Get ready to transform simple apples into an irresistible dessert or snack! These Air Fryer Apple Fries are sweet, wonderfully crunchy, and incredibly easy to make. Using your air fryer creates a perfectly crisp exterior and tender interior without deep-frying. This recipe brings a delightful twist to a classic fruit, making healthy eating fun and delicious for the whole family.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Apple Fries
Discover why these sweet apple treats will become your new go-to snack:
- Quick and Easy: Prepare this delicious treat in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
- Irresistibly Sweet and Crispy: Enjoy a delightful crunch on the outside and warm, soft apple inside.
- Family-Friendly Snack: Kids and adults alike will adore these flavorful apple fries.
- Great Use for Fresh Apples: It’s an excellent way to use up your farmers market haul or extra apples.
- Healthier “Fried” Treat: Enjoy the crispy texture of fried food with significantly less oil.
According to Healthline, using an air fryer can significantly reduce fat and calories compared to deep-frying.
- Minimal Cleanup Required: The air fryer makes cleanup a breeze, saving you time and effort.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your own batch of delightful Air Fryer Apple Fries:
- 2 large Honeycrisp apples
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 4 Tablespoons apple pie spice
- 5 Tablespoons cinnamon (reserve one Tablespoon for top coating)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
Notes & Substitutions
For the best results, choose firm, tart-sweet baking apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. Their texture holds up well during air frying and provides a lovely balance to the sweetness.
If you don’t have apple pie spice, create your own blend with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of ground ginger. A good quality olive oil nonstick spray is essential for achieving a crispy, golden-brown finish on your apple fries.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools to make this easy recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Air fryer (basket style recommended)
- Two medium mixing bowls
- One large bowl or container with a lid
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Apple peeler and corer
- Slotted spoon
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create perfectly crispy and delicious Air Fryer Apple Fries:
- Use an apple peeler to peel the skins off each apple completely. Next, carefully cut each apple in half, then slice them into consistent ½ inch thick wedges.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 4 tablespoons of apple pie spice, and 4 tablespoons of cinnamon. Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined.
- Transfer this flour mixture into a larger bowl or a container equipped with a secure lid. Add all of your prepared apple wedges into the container.
- Secure the lid tightly on the container. Shake it vigorously for about 30 seconds to thoroughly coat all sides of the apple wedges with the flour mixture.
- Using a large slotted spoon, carefully remove the apple wedges from the container. Gently shake off any excess flour mixture and place the coated wedges on a plate. Do not discard the remaining flour mixture in the container; you will use it again shortly.
- In a separate clean mixing bowl, whisk together the two large eggs and the vanilla extract until they are fully combined and smooth.
- Dredge a few of the flour-coated apple wedges at a time into the egg mixture. Ensure each wedge is completely covered.
- Return the egg-dipped apple wedges to the original container with the leftover flour mixture. Place the lid back on and shake again. This second coating creates an extra crispy exterior for your Air Fryer Apple Fries.
- In a small, separate bowl, combine the light brown sugar and the remaining 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Mix them together thoroughly and set this cinnamon sugar mixture aside.
- Spray the air fryer basket liberally with olive oil nonstick spray. Arrange the double-coated apple fries in a single layer at the bottom of the basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket; you will likely need to cook these in two separate batches.
- Liberally spray the top-facing apples in the basket with more olive oil spray. Then, evenly sprinkle half of the brown sugar and cinnamon coating mixture over the top of the apples.
- Place the basket into the air fryer and cook the apple fries for 6 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Open the air fryer basket. Carefully flip each apple fry to the other side. Spray the flipped apples with nonstick spray and sprinkle them with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture. Cook for an additional 6 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Once cooked to a golden brown and tender, serve your warm Air Fryer Apple Fries immediately. Pair them with caramel sauce or a simple powdered sugar glaze, if desired.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving perfect Air Fryer Apple Fries is easy with a few simple tricks. Always double coat your apple wedges in both the flour and egg mixtures. This creates an extra crispy crust that truly elevates the texture.
Use olive oil nonstick spray generously; it helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and prevents sticking. Remember, air fryer models vary, so adjust cooking times slightly based on your specific appliance.
Lastly, ensure you arrange the apple fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of frying, resulting in less crispy results.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
These warm Air Fryer Apple Fries are delicious on their own, but even better with a dipping sauce. Serve them warm alongside a rich caramel sauce or a simple powdered sugar glaze for an extra touch of sweetness. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes them an indulgent dessert.
For flavor variations, try adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger to the cinnamon-sugar mix. You can also experiment with different spices like a dash of allspice. For a unique savory twist, omit the sugar and spices, then serve plain air fried apples with a sprinkle of sea salt alongside pork chops.
Nutrition Information
Enjoying these delightful Air Fryer Apple Fries is a treat that also provides some good nutrients. Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutrition per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 74 g |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.01 g |
| Cholesterol | 82 mg |
| Sodium | 41 mg |
| Fiber | 10 g |
| Sugar | 24 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 2 g |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health highlights that apples are a good source of fiber and antioxidants, contributing to overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which apples work best for Air Fryer Apple Fries?
Firm, tart-sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji are ideal. They hold their shape and provide a good balance to the sweetness.
Can I serve these with anything else?
Absolutely! Caramel sauce, powdered sugar glaze, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream are all fantastic options.
Is preheating the air fryer necessary?
While some recipes benefit from preheating, it is not strictly necessary for these apple fries. However, a preheated air fryer can sometimes lead to slightly crispier results.
How does air fryer type affect cooking?
Different air fryer models vary in wattage and fan power. Always monitor your Air Fryer Apple Fries closely, especially during the first batch, and adjust cooking times as needed.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Apple Fries offer a delightful combination of sweet, tender apples and a wonderfully crispy coating. This simple, beginner-friendly recipe proves that making delicious homemade treats doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Whether you serve them as a unique snack, a fun dessert, or alongside a meal, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a new favorite apple creation!
Air Fryer Apple Fries: A Sweet & Crunchy Snack
Equipment
- Apple Peeler
- Medium bowl
- Large Bowl or Container with Lid
- Large Slotted Spoon
- mixing bowl
- Small bowl
- Air fryer
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large Honeycrisp apples
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 Tablespoons apple pie spice
- 5 Tablespoons cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 cup light brown sugar
Instructions
- Peel the skins off each apple, then cut them in half and into ½-inch wedges.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, apple pie spice, and 4 Tablespoons of cinnamon.
- Transfer the flour mixture to a large container with a lid, add the apple wedges, and shake vigorously to coat.
- Using a large slotted spoon, remove the apple wedges from the container, shaking off excess flour, and place them on a plate.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract.
- Dredge a few apple wedges at a time into the egg mixture.
- Return the egg-coated wedges to the flour mixture in the container and shake again to create a second coating.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and the remaining 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, then set it aside.
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil nonstick spray, then add half of the coated apple fries in a single layer.
- Liberally spray the top-facing apples with olive oil spray, sprinkle with half of the brown sugar/cinnamon coating, and cook for 6 minutes at 350°F.
- Open the basket, flip the apples, spray them with nonstick spray, sprinkle with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and cook for an additional 6 minutes.
- Serve the air fryer apple fries with caramel sauce or a simple powdered sugar glaze, if desired.