There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of baked apples wrapped in flaky pastry, especially when they’re fresh out of the air fryer. These Air Fryer Fried Apple Rings combine the nostalgia of warm apple pie with the convenience of modern air frying — giving you a dessert that’s sweet, crispy, and completely irresistible.
This recipe takes juicy apple slices, wraps them in buttery puff pastry, and lightly coats them in a cinnamon-sugar blend before air frying them to golden perfection. The result? A mouthwatering treat that’s crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, and bursting with the cozy flavors of cinnamon, sugar, and apple.
Whether you serve these apple rings as a quick dessert, a fall party snack, or a weekend indulgence, they’ll disappear faster than you can make them. The best part? They require no deep frying and only take about 15 minutes total to make from start to finish.
🍏 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These air-fried apple rings are an ideal blend of texture, taste, and simplicity. You don’t need fancy tools or complicated techniques — just a few basic ingredients and an air fryer. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your dessert rotation:
- ✅ Healthier than deep-fried desserts – Air frying uses minimal oil while still creating a crispy, golden exterior.
- ✅ Quick & easy – Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal prep.
- ✅ Kid-friendly – Sweet, handheld, and fun to eat — kids absolutely love them!
- ✅ Perfect for any occasion – Serve them for brunch, dessert, or even as a holiday treat.
- ✅ Versatile – Pair with ice cream, caramel drizzle, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a gourmet finish.
🥧 Ingredients Breakdown: What You’ll Need and Why
Each ingredient plays an important role in achieving that ideal balance of flavor and texture. Let’s take a look:
🍎 Apples (2 medium)
The star of this recipe. The best apples for frying or baking are those that hold their shape under heat. Granny Smith apples give a tart, slightly tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet pastry. Honeycrisp apples, on the other hand, offer natural sweetness and a juicy crunch.
💡 Tip: You can also use Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady apples — just avoid overly soft varieties like Red Delicious, which can turn mushy.
🧈 Puff Pastry (1 sheet, thawed)
Puff pastry creates the buttery, flaky crust that makes these apple rings so indulgent. You can use store-bought frozen puff pastry, but make sure it’s fully thawed yet still cold before working with it. This ensures that it puffs up beautifully in the air fryer.
Bonus: Gluten-free puff pastry works well for a dietary-friendly version!
🥚 Egg (1, beaten)
The egg wash adds shine and helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick to the pastry. It also promotes that golden-brown finish you want from air-fried pastries.
🍬 Granulated Sugar (¼ cup)
Sugar caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, adding sweetness and crunch. You can also use coconut sugar or brown sugar for a richer, deeper flavor.
🌿 Cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
Cinnamon pairs perfectly with apples — warm, aromatic, and comforting. You can also blend it with a pinch of nutmeg, clove, or pumpkin pie spice for extra depth.
🍯 Optional Toppings
Finish your apple rings with powdered sugar, caramel sauce, or even vanilla ice cream for that extra indulgent touch.
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create bakery-quality apple rings at home — all in your air fryer.
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by washing and peeling your apples (you can leave the skin on if you prefer extra fiber and texture).
Next, remove the cores using an apple corer or a small round cookie cutter. Slice the apples into ½-inch thick rings — this ensures they cook evenly without becoming too soft or too crisp.
Pat each apple ring dry using paper towels. This step is crucial because excess moisture can prevent the puff pastry from crisping properly.
Step 2: Wrap with Puff Pastry
Unroll the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut it into thin strips about ½ inch wide.
Wrap each strip around the apple rings, slightly overlapping each layer so no apple is exposed. Continue wrapping until the entire ring is covered.
💡 Pro Tip: Work quickly! Puff pastry softens fast at room temperature, and cold pastry gives the best rise in the air fryer.
Step 3: Coat with Egg and Sugar Mix
Brush each pastry-wrapped apple ring with the beaten egg — this gives the pastry that shiny, golden-brown glow.
In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. You can also add a touch of brown sugar or nutmeg for more flavor.
Sprinkle or roll each ring in the cinnamon-sugar mix until evenly coated.
Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Lightly spray the basket with nonstick oil spray (optional, but helps prevent sticking).
Place the prepared apple rings in a single layer inside the basket. Make sure they aren’t overlapping for even airflow.
Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The apple rings are done when the puff pastry is golden brown, crisp, and slightly puffed up.
⏰ Cooking Tip: Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to adjust the time slightly. Smaller fryers cook faster, so check after 6 minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once golden, remove the apple rings and let them cool slightly for about 3–5 minutes.
Dust lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with warm caramel sauce. For an extra treat, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Enjoy while warm — they’re crispy, sweet, and perfectly comforting!
🍯 Creative Twists & Flavor Variations
These air-fried apple rings are incredibly versatile. You can switch up the flavors depending on the season or your personal preference:
- Caramel Apple Rings: Add a drizzle of salted caramel sauce after frying for a decadent dessert.
- Apple Pie Rings: Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg and allspice in the cinnamon-sugar mix to mimic apple pie filling.
- Savory Version: Skip the sugar and instead sprinkle with cheddar cheese and a hint of paprika for a fun appetizer twist.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Dip half of each cooled ring in melted dark or milk chocolate, then refrigerate for 10 minutes to set.
💡 Tips for Perfect Results
- Keep the puff pastry cold. Warm pastry becomes sticky and doesn’t puff properly.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Give each ring enough space for air circulation.
- Flip halfway. This ensures even browning and crispiness on both sides.
- Use firm apples. Softer apples can turn mushy after air frying.
- Add a touch of brown sugar. It enhances caramelization and adds a toasty flavor.
🧊 Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Keep leftover apple rings in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
- Freezing: You can freeze unbaked pastry-wrapped apple rings. When ready, air fry directly from frozen — just add 2–3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
These Air Fryer Apple Rings are versatile and can be served in multiple ways:
- As a sweet breakfast treat with a side of Greek yogurt or honey.
- As a party dessert platter with caramel and chocolate dipping sauces.
- With coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
- As a holiday dessert topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
They’re the perfect balance of elegance and comfort food — simple enough for everyday enjoyment but impressive enough for guests.
🧮 Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 187
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 75mg
