, and slice them into thin half-moons. Try to keep the slices reasonably even so they soften at the same rate during cooking.
Place the sliced apples in a large bowl. Add the cinnamon and lemon zest, then toss until the apples are evenly coated. The cinnamon provides warm flavor, while the lemon zest adds freshness and prevents the dessert from tasting overly sweet.
If using dried apricots, finely chop them and add them to the apples. The apricots provide small bursts of sweetness and a pleasant chewy texture.
In another large mixing bowl, crack in the eggs and add the granulated sugar. Whisk the mixture for several minutes until it becomes lighter in color and slightly fluffy. You can use a hand whisk or an electric mixer.
Pour in the milk, sunflower oil or melted butter, and vanilla. Whisk again until the liquid ingredients are completely combined.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently after each addition. Continue mixing only until you have a smooth, lump-free batter.
Avoid overmixing the batter. Excessive mixing can develop the gluten in the flour and make the finished dessert heavier rather than soft and tender.
Add the prepared apples and apricots to the batter. Fold gently until the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Pour the apple batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly. The batter should surround the apple slices and fill the pan without reaching the very top.
Preheat the air fryer to approximately 320°F (160°C) for a few minutes if your model recommends preheating.
Place the pan carefully into the air fryer basket. Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 30–40 minutes. Cooking time can vary depending on your air fryer, the size and depth of your baking pan, and the thickness of the batter.
Start checking the dessert after about 25–30 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. Avoid inserting the toothpick directly into a piece of apple when testing.
If the top is browning too quickly while the center is still undercooked, loosely cover the top with foil. Continue air frying until the center is fully baked.
Once cooked, carefully remove the pan and allow the apple pie to cool for at least 15–20 minutes. Cooling allows the soft interior to set and makes slicing easier.
Remove the dessert from the pan, or slice and serve directly from the pan. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy it warm on its own or serve it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
Tips
Choose the right apples
Firm apples work best because they soften during cooking without completely disappearing into the batter. Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady are all good options. For deeper flavor, use a mixture of sweet and tart apples.
Slice the apples thinly
Thin slices cook more evenly and become tender during the relatively short air fryer baking time. Thick apple pieces may remain too firm.
Use a pan that fits your air fryer
Measure your air fryer basket before starting. The pan should fit easily and should not block airflow around the sides.
Do not overfill the pan
Leave some room at the top because the batter rises during baking. Filling the pan too high can result in uneven cooking.
Watch the top carefully
Air fryers circulate intense hot air, so the top can brown faster than the center cooks. If necessary, loosely cover the top with foil after it becomes golden.
Check for doneness correctly
Insert a toothpick into a section containing mostly batter rather than apple. Apples naturally release moisture, which can make the toothpick appear wet even when the batter is cooked.
Let the dessert cool before slicing
This is especially important because the apples release juice during cooking. A short cooling period allows the dessert to set and prevents messy slices.
Use melted butter for richer flavor
Sunflower oil produces a moist, light texture, while melted butter adds a richer and more traditional dessert flavor. Both options work well.
Do not overmix the batter
Mix only until the flour disappears. Overmixing can make the finished apple pie dense.
Variations
Classic Cinnamon Apple Version
Follow the recipe exactly but leave out the dried apricots. This creates a simple cinnamon and apple dessert with a familiar homemade flavor.
Apple and Raisin Pie
Replace the dried apricots with ¼ cup raisins. The raisins pair beautifully with cinnamon and add a classic apple dessert flavor.
Apple Walnut Version
Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. The nuts provide a delicious crunch and make the dessert feel even more like a traditional apple pie.
Apple and Almond Version
Add ¼ cup sliced almonds over the top before baking. They become lightly toasted in the air fryer and provide a pleasant crunchy contrast.
Caramel Apple Version
Serve each slice with warm caramel sauce. The combination of cinnamon apples and caramel is perfect for a cozy autumn dessert.
Apple Lemon Version
Increase the lemon flavor by adding a small amount of fresh lemon juice along with the zest. This creates a brighter, fresher taste.
Spiced Apple Pie
Add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg and a pinch of ground ginger along with the cinnamon. These spices create a warm, aromatic flavor.
Lower-Sugar Version
Reduce the granulated sugar slightly, especially if your apples are naturally sweet. Keep in mind that sugar also contributes to texture and browning.
Vanilla Ice Cream Version
Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between warm cinnamon apples and cold creamy ice cream makes this dessert especially delicious.
Q&A
Is this a traditional apple pie?
Not exactly. This recipe does not use a pastry crust. It is a soft apple-filled dessert with a pourable cake-style batter, giving it a texture somewhere between apple cake and crustless apple pie.
What kind of apples should I use?
Firm baking apples are best. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Gala, Fuji, and Pink Lady are excellent choices.
Can I leave the apple skins on?
Yes, although peeling creates a softer, smoother texture. If you leave the skins on, wash the apples very well and slice them thinly.
Can I skip the dried apricots?
Absolutely. The apricots are optional. The dessert is delicious with apples alone.
Can I use raisins instead of apricots?
Yes. Raisins, chopped dates, dried cranberries, or other dried fruit can be used instead.
Why is my apple pie brown on top but raw inside?
Air fryers can brown the surface quickly. Reduce the temperature slightly or loosely cover the top with foil while allowing the center to continue cooking.
Can I bake this in a regular oven?
Yes. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for approximately 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the batter comes out clean.
Can I use melted butter instead of oil?
Yes. Melted unsalted butter adds a richer flavor and works well as a replacement for sunflower oil.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover apple pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Cool the dessert completely, wrap individual slices well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
How do I reheat it?
Warm individual slices in the air fryer at a low temperature for a few minutes or microwave briefly until heated through.
Nutrition
Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 8 servings:
Calories: 300–340
Carbohydrates: 52–58g
Protein: 5–6g
Fat: 8–11g
Fiber: 2–4g
Sugar: 30–36g
Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on the type of apples, whether dried apricots are included, and whether oil or butter is used.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Apple Pie is a simple and comforting dessert that transforms everyday apples into a warm, cinnamon-filled treat without the need for a traditional pie crust. The tender apples, soft vanilla batter, fresh lemon zest, and optional dried apricots create a delicious combination of flavors and textures.
The air fryer makes the recipe especially convenient because it creates a beautifully golden top without heating a large oven. The key to success is using thinly sliced apples, choosing a pan that fits your air fryer, and watching the dessert carefully as it cooks.
Serve it warm with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple finish, or make it extra special with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon treat or a comforting dessert after dinner, this easy apple recipe is one you will want to make again and again.