Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce is a simple and tasty treat that feels like a little celebration in every bite. The apples get perfectly crisp on the outside while staying juicy and sweet inside, thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Paired with the soft, creamy caramel whipped cream, each bite is deliciously balanced between warm fruit and cool, sweet dip.
I love making this when I’m craving something sweet but want to keep it light and fresh. The air fryer makes the apple wedges wonderfully crunchy without any heavy frying, and the caramel whipped cream adds just the right touch of indulgence without being too rich. I like to sprinkle a tiny bit of cinnamon on the apples before cooking—it gives an extra cozy flavor that reminds me of fall mornings.
These apple wedges and caramel whipped cream are great for sharing with friends or enjoying as a quick snack after school or work. I often serve them with a cup of tea or a glass of cold milk. It’s a fun way to enjoy dessert without needing an oven or spending lots of time in the kitchen. Plus, kids especially love dipping those sweet apple wedges into that fluffy, dreamy caramel cream!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I like firm apples like Honeycrisp or Gala because they hold their shape well when air fried. If you prefer something sweeter, Fuji or Pink Lady work too. Avoid soft apples like McIntosh, as they can get mushy.
Lemon Juice: This prevents the apple wedges from browning. You can use lime juice or even a bit of orange juice as a substitute.
Butter or Coconut Oil: Butter adds richness and helps with browning. Coconut oil is a nice dairy-free option with a mild flavor that pairs well with cinnamon.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Cinnamon is the star spice here for warmth. Nutmeg is optional but adds a lovely extra layer of flavor. You can also try pumpkin pie spice for a twist.
Heavy Whipping Cream and Caramel Sauce: For the dip, full-fat cream whips best and holds its texture. If you want a lighter option, try coconut cream. Use your favorite store-bought caramel or homemade, whichever you prefer.
How Do I Get Crispy, Tender Air Fried Apple Wedges?
Getting apple wedges crispy on the outside but soft inside can be tricky. Here’s what I do:
- Slice apples evenly into wedges so they cook at the same rate.
- Coat them lightly but well with melted butter or oil to promote browning.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly for balanced flavor and slight caramelization.
- Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking from the start.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; leave space for air to circulate, making the wedges crisp.
- Shake or turn the wedges halfway through cooking to brown all sides.
Following these steps helped me get the perfect texture every time. Remember, the thinner the wedges, the faster they cook—so adjust the time a bit if you cut them thicker or thinner.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I love it because it crisps the apple wedges quickly with little oil.
- Mixing bowls – perfect for tossing apples with lemon juice and cinnamon sugar evenly.
- Pastry brush – helps you spread melted butter or oil on the apple wedges for browning.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – makes whipping the cream smooth and fluffy super easy.
- Serving plate and small bowl – for presenting the apple wedges with the caramel whipped cream sauce.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try pear wedges instead of apples for a softer, sweeter option that air fries well.
- Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for a warm spice twist.
- Mix chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts into the caramel whipped cream for crunch.
- Swap caramel sauce for chocolate sauce in the whipped cream for a rich, dessert-like dip.
Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Wedges:
- 3 large apples (preferably a firm variety like Honeycrisp or Gala)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 3 tablespoons caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the apple wedges and seasoning them, plus 12-15 minutes air frying. Making the caramel whipped cream dipping sauce takes just 5 minutes. In total, this recipe takes roughly 25-30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apples:
Wash and dry the apples well. Core each apple and slice it into 8 evenly sized wedges. To keep the apples from browning, toss them gently in a bowl with the lemon juice.
2. Season the Apple Wedges:
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Brush or toss the apple wedges with melted butter or coconut oil to coat them lightly. Then sprinkle or toss the cinnamon sugar mixture over the wedges, making sure each piece is well coated.
3. Air Fry the Apples:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Arrange the apple wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overlap them so they cook evenly. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking or turning the basket halfway through, until the apple wedges are crisp on the outside and tender inside. Once done, remove them and let cool slightly.
4. Make the Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce:
In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the caramel sauce and powdered sugar. Continue whipping just until stiff peaks form and everything is blended well.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Place the apple wedges on a serving plate and, if you like, dust a little extra cinnamon sugar on top. Serve with a bowl of the caramel whipped cream dipping sauce in the center for dipping. Enjoy this warm, crispy treat with cool, creamy caramel—perfect for a quick and delicious snack or dessert!
Can I Use Frozen Apple Wedges for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh apples for this recipe to get the perfect crisp texture. If you must use frozen, thaw them completely and pat dry to remove extra moisture before air frying.
How Can I Store Leftover Apple Wedges and Caramel Whipped Cream?
Store leftover apple wedges in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them briefly in the air fryer or oven to regain crispness. Keep the caramel whipped cream in a separate covered container in the fridge for up to 1 day and give it a quick whisk before serving again.
Is There a Dairy-Free Alternative for the Caramel Whipped Cream?
Yes! Use chilled coconut cream instead of heavy cream and mix in dairy-free caramel sauce. Whip the coconut cream until fluffy for a delicious dairy-free dip.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Dipping Sauce?
Absolutely! Taste the caramel whipped cream as you fold in the ingredients and add more powdered sugar or caramel sauce if you prefer it sweeter. Similarly, reduce sugar in the apple seasoning for a less sweet treat.
