Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce are a delightful treat that’s both crispy and sweet. The apple wedges get perfectly tender on the inside and a little crisp on the outside thanks to the air fryer, while the caramel whipped cream adds a creamy, dreamy touch that complements the fruit beautifully.
I love making these whenever I’m craving something easy but special. The air fryer makes the apples feel just a bit like a dessert but without any heavy frying or mess. Plus, the caramel whipped cream is a simple mix that feels fancy but is super quick to whip up—I like to keep some ready for when guests drop by unexpectedly.
This snack is perfect for sharing, especially when you’re cozying up with friends or family on a chilly evening. I usually serve it on a big plate with the dipping sauce in the middle, so everyone can dunk their apple wedges and enjoy that perfect balance of crisp fruit and sweet cream. It’s a little fun dessert that brings everyone together without any fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I like using crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji because they hold shape well and have a nice natural sweetness. Granny Smith also works if you prefer a tangy twist.
Butter or Coconut Oil: Melted butter adds a rich flavor but coconut oil is a great dairy-free option that helps the spices stick.
Sugar & Spices: Granulated or coconut sugar works fine. Cinnamon is essential for warmth, and nutmeg is optional but adds nice depth.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Cold cream whips better. For dairy-free, try coconut cream, though texture will differ a bit.
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought caramel sauce is convenient, but homemade gives a fresher taste. Either way, it pairs beautifully with the cream.
How Can I Get Crispy Yet Tender Apple Wedges in the Air Fryer?
Here’s how to get that perfect combo of crisp outside and tender inside for your apple wedges:
- Coat apples evenly with melted butter (or oil) and sugar-spice mix to help caramelize.
- Preheat your air fryer—warm air helps crisp the apples quickly without drying them out.
- Arrange wedges in a single layer to allow even air circulation; overcrowding causes soggy spots.
- Shake or flip halfway through cooking to brown all sides evenly.
- Keep an eye near the end; cooking times can vary by air fryer model and apple size.
Following these steps will give you apples that are soft inside but slightly crunchy on the edges—just right for dipping in that creamy caramel sauce!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – This is the star of the recipe and cooks the apple wedges evenly with little oil for a crispy finish.
- Mixing bowl – For tossing the apple wedges with butter and spices without making a mess.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – Helps whip the cream to soft peaks quickly and easily.
- Small serving bowl – Perfect for holding the caramel whipped cream dipping sauce on the plate.
- Measuring spoons – To get your spices and sugar amounts just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try substituting pears for apples for a softer, more delicate fruit wedge.
- Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the spice mix for a warm, exotic flavor twist.
- Mix in chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the caramel whipped cream for a crunchy texture contrast.
- Top the cooked wedges with a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of coarse sea salt for a sweet-salty flavor.
Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Wedges:
- 3 large apples (e.g., Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and cut into wedges
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 5 minutes prepping the apples and sauce, about 3 minutes preheating the air fryer, and 10-12 minutes cooking the apple wedges until crisp and tender. Whipping the cream happens while the apples cook, making it super efficient!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Wedges:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss the apple wedges in this mixture, making sure each wedge is evenly coated with the buttery spice blend.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. A hot air fryer will help the apples crisp up nicely.
3. Air Fry the Apple Wedges:
Arrange the coated apple wedges in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the wedges halfway through to ensure even cooking. The apples should be tender inside with a golden, slightly crisp outside.
4. Make the Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce:
While the apples cook, chill a mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes. Then pour the cold heavy whipping cream into the bowl. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the caramel sauce—swirl it for pretty marbling or mix fully for even caramel flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the hot apple wedges to a serving plate and place the caramel whipped cream in a small bowl for dipping. Dive in and enjoy the perfect combo of warm, spiced apples and sweet, creamy caramel whipped cream!
Can I Use Frozen Apple Slices for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen apple slices, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture before coating and air frying. This helps keep the wedges crispy instead of soggy.
How Can I Store Leftover Apple Wedges and Whipped Cream?
Store leftover apple wedges in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to regain crispness. Keep the caramel whipped cream chilled in a separate container and use within 24 hours for best texture.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream in the Whipped Sauce?
You can try coconut cream as a dairy-free alternative, but the texture and flavor will differ slightly. Refrigerate the coconut cream overnight and whip it just like heavy cream. Keep in mind the caramel flavor may be less pronounced.
What Types of Apples Work Best for Air Frying?
Firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn work best because they hold their shape and develop a nice texture when air fried. Softer apples may become too mushy during cooking.
