MomSkoop
Fall brings a special kind of magic to our kitchens with its warm spices and hearty flavors. Your air fryer isn’t just for making crispy fries – it’s a secret weapon for creating delicious autumn treats with less oil and fuss. From sweet apple desserts to savory squash sides, these recipes capture the essence of fall while saving you time and effort.
1. Crispy Cinnamon Apple Rings
Imagine the aroma of apple pie filling your kitchen without the hassle of making an entire pie! These apple rings transform ordinary fruit into a mouthwatering treat in minutes. Thinly sliced apples get a quick toss in cinnamon sugar before air frying to golden perfection. The edges caramelize beautifully while the centers remain tender. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or pack them as a healthier snack option. They’re significantly lighter than traditional fried versions but deliver all the fall flavor you crave.
2. Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes
Who needs to wait in line at a bakery when you can create these pillowy bites of autumn at home? The secret to their incredible texture is buttermilk in the batter. Each bite-sized morsel carries the classic pumpkin spice flavor we all associate with falling leaves and cozy sweaters. After a quick stint in the air fryer, they’re rolled in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar while still warm. Kids love helping with the final sugar coating step. Store any leftovers in an airtight container, though they rarely last more than a day in most households!
3. Maple-Glazed Acorn Squash
The humble acorn squash transforms into something magical with just a few ingredients. Cut into half-moons, this naturally sweet vegetable caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer. A simple glaze of maple syrup, butter, and a pinch of nutmeg enhances its natural flavors without overwhelming them. The air fryer creates perfectly tender squash with irresistibly crisp edges in half the time of traditional oven methods. This versatile side dish pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or pork. For an elegant presentation, arrange the golden slices in a fan pattern and drizzle with any remaining glaze just before serving.
4. Spiced Pumpkin Fries
Move over, potatoes! Pumpkin makes an unexpectedly delicious alternative for fall fries that straddle the line between sweet and savory. The trick is cutting the pumpkin into uniform sticks and patting them dry before seasoning. A blend of cinnamon, paprika, and a touch of brown sugar creates a complex flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more. These fries develop a satisfying outer crispness while maintaining a creamy interior. Serve them with a maple-yogurt dipping sauce for an appetizer that will have guests asking for your secret recipe.
5. Caramelized Maple Salmon
Salmon takes on the flavors of fall in this foolproof main dish that looks like it came from a restaurant kitchen. The maple glaze creates a stunning lacquer that caramelizes perfectly in the air fryer’s circulating heat. Chopped fresh apples and shallots cook alongside the fish, absorbing the sweet-savory juices. The entire meal comes together in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss. The contrast between the crispy glazed exterior and the tender, flaky salmon makes this dish truly memorable. Even seafood skeptics find themselves reaching for seconds!
6. Candied Pumpkin Spice Pecans
The fragrance alone makes these nuts worth making! Pecans become irresistibly addictive when coated in a mixture that captures autumn’s essence. Unlike stovetop methods that require constant attention, the air fryer creates perfectly candied nuts without the risk of burning. A whisked egg white helps the sweet pumpkin spice coating adhere evenly to each pecan half. Sprinkle these over salads for unexpected crunch, package them as thoughtful homemade gifts, or simply enjoy by the handful. They’ll stay fresh for weeks in an airtight container—assuming they last that long!
7. Brown Butter Parmesan Squash
Acorn squash reaches new heights of flavor with this brown butter treatment. The air fryer intensifies the natural sweetness while creating caramelized edges that contrast beautifully with the tender flesh. After cooking, each piece gets a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a drizzle of nutty brown butter. The cheese forms a delicate crust that adds another dimension of flavor and texture. For a stunning presentation, arrange the golden wedges on a platter and finish with fresh sage leaves. This sophisticated side requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact at your fall dinner table.
8. Garlic-Buffalo Chicken Wings
Football season and fall go hand in hand, and these wings deliver game day flavor without the deep-fried guilt. The air fryer achieves the seemingly impossible: chicken wings with crackling skin and juicy meat using minimal oil. A dry rub of garlic powder, paprika, and salt seasons the wings before cooking. Afterward, they’re tossed in a buffalo sauce that’s been amped up with roasted garlic for depth. Serve these crowd-pleasers with celery sticks and a cooling blue cheese dip. The beauty of this method is that you can enjoy a second batch in just minutes when the first inevitably disappears!
9. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Starter
This clever recipe uses your air fryer to roast the squash before it becomes soup, intensifying the flavors while saving time. The cubes develop gorgeous caramelization that adds depth to the finished dish. After air frying, simply transfer the squash to a pot with broth, warm spices, and a touch of cream. A quick blitz with an immersion blender creates silky smoothness. For an elegant presentation, serve in mugs topped with toasted pepitas and a swirl of maple cream. This soup captures autumn in a bowl and warms you from the inside out on chilly evenings.
10. Individual Apple Crisps
Remember those ceramic ramekins collecting dust in your cabinet? They’re perfect for these personal-sized apple crisps that cook in half the time of traditional oven versions. Honeycrisp apples maintain their structure while becoming tender, creating the perfect base for the buttery oat topping. The air fryer’s circulation ensures the crumble becomes golden and crunchy while the apples bubble with cinnamon-scented juices below. A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates that magical hot-and-cold contrast we all love. These individual portions eliminate dessert squabbles and make weeknight treats feel special without much effort.