The craving for a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple dessert without the fuss of a whole pie is what led me straight to my air fryer. I remember tossing those apple wedges with melted butter and sugar, the scent promising something wonderful. As they cooked, my kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma of caramelizing sugar and baked apples, like a miniature, guilt-free apple pie. Pulling out that basket to reveal tender, golden-brown wedges was a victory. And then, dipping one into the silky, homemade caramel whipped cream? It was a revelation—a quick, cozy, and utterly delicious treat that feels like a hug in snack form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will love this recipe because it gives you all the cozy, comforting flavor of apple pie in about 15 minutes, with minimal cleanup. The air fryer works magic, turning simple apple wedges into tender, caramelized bites with a hint of crispness. Paired with the luscious, fluffy caramel whipped cream, it’s a sophisticated yet effortless dessert that feels special. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight treat, a fun after-school snack, or even a last-minute party appetizer that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients
For the Apple Wedges:
- 3 large firm-sweet apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce:
- 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons good-quality caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Tiny pinch of salt
Let’s talk ingredients. The apple variety is key. You want a firm-sweet apple that holds its shape. I’ve tried this with soft apples like Red Delicious, and they turned to mush. A Honeycrisp or Fuji is perfect—it softens beautifully but keeps a pleasant texture. For the caramel sauce in the whipped cream, use a thick, store-bought or homemade sauce, not ice cream topping which is too thin. It makes a huge difference in flavor and stability. And cold heavy cream is non-negotiable for whipping into stiff, luxurious peaks.(See the next page below to continue…)