One of my favorite fall desserts are these hasselback apples! Adding slices into the apple before baking allows all that delicious flavor to get inside and make every mouthful delicious. Plus, thanks to the air fryer, they cook up in no time – perfect for a fall dessert anytime!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Impressively Beautiful, Surprisingly Easy – The hasselback slices look gourmet but are simple to create! They’re a sweet option akin to Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes!
- Perfect Texture – Crisp, caramelized edges with tender, juicy centers
- Intensified Flavor – Air frying enhances apple sweetness and infuses warm spices!
- Quick to Make – Cooks in about 20 minutes, much faster than the oven
- Lighter Indulgence – Comfort dessert with less fat and sugar than pie, plus apples are a great source of antioxidants
- Versatile – Dress up with ice cream or keep it simple with nuts or oats
- Seasonally Adaptable – Easily customized for any time of year (though they’re most commonly served in fall when apples are being harvested). They’re even elegant enough for Thanksgiving!
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Ingredients Needed
- 3 Pink Lady apples (or similar sweet, firm apple)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 4 Tbsp butter (I use salted; unsalted is fine if you add a pinch of salt)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp chopped pecans (optional)
- 2 Tbsp all purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp old fashioned oats
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Instead of cinnamon (or in addition to), you can use other warming spices, like ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, or a mix like apple pie spice
- The pecans are optional but add a nice crunch. Hazelnuts or walnuts are other good options if you prefer them
- You can substitute a gluten free all purpose flour or whole wheat flour instead of regular all purpose flour
- Toppings are optional but I highly recommend whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or caramel sauce!
How to Choose the Best Apples
- Firm Texture – Pick apples that hold their shape during cooking, such as Honeycrisp apples, Pink Lady, or Fuji. Avoid mushy varieties like Cortland or Macintosh
- Balanced Flavor – A mix of sweet and tart (like Braeburn or Jonagold) gives the best depth
- Freshness – Choose apples with smooth, unblemished skin and no soft spots
- Medium Size – Evenly sized apples cook more consistently in the air fryer
- Seasonal Advantage – Use in-season apples for peak flavor and juiciness!
Step By Step Instructions
- Peel, halve, and core your apples. Place the cut side face down, then slice each apple into slices about ¼” apart, not cutting all the way through (leave at least ¼” intact at the bottom). Tip: use the handle of a wooden spoon on each side of the apple to serve as a stopper when cutting. Be careful near the center where the core was removed, as this area tends to be thinner and it’s easier to accidentally cut through
- In a small bowl, melt 1 Tbsp of the butter, then mix with 1 Tbsp brown sugar and ¼ tsp cinnamon. Brush the mixture evenly over the tops of the apples
- Place apple halves into your air fryer flat side facing down. I recommend perforated parchment or foil to make for easier cleanup, but this is optional
- Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, or until apples begin to soften (the cuts should start to pull apart)
- While the apples are cooking, combine the flour, remaining ¼ tsp cinnamon, remaining 3 Tbsp brown sugar, rolled oats, pecans (if using), and cut the remaining 3 Tbsp cold butter into cubes, before mixing all together until you have a crumbly streusel (I use my hands, but a pastry cutter is fine too)
- Using a fork, carefully fan open the slices in the apples, and add the streusel into the spaces (sprinkle any extra over the top). This can be kind of a pain with nuts due to the size, so feel free to just spread it over the top if that’s easier
- Return to the air fryer and cook an additional 7-10 minutes at 400°F, until the streusel is browned with a nice crust, and the apples are tender, but still firm enough to not lose shape
- Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired (optional)
Pairing Suggestions
Dessert Pairings
- Vanilla ice cream or cinnamon gelato
- Warm caramel sauce or butterscotch drizzle
- Whipped cream with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon
Drinks
- Hot apple cider or chai latte. Try any of my Chai Cocktails for a boozy option!
- Sparkling apple juice or hard cider
- Dessert wines like Moscato or Riesling
Savory Complements
- Sharp cheddar or aged gouda cheese
- Roasted nuts (pecans, walnuts) for crunch
- Charcuterie board with prosciutto or salami for a sweet-savory mix
Recipe FAQs
Can I Make Hasselback Apples Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the apples up to the slicing and seasoning stage, then store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before air frying. You may want to toss the apples in a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
If making them completely in advance, reheat gently in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their warmth and texture.
What’s the Best Way to Slice the Apples for Hasselback Style?
Place the apple between two wooden spoons handles or chopsticks before slicing on a cutting board. This will stop your knife from cutting all the way through, creating evenly spaced slits that fan out beautifully during cooking.
Use extra caution near where you remove the core, as this area will be thinner and it’s easy to accidentally cut through (you may not even contact the spoon handles over this section).
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Apples?
Absolutely! Pears work wonderfully with the same hasselback technique and seasonings. You can also experiment with peaches or firm plums (though they tend to be mushier). Just adjust the cooking time as softer fruits may require less time in the air fryer.
Tips For the Best Hasselback Apples
- You can use a flat spatula to transfer the apples out of the air fryer for stuffing if you find that easier (great for serving too)!
- If your apples do fall apart because you cut too far, don’t worry. They’ll still taste delicious! Just carefully transfer the pieces out and onto a plate, then cover the break with extra ice cream – no one will notice!
- Cooking times can vary between air fryers and apple varieties. I make mine in a Ninja air fryer! Adjust as needed to fit your specific setup (and preferences)
Storage and Reheating
Storage Tip
- Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture and help keep the topping crisp!
- Freezing: Not recommended, as apples can turn mushy after thawing
Reheating Tips
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until warmed through and re-crisped
- Microwave: Use short bursts (15–20 seconds) to avoid over-softening (but the topping will lose crispness no matter what)
- Oven: Warm at 325°F for 8–10 minutes if reheating multiple servings
- Caramel Apple Scones
- Apple Cobbler Egg Rolls
Final Thoughts
These hasselback apples are one of my favorite fall desserts! They’re basically just a baked apple with more surface area, so you can pack in even more delicious flavor. Plus, all the little cuts hold lots of flavor, and make them elegant looking – you could even serve them at Thanksgiving!
The air fryer does a great job of cooking them up to a tender crisp state in about half the time when compared to a regular oven. It delivers a lovely browned crunchy topping that pairs perfectly with cool ice cream.
If you just got back from your fall trip to the orchard, make sure to check out all of my delicious Air Fryer Apple Recipes for more tasty ideas!
Air Fryer Hasselback Apples With Pecan Crumble
Servings: 6
Hasselback apples are a fun twist on traditional baked apples with more surface area for a delicious pecan crumble topping! Make them in your air fryer in less time than the oven for a great fall dessert.
Equipment
- Vegetable peeler (or similar)
- Pastry brush (or similar)
- 2 Wooden spoons (or similar; as cutting guides)
Ingredients
- 3 firm sweet apples (such as Pink Lady)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, divided
- 4 Tbsp butter, divided (I use salted; add a pinch of salt if yours is unsalted)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon, divided
- 2 Tbsp chopped pecans (optional)
- 2 Tbsp all purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp old fashioned oats
- Vanilla ice cream (optional; for serving)
Instructions
- Peel, halve, and core your apples. Place the cut side face down, then slice each apple into slices about ¼” apart, not cutting all the way through (leave at least ¼” intact at the bottom). Tip: use the handle of a wooden spoon on each side of the apple to serve as a stopper when cutting. Be careful near the center where the core was removed, as this area tends to be thinner and it’s easier to accidentally cut through3 firm sweet apples
- In a small bowl, melt 1 Tbsp of the butter, then mix with 1 Tbsp brown sugar and ¼ tsp cinnamon. Brush the mixture evenly over the tops of the apples¼ cup light brown sugar, divided, 4 Tbsp butter, divided, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, divided
- Place apple halves into your air fryer flat side facing down. I recommend using perforated parchment or foil to make for easier cleanup, but this is optional
- Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, or until apples begin to soften (the cuts should start to pull apart)
- While the apples are cooking, combine the flour, remaining ¼ tsp cinnamon, remaining 3 Tbsp brown sugar, rolled oats, pecans (if using), and cut the remaining 3 Tbsp cold butter into cubes, before mixing all together until you have a crumbly streusel (I use my hands, but a pastry cutter is fine too)¼ cup light brown sugar, divided, 4 Tbsp butter, divided, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, divided, 2 Tbsp all purpose flour, 2 Tbsp old fashioned oats, 2 Tbsp chopped pecans
- Using a fork, carefully fan open the slices in the apples, and add the streusel into the spaces (sprinkle any extra over the top). This can be kind of a pain with nuts due to the size, so feel free to just spread it over the top if that’s easier
- Return to the air fryer and cook an additional 7-10 minutes at 400°F, until the streusel is browned with a nice crust, and the apples are tender, but still firm enough to not lose shape
- Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired (optional)Vanilla ice cream
Notes
- Cooking times can vary between air fryers, and based on the size and variety of apple used. Adjust by a few minutes as needed for your particular setup!
- Choose apples that stay firm and hold shape after cooking, like Pink Lady, Fiji, or Honeycrisp. Avoid mushy apples like Cortland or Macintosh
- Instead of cinnamon (or in addition to), you can use other warming spices, like ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, or a mix like apple pie spice
- The pecans are optional but add a nice crunch. Hazelnuts or walnuts are other good choices if you prefer them
- You can substitute a gluten free all purpose flour or whole wheat flour instead of regular all purpose flour
- Toppings are optional but I highly recommend whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or caramel sauce
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand, size, variety, and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
Serving: 99g | Calories: 162kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9.4g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 63mg | Potassium: 111mg | Fiber: 3.1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 216IU | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 0.5mg
