I absolutely love how simple ingredients can come together to make something truly magical, and this Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce Recipe is a perfect example. Crisp, sweet apple wedges gently dusted with cinnamon sugar, paired with a luscious caramel whipped cream sauce, create a dessert that feels indulgent but is actually quite easy to whip up. I turn to this treat when I want something cozy, quick, and comforting, and I’m always amazed at how it impresses everyone every single time.
Why You'll Love This Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce Recipe
What really makes this recipe stand out for me is that perfect balance between crispy and creamy, sweet and slightly tangy. The air-fried apple wedges get this delightful golden edge with just a touch of cinnamon sugar that enhances the apple’s natural tartness. Then, dipping these warm wedges into the cool, velvety caramel whipped cream? Heaven! It's like a flavor party in your mouth that is both satisfying and refreshing.
Another thing I adore about this recipe is how effortless it is. Using the air fryer cuts down on prep and cook time without sacrificing taste or texture. I don’t have to stand over a stove or heat up the whole kitchen, and the cleanup is minimal. It’s a fantastic go-to snack or dessert that feels special but takes almost no effort at all.
Whenever I serve this recipe, it fits so many occasions perfectly. From casual family nights to a sweet addition at fall gatherings or even as a last-minute dessert after dinner parties, it’s versatile and crowd-pleasing. I especially love making it during apple season, when fresh, crisp apples are at their best, but honestly, I find myself craving it all year round.
Ingredients You'll Need
The beauty of this Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in the overall flavor, texture, and presentation, combining to create a dish that’s both irresistible and straightforward.
TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below
- Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples: I choose these varieties for their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, which makes the wedges shine when air-fried.
- Melted butter: Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the apples for a caramelized finish.
- Granulated sugar and ground cinnamon: The classic duo that brings warmth and sweetness, enhancing the apples' natural flavor beautifully.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped into soft peaks, it forms the creamy base for the dipping sauce, light but decadent.
- Caramel sauce: Blended into the whipped cream for a luscious, sweet caramel flavor that complements the apple wedges perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor to the caramel whipped cream, making it irresistibly smooth.
- Optional extra caramel drizzle: For those moments when a little extra indulgence is totally warranted.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a nice even heat for perfectly crisp apple wedges.
Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the apple wedges with the melted butter until each piece is well coated. This little step creates a golden crisp edge once air-fried.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture over the butter-coated apples, tossing gently to cover every wedge evenly with that flavorful dusting.
Step 4: Arrange the apple wedges in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. This is important so they crisp up instead of steaming.
Step 5: Air fry the apple wedges for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking. Look for tender apples with slightly crisp edges—perfectly done!
Step 6: While the apples are cooking, whip the heavy cream in a mixing bowl until soft peaks start to form. This should take just a few minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 7: Gently fold in the caramel sauce and vanilla extract into the whipped cream, being careful not to deflate the airiness. This luscious sauce will be the perfect balance to your crisp apple wedges.
Step 8: Serve the air-fried apple wedges warm with the caramel whipped cream dipping sauce on the side. If you want to take it up a notch, drizzle a little extra caramel sauce over the top. Enjoy every bite!
Servings and Timing
This recipe comfortably serves 4 people as a delightful snack or dessert. The prep time is quick at about 10 minutes, mostly for slicing apples and mixing ingredients. The air frying takes 8 to 10 minutes, so you’re looking at a total time of around 20 minutes from start to finish. There’s no resting time necessary, so you can dig in right away, which is always a bonus when craving something sweet!
How to Serve This Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce Recipe
I love serving these apple wedges as a warm, cozy treat after dinner, but honestly, they’re so versatile! For a full-on dessert experience, try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or sprinkle them with chopped toasted nuts for extra crunch and texture. Presentation-wise, I like to arrange the wedges on a rustic wooden board, placing a small bowl of that caramel whipped cream front and center for dipping fun.
For beverages, the sweet cinnamon flavors go wonderfully with a hot mug of spiced cider or even a cup of strong black tea to balance the sweetness. If you're looking for something a bit more festive, a glass of chilled sparkling wine adds a lovely contrast to the warm apples and rich cream. These wedges also make a charming addition to holiday brunches or cozy family parties where you want something that feels homemade but special.
One of my favorite serving tips is to prepare this dish just before guests arrive so the apple wedges are warm and crisp. Portion-wise, plan on about 3-4 wedges per person, paired with a generous dollop of the sauce—trust me, no one ever skips the dipping!
Variations
I’m always up for playing around with this recipe to keep things fresh. For a twist on the apple wedges, you can swap in pears or even peaches when in season—just adjust cooking times since some fruits can soften faster. If you prefer a sugar-free option, try using a sugar substitute that blends well with cinnamon for the coating.
For those following dietary restrictions, you can make the dipping sauce vegan by using coconut cream whipped until fluffy and mixing in a dairy-free caramel sauce. The texture changes slightly, but the flavor remains indulgent and satisfying. Additionally, if you don’t have an air fryer, baking the apple wedges in a hot oven at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes works just as well, though the texture won’t be as crisp.
Flavor-wise, I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the cinnamon sugar mix for an extra layer of warmth, or swap caramel sauce for a rich maple syrup in the whipped cream to highlight fall flavors differently. The possibilities are endless, and it’s fun to experiment with what you love most.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which I rarely do, but it’s totally possible), store the apple wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days. Keep the caramel whipped cream separate in a sealed container to maintain its fluffy texture and freshness, ideally consuming it within a day for maximum creaminess.
Freezing
I generally don’t freeze this dish because the texture of apples and whipped cream changes when frozen. However, if you want to freeze the apple wedges, lay them out on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat gently in the air fryer or oven. The whipped cream dipping sauce is best made fresh, so I wouldn’t recommend freezing it.
Reheating
To reheat leftover apple wedges, I suggest warming them briefly in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes to bring back their crispness. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep them from getting soggy. The caramel whipped cream should be whipped again lightly if it’s lost volume during refrigeration to restore its texture before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are my favorites because they hold their shape well and have a great balance of sweetness and tartness, you can also try Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn apples. Just keep in mind that softer apples may cook faster and become mushy.
Is there a substitute for heavy whipping cream in the caramel sauce?
If you want to avoid dairy, full-fat coconut cream works wonderfully as a plant-based alternative. Whip it until fluffy and fold in a vegan caramel sauce or homemade caramel made with coconut sugar for a delicious dairy-free version.
Can I prepare the apple wedges in advance?
You can slice and toss the apples with butter and cinnamon sugar up to a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. However, I recommend air frying them just before serving for the best crisp texture and warm flavor.
How can I make the caramel whipped cream less sweet?
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of caramel sauce or choose a caramel with a deeper, less sugary flavor. You can also add an extra splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
What else can I serve with these apple wedges?
Aside from the caramel whipped cream, they pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream, mascarpone cheese, or a drizzle of honey. You can also enjoy them alongside spiced nuts or a scoop of your favorite nut butter for a more filling snack.
Conclusion
I hope you’ll give this Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce Recipe a try soon—it’s one of those simple yet special dishes that brings so much joy with every bite. Whether you want a quick dessert or a fun snack to share with loved ones, it’s easy, delicious, and full of comforting flavors that feel like a warm hug. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!
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Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy this easy and delightful treat of crispy and sweet air-fried apple wedges dusted with cinnamon sugar, served with a rich caramel whipped cream dipping sauce that complements the warm apples perfectly.
Ingredients
For the Apple Wedges:
- 3 large apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), sliced into wedges
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: extra caramel drizzle
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Wedges: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, toss the apple wedges with melted butter. In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the apples, coating them thoroughly.
- Air Fry the Apple Wedges: Arrange the coated apple wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to turn the apples, until they become tender with a slightly crisp exterior.
- Make the Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, ensuring the cream is light and airy. Gently fold in the caramel sauce and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined without deflating the whipped cream.
- Serve: Plate the warm apple wedges and serve them alongside the caramel whipped cream dipping sauce. Optionally, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top of the apples for an additional touch of sweetness.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture after air frying.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure crispiness.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and caramel sauce with a vegan caramel alternative.
- The caramel whipped cream is best served immediately but can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours if needed.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon sugar according to your sweetness preference.
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