Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a fun, crispy, and absolutely irresistible treat, the Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These apple fries are perfectly spiced, lightly crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside, giving you the best of dessert and snack worlds in every bite. Using a clever coating and the magic of the air fryer, this recipe transforms simple Honeycrisp apples into a warm, fragrant delight that everyone will be asking for again and again. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to keep this recipe close for every cozy afternoon craving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is a breeze for this recipe, and each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor and the perfect texture. From the sweet and crisp apples to the warming spices, everything comes together beautifully to make these apple fries unforgettable.

• 2 large Honeycrisp apples: Known for their crispness and natural sweetness, they hold up wonderfully during air frying.
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Creates a light, crisp coating that crunches delightfully.
• 4 tablespoons apple pie spice: The aromatic blend that gives the fries that classic, cozy apple dessert taste.
• 5 tablespoons cinnamon (reserve 1 tablespoon for topping): Adds warmth and a slightly spicy sweetness to the fries and final coating.
• 2 large eggs: Help the flour mixture stick perfectly to the apple slices for even crisping.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth and enhances the sweetness in the coating.
• ¼ cup light brown sugar: Balances tartness with a rich, caramel-like sweetness and helps create that mouthwatering glaze during cooking.

How to Make Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling the skins off your apples using an apple peeler for quick and easy prep. Then, cut each apple in half and slice into ½ inch wedges – these fries should be uniform to ensure they cook evenly in the air fryer.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Coating

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, apple pie spice, and 4 tablespoons of cinnamon to combine the flavors that will coat the apple wedges delightfully crisp and fragrant.

Step 3: Coat the Apples with Flour Mixture

Transfer this flour mixture into a large container with a lid, add the apple wedges, close the lid, and shake vigorously. This motion evenly coats all the wedges, creating a base layer for the crispy outer crust you’re after.

Step 4: Remove Excess Flour and Prepare for Egg Dip

Using a large slotted spoon, fish the coated apples out of the container, shaking off any extra flour. Arrange them on a plate—don’t discard the leftover flour mixture, as you’ll use it again shortly for a double coating that makes these fries extra special.

Step 5: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined. This will act as the “glue,” allowing a second flour coating to cling beautifully to your apple wedges, enhancing the crispy texture.

Step 6: Dip Apples in Egg, Then Flour Again

Working in batches, immerse a handful of apple wedges into the egg mixture, then transfer them back to the container with the remaining flour mixture. Shake again to cover the wedges with a second, thicker layer, which is the secret behind that irresistible crunch.

Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Mix the light brown sugar and the reserved 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a small bowl. This heavenly sugar-spice blend will be sprinkled on the fries as they cook, adding caramelized sweetness and a dazzling aroma.

Step 8: Air Fry the Apple Fries

Spray your air fryer basket generously with olive oil nonstick spray, then place the coated apple wedges in a single layer – you may have to do this in two batches for best results. Spray the apple wedges on top lightly with olive oil spray, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over them.

Step 9: First Cook Cycle

Air fry at 350°F for 6 minutes to start, allowing the sugar to melt and the coating to crisp up beautifully without burning.

Step 10: Flip, Spray, and Sprinkle Again

Carefully open the basket to flip each apple wedge. Spray again with olive oil, then add the remaining cinnamon sugar coating. Air fry for an additional 6 minutes to finish cooking, building that perfect sweet and spicy crust on all sides.

Step 11: Ready to Serve

Once cooked, your golden, crispy apple fries are ready! Serve them warm, ideally with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and delight.

How to Serve Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe

Garnishes

Add a whimsical twist by garnishing with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. These toppings not only amp up the flavor but visually turn your apple fries into a decadent dessert everyone will love.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines as a sweet snack or dessert but pairs wonderfully alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the warm spices with cool creaminess. For a brunch option, serve alongside cinnamon oatmeal or pancakes for a festive touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your apple fries in rustic paper cones or mini baskets for a fun, casual vibe perfect for gatherings. You can even arrange them on a platter with small bowls of various dips—like caramel, cream cheese glaze, or honey mustard—to excite the taste buds of every guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which might be rare!), let the apple fries cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and maintain a nice texture when reheated thoughtfully.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the apple wedges before cooking to preserve their texture. After coating with flour and egg, spread them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen in the air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to the time.

Reheating

To revive that crispy crunch, reheat apple fries in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method brings them back to life far better than a microwave, which can make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples offer a great balance of sweetness and firmness, Granny Smith or Fuji apples also work well. Just keep in mind that tart apples may need a touch more sugar in the coating for balance.

Do I need an air fryer to make this recipe?

Using an air fryer is key for getting that perfect crispy outer crust without deep frying. However, if you don’t have one, you could try baking them in the oven on a wire rack at 375°F, though the texture might be slightly different.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe as written uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend and see how you like the texture!

Can I make these without eggs?

Eggs help the coating stick, but if you’re avoiding them, you might use a flaxseed or chia egg substitute. Keep in mind the texture might not be as crisp, but the apples will still taste delicious.

What dips go well with these apple fries?

Caramel sauce is a classic pairing, but you can get creative with chocolate sauce, vanilla yogurt dip, or even a slightly tangy cream cheese frosting. These dips complement the warm spices and crispy texture wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

I can’t encourage you enough to whip up the Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe soon and experience firsthand how easy it is to turn simple apples into an extraordinary treat. It’s the perfect snack or dessert that feels both indulgent and wholesome, thanks to the fresh fruit and cozy spices. Once you try it, expect these fries to become a staple in your recipe collection for every season!

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