Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a sweet and cozy treat that’s quick to whip up, the Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful dessert strikes the perfect balance between tender, warm apple wedges coated in cinnamon sugar and a luscious caramel-infused whipped cream that’s utterly irresistible. It’s an easy recipe that elevates simple apples into a sophisticated snack or dessert with a comforting crunch and creaminess that will have you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple and wholesome ingredients makes all the difference. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors, texture, and color that make this dish truly special.

• Gala apples: Choose medium-sized, crisp and sweet apples that hold up well to cooking for tender yet firm wedges.
• Ground cinnamon: A warm spice that brings cozy depth to both the apple wedges and the sugar coating.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the cinnamon adhere evenly to the apple slices.
• Sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the apple outer layer, creating that crave-worthy crispy coating.
• Whipped cream: Provides a light, fluffy contrast to the warm apples.
• Caramel sauce: Infuses the whipped cream with decadent sweetness, elevating the dipping experience.

How to Make Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling your Gala apples and carefully removing the cores. Slice them into quarter-inch thick wedges so they cook evenly and maintain a nice bite without becoming mushy.

Step 2: Coat the Apple Wedges

In a mixing bowl, drizzle the melted butter over the apple wedges and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Toss gently to coat the wedges evenly, ensuring every slice is kissed with buttery cinnamon goodness.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat for a few minutes. This preheating is key to achieving a perfectly crispy outer edge on the apples while keeping them tender inside.

Step 4: Air Fry the Apples

Arrange the coated apple wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, keeping an eye on them to ensure they become tender with golden edges that hint at caramelization.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture

While the apples are cooking, whisk together the sugar and remaining 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This fragrant blend is what will give the wedges their irresistible finish.

Step 6: Toss in Cinnamon-Sugar

Once the apple wedges are done, quickly transfer them to the cinnamon-sugar bowl. Toss them gently to cover each wedge with the sweet and spiced coating before it cools down.

Step 7: Make the Dipping Sauce

In a separate bowl, delicately fold the caramel sauce into the whipped cream, mixing slowly to keep the whipped cream’s airy texture intact. This luscious sauce is the perfect partner to the warm apple wedges.

Step 8: Chill the Dipping Sauce

Pop the caramel whipped cream into the fridge for about 10 minutes. This brief chill allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the creamy caramel taste.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange your warm apple wedges on a pretty serving plate and bring the chilled caramel whipped cream dipping sauce alongside. The contrast of warm and cool, crispy and creamy, sweet and spiced is pure magic!

How to Serve Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few toasted chopped pecans or walnuts over the apple wedges for a delightful crunch and a nutty contrast. Fresh mint leaves can add a fresh flavor and a pop of green color, making the dish look even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a cup of hot spiced chai. The creamy, spicy tea intensifies the warm cinnamon and caramel flavors for a cozy treat that feels just right in cooler months.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the apple wedges in rustic small baskets lined with parchment paper for a charming casual look, or layer them in a lovely glass trifle dish with extra caramel whipped cream in-between layers for an impressive dessert centerpiece. Using mini ramekins for the dipping sauce keeps each portion neat and shareable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any apple wedges left, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the caramel whipped cream in a separate sealed container to preserve its light texture and flavor.

Freezing

While the apple wedges are best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture, you can freeze the cooked wedges in a single layer on parchment before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight and reheat in the air fryer to regain some crispness. The caramel whipped cream does not freeze well and should be made fresh.

Reheating

To warm up leftover apple wedges, place them in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them soggy. Serve with freshly whipped caramel cream for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While Gala apples are sweet and tender, you can swap in Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn for varied flavor profiles and textures. Just adjust cooking time if your apples are denser or juicier.

Is there a substitute for caramel sauce in the dipping cream?

If you want a twist, try stirring in maple syrup or honey instead of caramel. Both add natural sweetness and blend nicely with whipped cream for an equally delightful dip.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use a plant-based butter alternative and substitute whipped cream with coconut whipped cream. For caramel sauce, opt for a vegan caramel or make your own using coconut milk and brown sugar.

Will the apple wedges get soggy?

Cooking them in the air fryer at high heat helps keep the apples tender inside but crispy on the outside. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket to allow proper air circulation for that perfect texture.

Can I prepare the dipping sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the caramel whipped cream dipping sauce a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh its creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the warm, cinnamon-scented apple wedges paired with the cool, caramel-infused whipped cream that makes the Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce Recipe a true crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a quick afternoon snack or an elegant dessert for guests, this recipe is sure to win hearts and taste buds alike. Give it a try—you won’t regret having this little slice of sweetness in your recipe collection!

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