Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce is such a fun and tasty treat! The apples get perfectly crisp on the outside while staying tender inside, and that lightly sweet caramel whipped cream makes every bite even better. It’s a simple mix of juicy apples and a creamy, sweet dip that’s hard to resist.
I love how easy this snack is to make, especially just popping the apple wedges in the air fryer for a few minutes. It’s a great way to enjoy a warm, cozy treat without any fuss or lots of baking. The caramel whipped cream adds a little extra flair and feels like a special surprise every time I dip an apple wedge in it.
This is one of those snacks I like to share with friends or keep handy during the day when I want something sweet but still a little fresh from fruit. It reminds me of autumn afternoons and feels like a little moment of happiness no matter the season. I always find myself going back for just one more apple wedge and dip!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Gala, Fuji, and Honeycrisp are my favorite for this recipe because they stay firm when cooked but still taste sweet. If you want a tarter flavor, Granny Smith works too, just cook a little less to keep them from getting mushy.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice stops the apples from browning and adds a nice subtle tang. If you don’t have lemon juice, a little apple cider vinegar or orange juice can work as a substitute.
Melted Butter: Butter adds richness and helps the cinnamon stick to the apples. If you want to keep this vegan, use melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Cinnamon and Sugar: Cinnamon is key for that sweet-spicy flavor with the apples. You can skip the granulated sugar or swap it for brown sugar or coconut sugar if you like a slightly deeper flavor.
Caramel Whipped Cream: Heavy cream whips best when cold—don’t skip chilling it! Use your favorite caramel sauce or try dulce de leche for a twist. For a lighter version, you can mix caramel sauce into plain yogurt instead.
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy but Tender Apple Wedges in the Air Fryer?
Cooking apples just right in the air fryer can be tricky. Here’s how to get crispy edges and tender centers every time:
- Cut apples into even-sized wedges to help them cook evenly.
- Toss wedges in melted butter so cinnamon and sugar stick better.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—leave space so hot air can crisp all sides.
- Shake or flip the wedges halfway through cooking to brown them evenly.
- Cook at around 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes; check early if your air fryer runs hot.
- Let wedges cool a minute before serving—they crisp up more as they rest.
Following these tips makes sure your apple wedges have that great balance of tender inside and lightly crisp outside that makes this snack so enjoyable!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – it crisps the apple wedges quickly without added oil, making them tender inside and slightly crispy outside.
- Mixing bowl – perfect for tossing the apple wedges with butter, cinnamon, and sugar evenly.
- Hand mixer or whisk – helps you whip the cream until soft peaks form for the dipping sauce.
- Measuring spoons – keep your cinnamon, sugar, and caramel sauce amounts just right for balanced flavor.
- Small serving bowl – handy for holding the caramel whipped cream dip on the plate for easy dipping.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try pears instead of apples for a softer, sweeter wedge that works well with caramel too.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to cinnamon for a warm, cozy fall flavor.
- Mix in a little maple syrup or honey with the melted butter for a natural extra sweetness.
- Top the caramel whipped cream with crushed toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch and nuttiness.
Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Wedges:
- 3 large apples (Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp), cored and sliced into wedges
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
For the Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce:
- 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), plus extra for drizzle
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes total: 5 minutes for preparation and 10 to 12 minutes in the air fryer. Plus, a few extra minutes to whip the cream and assemble your dipping sauce. It’s quick and easy for any time you crave a sweet snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apples:
Wash, core, and slice the apples into wedges about ½ to ¾ inch thick. Place them in a mixing bowl and toss with the lemon juice. This stops the apples from browning and keeps them fresh.
2. Season the Apples:
Add melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar (if you like it sweeter) to the apples. Toss well so each wedge is evenly coated with the nice cinnamon-buttery mixture.
3. Air Fry the Apple Wedges:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spread the apple wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket—be careful not to overcrowd them. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket once halfway through for even crisping. The apples should be tender inside with slightly crisp, caramelized edges.
4. Make the Caramel Whipped Cream:
In a chilled bowl, beat the cold heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar with a hand mixer until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the caramel sauce, mixing just enough to combine without overwhipping. The result is a smooth, creamy dip with a rich caramel flavor.
5. Plate and Serve:
Arrange the warm apple wedges on a plate and dust lightly with powdered sugar and a little extra cinnamon if you like. Spoon the caramel whipped cream into a small bowl and drizzle additional caramel sauce on top for an inviting finish.
6. Enjoy!
Dip the apple wedges into the caramel whipped cream and savor the perfect balance of warm cinnamon and sweet, creamy caramel. It’s a wonderful treat that feels special but comes together so easily!
Can I Use Frozen Apple Wedges for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh apples for crispness and flavor. If you only have frozen apple wedges, thaw them completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture before air frying, but keep in mind they may be softer.
Can I Make the Caramel Whipped Cream Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can whip the cream and fold in the caramel up to a few hours in advance. Keep it covered and chilled in the fridge until serving. Give it a quick whisk before serving if it separates.
What Is a Good Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can try whipping chilled coconut cream for a dairy-free option. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious with the caramel.
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Wedges and Dip?
Store leftover apple wedges in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The whipped cream dip is best consumed fresh but can be stored refrigerated for up to 24 hours—give it a gentle stir before serving again.
