If you’re craving a dessert that’s warm, cozy, and packed with delightful textures, the Air Fryer Baked Apples with Walnut and Raisin Filling Recipe is just what you need. These baked apples are tender and juicy on the outside, while the inside bursts with a sweet and spicy walnut and raisin filling that’s lightly caramelized to perfection. The beauty of this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together using simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer to create a treat that feels both elegant and homey at the same time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, yet each one plays a vital role in crafting the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the natural sweetness of the apples to the nuttiness and chewiness of the filling, every component adds its own special touch.
- 4 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala): Choose firm apples that hold shape well when baked.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Adds crunchy texture and rich, nutty flavor.
- 2 tablespoons raisins or dried cranberries: Provides a chewy burst of natural sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or coconut sugar: Enhances caramelization with its deep molasses notes.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warm spice and pairs beautifully with apples.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle hint of aromatic spice.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the filling with a luscious, sweet fragrance.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or coconut oil: Helps bind the filling and adds richness.
- Optional vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt: Perfect for serving and makes this dessert even more indulgent.
How to Make Air Fryer Baked Apples with Walnut and Raisin Filling Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures the apples cook evenly and develop that lovely baked softness, while the filling caramelizes just right without burning.
Step 2: Core the Apples
Carefully core each apple, making sure to leave the bottom intact. This is super important because it creates a natural bowl to hold your delicious walnut and raisin filling without any leaks or spills during cooking.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together chopped walnuts, raisins, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir until all ingredients combine into a fragrant, slightly sticky mixture that will serve as the flavorful heart of your baked apples.
Step 4: Stuff the Apples
Spoon the filling into each hollowed apple, pressing down gently to pack in as much of the mix as you can. Don’t be shy here—the more filling, the more flavorful each bite will be!
Step 5: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Place the stuffed apples upright in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other. Good air circulation is key to cooking the apples evenly and achieving that perfect golden finish.
Step 6: Air Fry Until Tender
Cook the apples at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender to the touch and the filling is bubbling and caramelized—a signal that all those fantastic flavors have melded beautifully.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Carefully remove the apples from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. This cooling period allows the filling to set up a bit, making it easier and more delightful to eat. For an irresistible finishing touch, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
How to Serve Air Fryer Baked Apples with Walnut and Raisin Filling Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Air Fryer Baked Apples with Walnut and Raisin Filling Recipe, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness and texture contrast. A dusting of powdered cinnamon also adds a touch of visual warmth and spice aroma that’s simply enchanting.
Side Dishes
This baked apple dessert pairs wonderfully with creamy sides like vanilla ice cream or tangy Greek yogurt, which balance the sweetness and add a creamy contrast. If you want to keep it lighter, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of dairy-free coconut cream works just as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate and serve each baked apple in a rustic small bowl to catch any overflow of the luscious filling. For a crowd, arrange multiple apples on a wooden platter with cinnamon sticks and fresh apple slices as decoration. Adding a sprig of mint or a twist of lemon zest on top instantly brightens the dish and creates an inviting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Air Fryer Baked Apples with Walnut and Raisin Filling Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, the apples maintain their tender texture, and the filling remains moist and flavorful.
Freezing
You can freeze these baked apples by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the apples in the air fryer at 320°F for about 5 minutes, just until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, heating them on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but the air fryer method helps maintain that lovely baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts or pecans work beautifully, feel free to substitute with almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios depending on what you have on hand or your flavor preference.
Do I need to peel the apples before baking?
Nope, keep the skins on! The skin helps the apples hold their shape during cooking and adds a nice texture and extra nutrients to your dessert.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries. You can bake these apples in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until tender. The air fryer just speeds up the process and crisps the exterior slightly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely. Use coconut oil instead of butter, coconut sugar in place of brown sugar, and choose a dairy-free ice cream or plant-based yogurt for serving to keep it fully vegan-friendly.
Are these baked apples healthy?
This recipe is a wholesome dessert choice, packed with fiber, healthy fats from nuts, and natural sweetness from fruit and dried raisins. Plus, using an air fryer reduces the need for excess oils, making it lighter than many traditional desserts.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying the Air Fryer Baked Apples with Walnut and Raisin Filling Recipe enough! It’s a quick and soulful dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any table, perfect whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself on a cozy night in. Once you make these, they’ll quickly become a favorite you’ll keep coming back to time and time again.
