with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce Recipe
If homemade comfort could be captured in a bite, it would taste exactly like air fried apple wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce. This dessert is pure autumn joy—crisp yet tender apple wedges kissed with cinnamon and just the right amount of sweetness, made even more irresistible by a fluffy caramel-spiked whipped cream. Whether you’re searching for a new weekend treat or an easy showstopper for guests, this recipe promises to be a keeper!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe comes from a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that each play a starring role. Fresh apples transform in the air fryer, while a quick homemade caramel whipped cream dipping sauce provides a luscious finishing touch. Let’s break down what you’ll need for delicious success:
- Apples: Choose crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best balance of sweetness and texture—the apples soften while keeping their shape.
- Melted butter or coconut oil: This adds richness and helps the cinnamon-sugar stick wonderfully to each wedge.
- Brown sugar or coconut sugar: A touch of deep sweetness that caramelizes lightly during air frying and brings cozy flavor.
- Cinnamon: The essential warm spice that gives the wedges their classic apple dessert aroma and taste.
- Pinch of salt: Just a little brings out the best in the apples and deepens all the sweet flavors.
- Heavy whipping cream: The base of our fluffy, luscious caramel whipped cream dipping sauce.
- Caramel sauce: Store-bought or homemade, this is the key to infusing whipped cream with golden caramel notes.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the whipped cream with a mellow, comforting flavor.
- Pinch of salt (for whipped cream): Balances the caramel’s sweetness and heightens the cream’s flavor.
How to Make with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce
Step 1: Prep Your Apples
Start by coring and slicing your apples into wedges. There’s no need to peel them—the skins add wonderful color and a slight chew that pairs beautifully with the soft centers. Try to cut the wedges to a consistent thickness so that they cook evenly in the air fryer.
Step 2: Toss with Flavor
In a mixing bowl, gently toss the apple wedges with the melted butter (or coconut oil), brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Make sure every piece is nicely coated; this will caramelize as the apples cook, giving each wedge a gorgeous golden sheen.
Step 3: Air Fry the Apple Wedges
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes. Arrange the apple wedges in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t overlap—use batches if necessary. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until apples are tender but still hold their shape, and those sugary edges are lightly caramelized. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce
While apples are in the air fryer, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add in the caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and a small pinch of salt, then continue mixing until the cream is thick and forms stiff peaks. Pop it in the fridge until it’s time to serve—this caramel whipped cream dipping sauce takes the apple wedges to another level.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the apple wedges are golden and slightly crisped on the edges, scoop them onto a platter. Dollop on the caramel whipped cream or serve it in a bowl for dipping. If you like, drizzle an extra ribbon of caramel sauce over the top for a sweet, decadent finish. Gather everyone around—these won’t last long!
How to Serve with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce
Garnishes
Add a finishing flourish by sprinkling a bit of extra cinnamon on top or drizzling more caramel sauce over both the apple wedges and the caramel whipped cream dipping sauce. A light dusting of powdered sugar looks lovely, and a few crushed toasted pecans or walnuts can add crave-worthy crunch.
Side Dishes
Turn your air fried apple wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce into a memorable snack board by pairing them with a bowl of roasted nuts, a cluster of grapes, or even a handful of pretzels for a sweet-and-salty vibe. For an afternoon pick-me-up, serve with hot apple cider or freshly brewed coffee to make the experience even cozier.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful touch at parties, thread the apple wedges onto pretty skewers and offer mini cups of caramel whipped cream dipping sauce for individual servings. Alternatively, layer the apple wedges and cream parfait-style in glass jars for a grab-and-go dessert. If you’re feeling extra creative, offer a “dessert nacho” platter with the wedges spread out and all the toppings scattered over the top—everyone can dive in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (it’s rare!), store the apple wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the caramel whipped cream dipping sauce in a separate covered container; it will keep its texture best if used within the same timeframe.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for the whipped cream, as it can become watery when thawed, but the apple wedges themselves can be frozen. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to one month. When ready, thaw and reheat as directed below, and whip up fresh caramel whipped cream dipping sauce for serving.
Reheating
To reheat apple wedges, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3 to 4 minutes until warm and crisp. The caramel whipped cream dipping sauce is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but you can re-whip it briefly if it deflates a bit.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Fuji offer wonderful flavor and texture, feel free to use Gala, Jonagold, or even Granny Smith for a more tart bite. Different apple varieties will bring a new twist to your air fried apple wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is entirely optional—leaving the peel on adds color, texture, and extra fiber. If you prefer a super-soft result, you can peel the apples first, but the wedge will still hold up beautifully either way.
Can I make the caramel whipped cream dipping sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can whip up the caramel whipped cream up to a day in advance. Keep it chilled and covered, and give it a gentle stir before serving to bring back its fluffy 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 15-18 minutes, flipping once. The edges might be a tad less crisp, but the flavor will still be fantastic—just pair them with your caramel whipped cream dipping sauce as usual.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely. Swap in coconut oil for the butter and use a plant-based whipped cream for the dipping sauce. There are also delicious vegan caramel sauces on the market. Your air fried apple wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce will still be totally irresistible!
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly heartwarming about sharing a platter of air fried apple wedges with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce with friends and family. This quick and easy treat turns simple ingredients into a flavor-packed experience that brings everyone together. Whether you enjoy it as a snack or dessert, don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite way to celebrate cozy moments!
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with Caramel Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the delightful combination of crispy air-fried apple wedges coated in cinnamon and sugar, served with a luscious caramel whipped cream. This easy-to-make dessert or snack is a perfect treat for any time of the day!
Ingredients
For the apple wedges:
- 2 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and sliced into wedges
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the caramel whipped cream:
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the apple wedges: Toss apple wedges with melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Arrange in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry: Air fry the apple wedges for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and golden.
- Make the caramel whipped cream: Beat heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add caramel sauce, vanilla, and salt. Whip until stiff peaks form.
- Serve: Serve the warm apple wedges with caramel whipped cream.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, dust the apples with cornstarch before air frying.
- Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the apples for extra sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
