Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce are a delightful treat that feels like a cozy hug in every bite. The apple wedges get perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender and juicy inside thanks to the air fryer, and that caramel whipped cream sauce is the perfect sweet, creamy companion. It’s a simple snack that feels a little special.
I love making this when I want something sweet but not too heavy. The air fryer makes the apples taste like they’re lightly caramelized without all the extra oil or mess. And the caramel whipped cream sauce? I like to whip it up just before serving so it’s fresh and fluffy, and it’s fun dipping the warm apple wedges in that smooth, sweet sauce. It’s like dessert and snack rolled into one!
This is one of those recipes that’s great for sharing—whether it’s a weekend treat with family or a fun addition to a casual get-together. Sometimes I sprinkle a little cinnamon on the apples before air frying, which adds a cozy touch. It’s quick to put together, and I always end up eating way more than I planned because it’s just so good.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Gala are great for their sweetness and firmness. If you prefer a tarter taste, Granny Smith works well. Just pick a firm apple that holds shape when cooked.
Lemon Juice: This keeps apple wedges from browning and adds a lively touch. If you don’t have lemon, a little apple cider vinegar or lime juice will do the trick.
Butter & Brown Sugar: They help the apples caramelize and add richness. For a dairy-free version, try coconut oil and maple syrup instead of butter and brown sugar.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Classic warming spices here. You can skip nutmeg or add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a slightly different flavor.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This is whipped to make the fluffy dipping sauce. If you want a lighter option, try whipped coconut cream. For caramel sauce, store-bought works fine, but homemade adds a personal touch.
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Yet Tender Air Fried Apple Wedges?
Balancing crisp outsides with tender insides can be tricky. Here are some tips:
- Cut apples into even wedges so they cook uniformly.
- Coat apples with butter and sugar mixture—this helps caramelize and crisp the edges.
- Arrange wedges in a single layer to allow air circulation in the fryer.
- Shake or flip halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Keep the temperature around 375°F to avoid burning yet get that crispy edge.
With these steps, you’ll get apple wedges that are tender inside, with a light caramelized crust perfect for dipping!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – key for getting the apple wedges crispy without extra oil.
- Mixing bowls – to toss the apple wedges with spices and to whip the cream.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – helps whip the heavy cream to soft peaks easily.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for slicing apples evenly into wedges.
- Small serving bowl or ramekin – perfect for serving the caramel whipped cream sauce.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a sprinkle of ground ginger or cardamom to the apple wedges for a warm, spicy twist.
- Mix chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the caramel whipped cream for crunch.
- Swap caramel sauce with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for a different sweet touch.
- Toss apple wedges with a little chili powder or cayenne for a sweet and spicy contrast.
Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Wedges:
- 3 large apples (such as Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For the Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce:
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional garnish: fresh thyme or cinnamon for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 12-15 minutes of cooking time in the air fryer. While the apples cook, you can whip up the caramel cream sauce quickly. So overall, plan for around 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apples:
Wash, core, and slice each apple into 8 wedges. Toss them with lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent browning.
2. Season the Apple Wedges:
In a large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt. Add the apple wedges and toss well to coat evenly with the mixture.
3. Air Fry the Apple Wedges:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the apple wedges in a single layer inside the basket; you may need to do this in batches. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking or turning the wedges halfway through, until tender inside and nicely caramelized outside.
4. Make the Caramel Whipped Cream Sauce:
While the apples cook, chill a mixing bowl and pour the heavy whipping cream into it. Using an electric mixer, whip until soft peaks form. Add the caramel sauce and vanilla, and briefly whip again until smooth and fluffy.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Lay the warm apple wedges on a serving plate. Place the caramel whipped cream in a small bowl in the center. Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top if you like, and sprinkle with cinnamon or thyme for a pretty finish. Dip the warm apple wedges into the cream and enjoy the cozy flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh apples because frozen ones can become mushy when air fried. If you only have frozen apples, thaw them completely, pat dry to remove excess moisture, then proceed with seasoning and air frying, but expect a softer texture.
Can I Make the Caramel Whipped Cream Ahead of Time?
You can whip the cream and mix in the caramel up to a few hours in advance—just keep it chilled in the fridge. Before serving, give it a quick gentle whisk to fluff it back up if needed.
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Wedges?
Store any leftover apple wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the air fryer or oven to restore their crispiness before serving.
Can I Use a Different Fruit or Spice?
Absolutely! Pear wedges work well as a substitute for apples, and you can experiment with spices like cardamom, ginger, or cloves to customize the flavor.
