Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce

Introduction

The first time I made these Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce, they were an instant hit with my family. The combination of the warm, tender apple wedges with a crispy cinnamon-sugar coating paired with the smooth, creamy caramel whipped cream dipping sauce was irresistible. The best part? It’s a healthier alternative to deep-fried apple desserts but still satisfies that craving for something sweet and indulgent. Whether it’s for a snack, a fun treat for the kids, or a special dessert to share, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. Here’s how to make this delightful treat!

Ingredients:

• 2 medium Gala apples
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons sugar for coating
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon for coating
• 4 oz whipped cream
• 1/4 cup caramel sauce

Instructions:

1. Prepare the apples: Peel the Gala apples and remove the cores. Slice them into wedges about 1/4-inch thick, ensuring they’re roughly the same size for even cooking.
2. Coat the apples: Drizzle the melted butter over the apple wedges and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Toss the apple wedges gently to coat them evenly with the butter and cinnamon.
3. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes.
4. Air fry the apple wedges: Place the cinnamon-coated apple wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, checking for tenderness and a crispy edge on the apples.
5. Prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating: While the apples are cooking, mix 3 tablespoons of sugar with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl.
6. Toss the apples in cinnamon sugar: Once the apple wedges are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated.
7. Make the caramel whipped cream: In a separate bowl, gently fold the caramel sauce into the whipped cream. Be sure to do this slowly to preserve the whipped cream’s light and airy texture.
8. Chill the dipping sauce: Let the caramel whipped cream chill for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9. Serve: Arrange the warm apple wedges on a serving plate and add the caramel whipped cream dipping sauce on the side. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts:

• Servings: 2-3 servings
• Calories per serving: 250-300 (depending on size of apples and amount of caramel whipped cream)
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Preparation Time:

• Total time: 25 minutes
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 5-7 minutes

How to Serve:

• As a snack: Serve these warm apple wedges with caramel whipped cream as a delightful afternoon snack or treat for the kids.
• As a dessert: Perfect for a cozy after-dinner dessert when you’re craving something light yet satisfying.
• For gatherings: Serve as part of a fruit platter or dessert spread for family gatherings, parties, or holiday meals.
• Pair with drinks: These apple wedges would go perfectly with a hot cup of tea, a glass of cider, or even a spiced latte for a festive touch.

Additional Tips:

1. Use firm apples: Gala apples are sweet and tender, but you can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a firmer texture that holds up well during air frying.
2. Adjust sweetness: If you like a sweeter treat, increase the amount of sugar in the cinnamon-sugar coating.
3. Try different seasonings: Add a pinch of nutmeg or clove to the cinnamon-sugar for extra warmth and flavor.
4. Caramel sauce alternatives: If you don’t have caramel sauce, you can make your own at home using heavy cream and brown sugar or use store-bought caramel syrup for convenience.
5. Make it dairy-free: You can substitute the whipped cream with a non-dairy whipped topping and use dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version.

Recipe Variations:

• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon-sugar coating for a spicy kick.
• Chocolate drizzle: After tossing the apples in the cinnamon-sugar, drizzle some melted dark or milk chocolate over the apple wedges for an indulgent treat.
• Nutty topping: Top the caramel whipped cream with chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunch and richness.
• Baked apples: If you prefer a more traditional baked texture, you can bake the apple wedges in the oven instead of air frying them. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the wedges for 20-25 minutes.

Serving Suggestions:

• With ice cream: Serve the air-fried apple wedges with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• On pancakes or waffles: Top your morning pancakes or waffles with the cinnamon-sugar apple wedges and a dollop of caramel whipped cream for a fun, breakfast-inspired treat.
• In a salad: Add the warm apple wedges to a spinach salad for a sweet and savory combination, with caramel whipped cream as a dressing.

Freezing and Storage:

• Storing apple wedges: The apple wedges are best served fresh, but you can store leftover cooked apple wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes before serving.
• Storing caramel whipped cream: Store the leftover caramel whipped cream in the fridge for up to 3 days. Whisk it lightly before serving to restore its fluffiness.
• Freezing apple wedges: If you have leftover apple wedges, you can freeze them. Arrange the cooked wedges on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer before serving.
• Freezing caramel whipped cream: Freezing caramel whipped cream is not recommended as it may change the texture. However, you can freeze whipped cream on its own and fold in caramel sauce when serving.

FAQ:

1. Can I use different types of apples?
   Yes, you can use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith apples for a different flavor and texture.
2. How do I keep the apple wedges from becoming too soft?
   Ensure you’re using firm apples and avoid overcooking them. Check them after 5 minutes of air frying to ensure they’re not too soft.
3. Can I make the caramel whipped cream ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the caramel whipped cream in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
   Yes, you can bake the apple wedges in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
5. Can I substitute the sugar for a low-calorie sweetener?
   Yes, you can substitute the sugar with a low-calorie sweetener such as Stevia or Monk Fruit.
6. What type of caramel sauce should I use?
   You can use store-bought caramel sauce, or make your own using brown sugar and heavy cream for a richer flavor.
7. Are the apple wedges gluten-free?
   Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any flour or wheat products.
8. Can I use whipped cream from a can?
   Yes, store-bought whipped cream works fine as a substitute for homemade whipped cream.
9. Can I make this recipe without cinnamon?
   Yes, you can omit the cinnamon if you prefer a more neutral flavor or use a different spice like nutmeg or ginger.
10. How can I make the caramel whipped cream lighter?
    If you’d like a lighter version, use a reduced-fat whipped cream or a whipped topping alternative.

Conclusion:

These Air Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce are a delightful combination of warm, cinnamon-spiced apples and a creamy, sweet dip that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. With minimal ingredients and preparation time, they’re perfect for a quick dessert or snack, and they’re so versatile that you can enjoy them with ice cream, on pancakes, or even in a salad. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying them as a cozy treat at home, these apple wedges are sure to become a family favorite.

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