Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce might be my new favorite reason to invite friends over or treat myself to a cozy night in! Imagine tender apples, kissed with cinnamon and sugar, crisped to perfection in the air fryer, and then dipped into a cloud of caramel-kissed whipped cream with just a hint of sea salt. It’s a comforting, playful dessert that’s so easy to make, you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life. Whether you need an impressive snack for guests, a wholesome after-school treat, or a perfect fall dessert, this irresistible recipe deserves a permanent spot in your repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about making Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce is that you only need a handful of everyday ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to highlight the apples’ natural sweetness, create the perfect bite, and craft an irresistibly creamy dip. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- 2 large apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji, sliced into wedges): These varieties hold their shape beautifully and deliver just the right balance of sweetness and crunch.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A quick toss in lemon juice keeps your apple wedges brilliantly fresh and prevents browning.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sugar draws out the apples’ juices and caramelizes in the air fryer, giving you that classic apple pie flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The warm spice ups the coziness factor—don’t skip it!
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: This magic ingredient ensures your apple wedges develop those golden, crisp edges while staying tender inside.
- Cooking spray: Just a light mist keeps the wedges from sticking and helps them crisp all over.
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream: The base for your dipping sauce, offering decadent richness and stability for whipping.
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling): Swirls of luscious caramel make the dip utterly dreamy—and a bit more for drizzling goes a long way for presentation.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Just a splash deepens the flavor and makes the cream taste like dessert dreamland.
- Pinch of sea salt: Don’t be shy—a little salt makes that caramel flavor sing!
How to Make Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Start by slicing your apples into even wedges. Toss them in a large bowl with the lemon juice right away—this is your secret weapon to prevent browning and keep that gorgeous color. The lemon also adds a barely-there tang that really wakes up the fruit’s flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Sweet Coating
Grab a small bowl and stir together your granulated sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. This mixture is the key to infusing those apple wedges with spice, a hint of sweetness, and that amazing golden finish. Sprinkle it over your apple wedges and toss until each slice is perfectly dressed.
Step 3: Air Fry the Apple Wedges
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to ensure effortless release. Arrange your apple wedges in a single layer—crowding will make them steam, not crisp! Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, giving the basket a gentle shake halfway through. You’re looking for tender, sweet apples with slightly crisp, caramelized edges.
Step 4: Make the Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce
While the apples transform in the air fryer, focus on the star of the show: that crazy-delicious caramel whipped cream. In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt, then continue whipping until the dip is light, fluffy, and perfectly swirled with caramel. This dip is pure magic alongside your apples!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Pile those warm, fragrant apple wedges onto a platter, set out the caramel whipped cream dipping sauce, and don’t forget an extra drizzle of caramel for dramatic flair. Watch as everyone lights up when they dip, swirl, and crunch their way through this delight. Your Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce are ready to steal the show!
How to Serve Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can let your creativity shine. Dust the apple wedges with a little extra cinnamon, add a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts for crunch, or drizzle the whole plate with even more caramel sauce. A few coarse flakes of sea salt on the dip can really make the flavors pop! Presentation counts, so go ahead and make your Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce look as irresistible as they taste.
Side Dishes
These warm apples are magic on their own, but you can create a full dessert board by pairing them with other air-fried fruits or offering an assortment of cookies and biscotti for more dipping fun. If you want to serve them as a brunch item, fresh berries or a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side adds a tart contrast that complements the rich caramel whipped cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Dress up your Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce for a party by skewering the apple slices on decorative picks. Make individual mini dessert cups layered with apples and whipped cream for easy grab-and-go treats at gatherings. Kids also love to help assemble these “apple nachos”: Arrange the wedges on a platter, drizzle with caramel, dollop with cream, and let everyone dig in family-style!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the apple wedges in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The caramel whipped cream dipping sauce can also be kept in a separate covered bowl for up to 24 hours. Give the cream a quick whip or stir before serving to revive that fluffy texture.
Freezing
While the whipped cream isn’t ideal for freezing (the texture can suffer), the apple wedges can be frozen on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then transferred to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, give them a quick reheat in the air fryer to restore some of that wonderful crispness before serving with freshly made dipping sauce.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat your apple wedges in the air fryer or oven until just warmed through and slightly crisp on the edges again—usually just a few minutes at 350°F does the trick. The dipping sauce is best enjoyed fresh, but if it’s had a rest in the fridge, whip it briefly or stir to fluff it back up before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different variety of apple?
Absolutely! Any firm, sweet-tart apple like Gala, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith will work beautifully for Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce. Just be sure to slice them evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Is there a dairy-free option for the whipping cream?
Yes—just swap in coconut whipped cream and choose a dairy-free caramel sauce. The result is still rich and delicious, with a subtle coconut undertone that’s downright dreamy with apples!
Can I make the caramel whipped cream ahead of time?
You sure can! Prep the caramel whipped cream up to 24 hours in advance and keep it in a covered bowl in the refrigerator. Give it a quick whip or whisk before serving to restore its velvety texture.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No problem! You can bake the apple wedges on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp and tender. The results still create a wonderful pairing with the caramel whipped cream dipping sauce.
Does the caramel whipped cream dipping sauce work for other desserts?
Absolutely—it’s delicious with fresh fruit, brownies, waffles, or even a spoon. Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce might get top billing, but that sauce is ready to shine in all sorts of desserts!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, give Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce a try. It’s a total crowd-pleaser with the perfect mix of crisp, cozy, and creamy. I hope this recipe brings you as much joy and deliciousness as it does in my kitchen!
