There is something truly magical about the crisp, sweet, and warmly spiced treat of apples transformed into a fun finger food. The Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe brings that magic to life with minimal fuss and maximum flavor, creating a snack or dessert that’s as delightful as it is easy. These apple fries are perfectly coated in a cinnamon-spiced mixture, air fried to a golden crisp, and ready to enjoy in under an hour. Whether you’re craving a wholesome snack or a charming dessert, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are simple but perfectly chosen to highlight the natural sweetness of apples while adding a cozy spice blend that warms every bite. Each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and crispness in your Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe.
- Honeycrisp apples: Their natural sweetness and firm texture make them ideal for slicing and frying without turning mushy.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the base for a light, crunchy coating that crisps beautifully in the air fryer.
- Apple pie spice: A fragrant blend enhancing the warm apple flavors with cinnamon, nutmeg, and hints of clove.
- Cinnamon: Used both in the coating and topping, cinnamon adds a spicy sweetness that’s simply irresistible.
- Eggs: Help the flour coating adhere to the apple slices for a double-layered crispy finish.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth and aromatic sweetness to the egg wash.
- Light brown sugar: Combines with cinnamon to give the apples a caramelized, sweet crunch when air fried.
- Olive oil nonstick spray: Prevents sticking and ensures an even, golden crust without mess.
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Use an apple peeler to remove the skins from two large Honeycrisp apples, then slice each apple into half-inch wedges. This size ensures they cook evenly and maintain a wonderful crispness inside after air frying.
Step 2: Mix the Flour and Spices
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 4 tablespoons of apple pie spice, and 4 tablespoons of cinnamon. This fragrant mixture is the foundation for the crunchy coating that makes these fries so addictive.
Step 3: Coat the Apples in Flour Mixture
Transfer the flour and spice blend into a large container with a lid, then add the apple wedges. Seal the container and shake vigorously to coat every slice evenly. This initial coating sets up a textured exterior that will soak up the sweet flavors perfectly.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Wash
In a separate bowl, whisk together two large eggs with one teaspoon of vanilla extract. This mixture helps the apple fries develop their signature double coating by allowing the second dusting of flour and spices to stick.
Step 5: Create the Double Coating
Using a slotted spoon, remove the apple wedges from the flour mixture and shake off excess. Dip a few wedges at a time into the egg wash, then return them to the flour container for a second shake to build a thick, crisp shell.
Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Mix ¼ cup of light brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon in a small bowl. This sweet and spicy topping will caramelize during air frying, turning your apple fries into a mouthwatering treat.
Step 7: Air Fry the Apple Fries
Spray your air fryer basket with olive oil nonstick spray to ensure none of the delicious fries stick. Place the coated apple slices in a single layer, spray the tops with more olive oil, and sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture generously. Cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 minutes. Then flip each fry, spray again, add the remaining topping, and cook for another 6 minutes until golden and crisp.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Once the fries come out of the air fryer, they’re best enjoyed immediately for maximum crunch. Pair with caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar glaze to elevate the sweetness and presentation.
How to Serve Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top for a little crunch and spice or drizzle lightly with caramel sauce for a decadent finish. You could also dust with powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream to make your Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe feel like a special dessert treat.
Side Dishes
These apple fries are fantastic on their own, but they also pair delightfully with creamy vanilla ice cream or a scoop of tangy Greek yogurt for a balanced contrast. For a savory spin, a small serving of sharp cheddar cheese complements the sweetness with a bold flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the apple fries in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper for a fun snack presentation or pile them high on a dessert platter with various dips such as caramel, chocolate sauce, or honey yogurt. They also work wonderfully sprinkled over oatmeal or pancakes for a crispy, flavorful topping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover apple fries, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To help retain their crispness, place a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze these apple fries by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freezing until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crisp texture.
Reheating
The best way to reheat apple fries and keep them crispy is by placing them back into your air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3-5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it will make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other apple varieties?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples are ideal because of their sweet-tart flavor and firmness, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala apples can also be delicious choices, each adding their own unique twist to this Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples is recommended for a smoother, more delicate texture and appearance, but leaving the skin on is perfectly acceptable if you prefer a more rustic, fiber-rich fry.
Can I make these fries without eggs?
The eggs act as a binder for the coating to stick well to the apple wedges. If you have an allergy or prefer to avoid eggs, you can substitute with a plant-based milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to achieve a similar effect.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
While an air fryer helps achieve the perfect crispy texture with less oil, you can bake the fries in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit on a greased baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How can I make the fries sweeter or spicier?
Adjust the cinnamon and brown sugar ratios to your taste. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the spice mix can add warmth and depth, while extra brown sugar ups the sweetness.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of crisp, cinnamon-kissed apple fries cooked to perfection in your air fryer. This Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe combines simplicity, sweet-spice warmth, and satisfying crunch in a way that’s perfect for any time of day. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes your go-to snack or dessert. Trust me, once you do, you’ll be reaching for your apples and air fryer more often!
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Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These Air Fryer Apple Fries are a delightful and healthy sweet snack or dessert, featuring crispy, cinnamon-coated apple wedges ready in under 40 minutes. Perfectly spiced with apple pie spice and cinnamon, they make a quick treat that pairs wonderfully with caramel sauce or a powdered sugar glaze.
Ingredients
Apples
- 2 large Honeycrisp apples
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons apple pie spice
- 5 tablespoons cinnamon (reserve 1 tablespoon for top coating)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other
- Olive oil nonstick spray (for air fryer basket)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Use an apple peeler to remove the skins from each apple. Cut each apple in half, then slice into ½ inch thick wedges.
- Mix Dry Coating: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, apple pie spice, and 4 tablespoons of cinnamon.
- Coat Apples with Flour Mixture: Transfer the flour mixture into a large container with a lid. Add the apple wedges, put the lid on, and shake vigorously to coat all sides evenly.
- Remove Apples and Reserve Flour Mixture: Use a large slotted spoon to remove the coated apple wedges from the container, shaking off any excess flour. Place them on a plate to prepare for dredging. Keep the flour mixture in the container, as it will be reused.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Dredge Apples in Egg Mixture: Dip a few apple wedges at a time into the egg wash to coat them thoroughly.
- Double Coat Apples: Return the egg-coated wedges to the flour mixture container and shake again to form a second, crispier coating.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar and the reserved 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Set aside.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange and Season Apple Fries: Place the coated apple fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the top-facing side with olive oil spray, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over them.
- Air Fry First Side: Cook the apple fries at 350°F for 6 minutes.
- Flip and Season Second Side: Open the basket, flip the apple fries carefully, spray with nonstick spray again, and sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon sugar.
- Air Fry Second Side: Cook for an additional 6 minutes at 350°F until golden and crisp.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve warm with caramel sauce or a powdered sugar glaze if desired.
Notes
- Olive oil nonstick spray is recommended for the air fryer basket as it prevents sticking without leaving residue.
- Serve these apple fries with caramel sauce or a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra indulgence.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the model of air fryer used; adjust accordingly.
- While Honeycrisp apples are preferred for their sweetness and texture, other apple varieties can be substituted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
