Easy Air Fryer Bloomin’ Apples: Your Go-To Caramel Apple Dessert Recipe
Get ready to transform a simple apple into a show-stopping dessert with our incredibly easy and delicious Air Fryer Bloomin’ Apples recipe. Forget the mess and fuss of traditional caramel apples; this innovative air fryer version offers a delightful twist that’s both quick to prepare and stunning to serve. Each “petal” of the apple becomes wonderfully soft and infused with a sweet, caramelized sugar mixture, creating a truly irresistible treat.
This dessert is a true lifesaver when you need a quick, impressive treat. It comes together in minutes, making it perfect for last-minute guests or an impromptu family dessert night. It’s also a fantastic activity to involve little ones in the kitchen, teaching them basic cooking skills and fostering a love for homemade goodies. For those looking for a slightly healthier twist, consider filling your bloomed apple with the delicious mixture from our Air Fryer Baked Apples recipe instead of caramel.
If you’re a fan of comforting apple desserts, you’ll definitely want to explore other delightful creations. Consider trying these flaky Air Fryer Apple Turnovers, or dive into a broader selection with our curated list of 15 Must-Try Fall Desserts to Make in the Air Fryer. These recipes highlight the versatility of your air fryer for sweet treats.
Why Air Fryer Bloomin’ Apples Will Be Your New Favorite Dessert
Our Air Fryer Bloomin’ Apple recipe is destined to become a staple in your repertoire of favorite apple desserts. It’s ideal for various occasions, from casual game days and intimate book club gatherings to festive dessert nights with neighbors. The unique presentation, coupled with its incredible taste, ensures that once you serve it, it will undoubtedly be requested again and again.
These blooming apples are an especially delightful sweet treat as the seasons change. They are perfect for enjoying from the crisp days of fall, when fresh apples are abundant, all the way through a snowy winter evening. Imagine savoring this warm, spiced dessert alongside a steaming cup of tea – it’s the ultimate comfort food experience that will leave you feeling wonderfully warm and cozy. The air fryer ensures that the apples are cooked to perfection, with tender insides and beautifully caramelized edges, without the need for deep frying.
For more delicious ways to use your air fryer, be sure to check out this fantastic compilation of 12 Air Fryer Apple Recipes. From savory to sweet, there’s an apple recipe for every palate!
Simple Ingredients for a Sweet Treat
You’ll be surprised at how few ingredients are needed to create such an impressive dessert. Most of these items are likely already in your pantry!
- Apples: Medium-sized, firm varieties work best (e.g., Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith).
- Caramel Squares: Such as Kraft Caramels, these melt beautifully into a gooey center.
- Butter: Melted, to combine with the sugar and spices.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-rich sweetness to the caramelization.
- Ground Cinnamon: The quintessential spice for apple desserts.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Air Fryer Bloomin’ Apples: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these blooming caramel apples is simpler than it looks. Follow these easy steps to achieve a perfectly cooked, beautifully presented dessert every time.
-
Prepare the Caramel Mixture:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the melted butter, rich brown sugar, fragrant ground cinnamon, and a splash of vanilla extract. Stir these ingredients together until well blended, creating a luscious, spiced caramel sauce. This mixture will coat your apples and infuse them with incredible flavor. Set this aside as you prepare your apples.
-
Core the Apples:
Carefully place each apple on a stable cutting board. Using a small, sharp paring knife, gently slice off the very top of each apple, creating a flat surface. Then, using a melon baller or a small spoon, scoop out the center of each apple to remove the core and seeds. It’s crucial to leave a solid “floor” at the bottom of the apple – do not cut all the way through, as this will hold your caramel filling.
-
Initial Apple Cuts:
With your paring knife, make two circular cuts inside the cored apple’s center. These cuts help define the core area and make the blooming process easier. Think of them as creating the inner circle of the flower.
-
Bloom the Apple:
This is where the magic happens! Turn the apple upside down. Starting approximately 1/4 inch from the very base of the apple (the original bottom), make downward cuts around the apple to create 6-8 even slices, without cutting completely through the base. When you flip the apple back over, the slices will naturally fan out, resembling a beautiful blooming flower. This technique is what gives the “bloomin'” effect and ensures even cooking.
-
Fill and Coat:
Generously fill the cored center of each apple with the caramel squares. These will melt into a warm, gooey caramel puddle during cooking. Next, use a spoon or a pastry brush to thoroughly coat the entire outside of each apple, including the inside of each individual “petal,” with the prepared butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla mixture. Ensure every part of the apple is covered to maximize flavor and caramelization.
-
Air Fry to Perfection:
Lightly spray your air fryer basket with a nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Carefully place the prepared apples inside the basket, ensuring they have a little space around them for even air circulation. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. During the cooking process, keep a close watch on your apples. Cooking times can vary based on your air fryer model and the size of your apples. You’ll want them softened to your preferred tenderness, with the caramel bubbly and melted.
-
Serve Warm:
These Air Fryer Bloomin’ Apples are truly best when served warm, or immediately after cooking. The melted caramel is perfectly gooey, and the spiced apples are tender and aromatic. Consider topping them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of extra caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for an extra special touch.
I typically make this delightful recipe in my Cosori 5.8 qt. air fryer. Keep in mind that depending on the specific size and wattage of your air fryer, the exact cooking time may need slight adjustments. It’s always a good idea to check on your apples a minute or two before the suggested time to ensure they reach your desired level of softness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bloomin’ Apples
For this Air Fryer Bloomin’ Apples recipe, using firmer apple varieties is highly recommended. Their crisp texture holds up well during the cutting and cooking process, preventing them from becoming too mushy and ensuring the “blooming” shape remains intact. Excellent choices include Honeycrisp for its balance of sweetness and tartness, Granny Smith for a tart kick that pairs wonderfully with caramel, Pink Lady for its sweet-tart flavor, and Gala or Fuji for their mild sweetness and firm flesh. These varieties will give you the best structural integrity and a delightful eating experience.
If you happen to have any leftovers of these delicious bloomin’ apples, simply place them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well in your refrigerator for several days, allowing you to enjoy them later. For longer storage, you can freeze them in the same manner for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them out overnight in your refrigerator and then gently reheat them in the air fryer or microwave until warm and soft.
Absolutely! Apples are incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into a multitude of sweet and savory recipes. Beyond these delightful bloomin’ apples, you can use them to create a rich Air Fryer Apple Pie Filling, which can then be used in pies, tarts, or even as a topping for oatmeal. They’re fantastic in apple spice waffles for a cozy breakfast, or baked into hearty apple pie bars for a crowd-pleasing dessert. You can also whip up homemade apple sauce, bake adorable mini apple pies, or craft warm apple cinnamon rolls. Of course, sometimes the best way to enjoy an apple is simply biting into your favorite fresh, crisp variety!
MORE AIR FRYER APPLE RECIPES:
- Air Fryer Apple Chips: A healthy and crispy snack.
- Air Fryer Baked Apples: A classic comfort dessert, simplified.
- Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs: Little bursts of apple pie flavor.
- Air Fryer Apple Crisp: Warm, spiced apples with a crunchy oat topping.
- Air Fryer Apple Fritters: Perfectly golden and sweet, without the deep-fryer.
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4
Air Fryer Bloomin’ Apple
Becky
5 minutes
10 minutes
Rate
Equipment
-
1 Air Fryer
-
Small Sharp Knife or Paring Knife
-
Melon Baller or Small Spoon
Ingredients
-
4
medium
apples (firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith) -
8
caramel squares (like Kraft Caramels) -
1/4
cup
butter, melted -
1/4
cup
brown sugar -
1
teaspoon
ground cinnamon -
1
teaspoon
vanilla extract
Prevent your screen from going dark
Instructions
-
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir until thoroughly mixed and set aside. This mixture will be used to coat your apples.
-
Place each apple on a cutting board. Using a small, sharp knife, carefully slice off the top of each apple to create a stable base. Then, with a melon baller or a small spoon, scoop out the core and seeds from the center of each apple. Ensure you leave about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of apple at the bottom to form a sturdy cup; do not cut all the way through.
-
Using a paring knife, make two concentric circular cuts inside the cored apple’s cavity. These will help define the inner section for blooming.
-
Now, turn the apple upside down. Starting about a 1/4 inch from the base (the original bottom of the apple), make 6-8 even downward cuts around the apple to create slices, ensuring you do not cut through the base. When you flip the apple back over, the slices will fan out, resembling a blooming flower.
-
Fill the center of each bloomed apple with the caramel squares. Then, use a spoon or pastry brush to generously coat the entire outside of the apples and the inside of each separate “petal” with the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla mixture.
-
Spray your air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Carefully place the prepared apples inside, ensuring they have room for air circulation. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. Monitor the apples closely during cooking, as times may vary. You want them softened to your preference with bubbly, melted caramel. Serve warm for the best experience.
Notes
Optional Toppings: Elevate your Bloomin’ Apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a crispy topping like chopped nuts or an oat crumble, a luscious caramel drizzle, a sweet honey glaze, or a rich chocolate sauce.
Optional Dipping Sauces: Offer creamy peanut butter, extra caramel sauce, softened marshmallow fluff, or yogurt mixed with pumpkin pie or apple pie spice mix for a fun dipping experience.
Additional Spices: Experiment with coconut sugar for a subtle flavor, a pinch of pumpkin spice, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, or 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves to deepen the aroma.
Cooking Tips: To prevent your apple from browning after cutting and before coating, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over it. This slows down oxidation, especially if you get distracted or work slowly. Always keep an eye on your apples in the air fryer, as cook times can vary slightly depending on apple size and your specific air fryer model.
Nutrition
Calories:
237
kcal
,
Carbohydrates:
55
g
,
Protein:
2
g
,
Fat:
2
g
,
Saturated Fat:
1
g
,
Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g
,
Monounsaturated Fat:
0.4
g
,
Cholesterol:
3
mg
,
Sodium:
71
mg
,
Potassium:
280
mg
,
Fiber:
5
g
,
Sugar:
46
g
,
Vitamin A:
133
IU
,
Vitamin C:
8
mg
,
Calcium:
72
mg
,
Iron:
0.4
mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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