Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce are a simple and delicious treat that brings together crisp, warm apple slices and a sweet, creamy sauce for dipping. The apples get perfectly tender with a little bit of crispness thanks to the air fryer, while the caramel whipped cream adds a rich and fluffy sweetness that’s just right. It’s a fun way to enjoy fruit with a dessert twist!
I love making this recipe because it feels like a little special snack that’s also pretty quick to prepare. One tip I always keep in mind is to slice the apples just thick enough so they hold their shape but still get soft inside. And whipping the cream right before serving gives that light, fresh texture that pairs perfectly with the rich caramel flavor.
My favorite way to enjoy these apple wedges is to gather around with family or friends, dipping each apple piece generously into that caramel whipped cream. It’s a sweet, cozy moment that somehow manages to feel both comforting and a little fancy at the same time. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some fruit while still satisfying a sweet tooth!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I like using Honeycrisp or Fuji because they’re sweet and hold their shape well when air fried. If you want a tarter taste, try Granny Smith. Just avoid super-soft apples, as they can turn mushy.
Butter: Butter adds richness and helps the cinnamon and sugar stick. You can swap for coconut oil for a dairy-free option or use a neutral oil, though butter gives the best flavor.
Cinnamon & Sugar: This classic combo adds warmth and sweetness. For a lower sugar version, reduce the sugar or substitute with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey (a bit less quantity as these are sweeter).
Caramel Sauce: You can buy ready-made caramel or make your own from brown sugar and butter. For a dairy-free caramel, use a vegan caramel or date syrup for sweetness. It flavors the whipped cream and makes the dip special.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped cream makes the dip light and fluffy. For dairy-free, consider coconut cream, whipped until soft peaks form. Just note the flavor will be different but still tasty.
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Yet Tender Air Fried Apple Wedges?
Balancing softness inside with some crispness outside is key to great air fried apple wedges. Here’s how I do it:
- Slice apples into thick wedges (about 1/2-inch thick) to keep them from turning too soft.
- Toss them evenly in melted butter and sugar to help caramelize and add flavor.
- Preheat the air fryer so the apples start cooking immediately and get nice edges.
- Avoid overcrowding—give space for air to circulate to crisp edges well.
- Shake or turn the wedges halfway, so all sides get coated and crisp evenly.
- Check near the end of cooking; apples can go from perfect to too soft quickly.
Following these tips, you’ll get sweet apple wedges that feel snack-worthy, not soggy!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – essential for cooking the apple wedges evenly and quickly with a crispy outside.
- Mixing bowl – for tossing the apple wedges with butter, sugar, and cinnamon easily.
- Electric mixer or whisk – helps whip the heavy cream into light, fluffy caramel whipped cream.
- Serving bowl – to present the warm apple wedges and keep the caramel whipped cream handy for dipping.
- Measuring spoons – for accurate cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla measurements to balance flavors.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use pears instead of apples for a softer texture and subtle sweetness that pairs well with caramel cream.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon sugar mix for warm, cozy fall flavors.
- Mix in chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on the apple wedges for crunch and a nutty contrast.
- For a richer dip, fold a little cream cheese into the caramel whipped cream to add tangy creaminess.
Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Wedges:
- 3 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), washed and cut into wedges
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
For the Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 3 tablespoons caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prep, 10-12 minutes to air fry the apple wedges, and a few minutes to whip the caramel cream. In total, you’ll spend around 20 minutes from start to finish to enjoy this warm and sweet treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Apple Wedges:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. In a large bowl, toss the apple wedges with melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until they are evenly coated.
2. Air Fry the Apples:
Arrange the apple wedges in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. You might need to cook in batches if your air fryer is small. Cook the apples for 10-12 minutes, shaking or turning them halfway through, until they are tender and caramelized on the edges.
3. Make the Caramel Whipped Cream:
While the apples cook, place the chilled heavy cream, caramel sauce, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form, being careful not to overwhip.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the apple wedges are done, transfer them to a serving bowl. Dust with powdered sugar if you like for a little extra sweetness and pretty presentation. Serve the warm apple wedges alongside the bowl of caramel whipped cream for dipping. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh apples for air frying, as frozen apples tend to release too much moisture and may become mushy. If you only have frozen apples, thaw them completely and pat dry before tossing with butter and spices.
How Do 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 gently in the air fryer or oven to keep them crisp. Keep the caramel whipped cream refrigerated separately and use within 1-2 days for best texture.
Can I Make the Caramel Whipped Cream Ahead of Time?
You can whip the caramel cream a few hours ahead and keep it chilled in the fridge. Give it a quick whisk before serving if it starts to separate or lose volume.
What Are Good Substitutes for Heavy Whipping Cream?
If you want a dairy-free version, coconut cream works well when chilled and whipped. It will add a subtle coconut flavor but still gives a creamy, fluffy dip for the apples.
