I still remember the excitement of getting apple fries at the county fair, the sweet cinnamon scent hanging in the air as I eagerly waited for my turn. Now, I’ve found a way to recreate that magic at home, but with a healthier twist.
These Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are not only incredibly delicious, but they’re also quick and easy to make, taking only about 20-25 minutes from start to finish!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe
- Cleanup is a breeze! The air fryer makes it so much easier than dealing with a pan full of oil.
- They’re healthier than traditional fried apple fries. Air frying cuts down on the oil, making this a guilt-free treat.
- I love that this recipe is totally customizable. I can use different spices and dipping sauces to change things up.
- They’re perfect for a quick dessert or snack when those sweet cravings hit!
What are the Best Apples to Use for Apple Fries?
Choosing the right apple is key to getting the perfect balance of flavor and texture. A firmer apple will hold its shape better during cooking, while a tart variety will provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar. Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the perfect apple:
| Apple Variety | Flavor Profile | Recommended Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Granny Smith | Tart | Ideal for apple fries |
| Honeycrisp | Sweet-Tart | Good for a sweeter fry |
| Fuji | Sweet | Can be used, but less tart |
Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
Here’s everything I use to make these delicious treats:
- 2 large Granny Smith apples
- 1 cup all purpose flour* (130 grams)
- 1 tablespoon apple pie spice
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar
- cooking spray
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons whole milk
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries: Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how I make these crispy apple fries:
- Peel the apples. Using a sharp knife or a fry cutter, slice the apples into thin strips. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the flour with the apple pie spice. Whisk well.
- Whisk the eggs in a separate dish.
- Working in small batches, I toss the apple fries into the flour, scoop them up using a slotted spoon, and shake off the excess flour.
- Then I dip each apple fry into the whisked eggs, shake off excess egg and then place them back into the flour and spice mixture. Turn to coat.
- Make sure all of the apple fries are coated, but that the extra flour has been shaken off. This is important so that they crisp up! Place them on a wire rack with parchment paper underneath. The parchment will catch any excess flour that falls off, making it easy to clean up.
- Preheat the air fryer to 325ºF.
- I spray the bottom of my basket generously with cooking spray (or I like to use oil in a spray bottle). Place the apple fries in the basket so they are not overlapping. Generously spray the tops of the fries with additional cooking oil.
- Cook for 5 minutes, turn the apple fries, spray them again and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove the fries and place onto another cooling rack or basket and immediately sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. You want the fries to be hot when sprinkling with sugar so that the sugar sticks! (There is no sugar in the flour mixture so the apple fries won’t be very sweet without this!)
- Cook additional batches of apple fries and toss with cinnamon sugar while still warm.
- Make the icing by whisking the confectioners sugar, vanilla and milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, in a small bowl.
- The fries are best served immediately. Serve the icing as a dip with your fries or drizzle it over them.
Delicious Dipping Sauces for Your Apple Fries
While these fries are amazing on their own, I love pairing them with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are a few of my favorites:
Vanilla Icing:
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons whole milk
Instructions: Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl, adding milk 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it turns into a golden caramel. Stir in the butter until melted, then slowly whisk in the heavy cream and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
Peanut Butter Dip:
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Add milk to thin to desired consistency.
Greek Yogurt with Honey and Cinnamon:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions: Stir all ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined.
Tips for Extra Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket! Working in batches ensures each fry gets crispy.
- Make sure to shake off excess flour before air frying. This prevents a gummy texture.
- Spray generously with cooking oil. The oil helps them get that golden-brown crisp.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer. All air fryers cook a little differently.
If you are looking for another tasty treat, you should try this Easy Pecan Pie Dump Cake: The Ultimate Dessert.
Air Fryer Apple Fries Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations I’ve tried:
| Variation | Ingredients/Changes |
|---|---|
| Spiced Up | Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the flour mixture. |
| Nutty Coating | Add chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts) to the coating. |
| Savory & Sweet | Sprinkle parmesan cheese and herbs before air frying |
Can I Make These Apple Fries Vegan or Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! I’ve made these with dietary restrictions in mind, and they turn out great. Here’s how:
| Dietary Restriction | Substitution |
|---|---|
| Vegan | Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water), plant-based milk in the icing. |
| Gluten-Free | Use a gluten-free flour blend. |
How to Store Leftover Apple Fries
Honestly, these are best served immediately. However, if you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for a day or two. Keep in mind they may lose some of their crispness.
Air Fryer Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Solutions
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are some common issues I’ve seen and how to fix them:
- Burning: Reduce cooking time or temperature.
- Not Crispy: Make sure to shake off excess flour and don’t overcrowd the basket.
- Uneven Cooking: Make sure the apple fries are in a single layer and flip them halfway through.
Remember, different air fryers may require slightly different cooking times. These apple fries make a great option for a quick and easy desserts-drinks.
Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Apple Fries
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.
Per Serving (estimated):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 40g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 20g
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I serve with Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries?
I like to serve them with ice cream, yogurt, whipped cream, or as a topping for oatmeal or pancakes.
How do I cut apples to look like fries?
Use a sharp knife or a fry cutter. Peel the apples first, then slice them into thin, even strips.
Can I use other fruits besides apples?
Yes, pears would work well in this recipe.
Conclusion
These Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are such a fun and easy treat that I know you’ll love. They’re a quick dessert or snack that brings a little bit of county fair magic right to your kitchen. I really hope you give them a try!
If you do, please leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out. I’m always happy to answer any questions and love hearing about your cooking adventures!
Follow us on Pinterest for more quick, healthy, and delicious dessert ideas, like these Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries that bring all the cozy fairground flavors home, but with a lighter twist!
Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries: A Wonderful Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Peel the apples. Using a sharp knife or a fry cutter, slice the apples into thin strips. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the flour with the apple pie spice. Whisk well.
- Whisk the eggs in a separate dish.
- Working in small batches, I toss the apple fries into the flour, scoop them up using a slotted spoon, and shake off the excess flour.
- Then I dip each apple fry into the whisked eggs, shake off excess egg and then place them back into the flour and spice mixture. Turn to coat.
- Make sure all of the apple fries are coated, but that the extra flour has been shaken off. This is important so that they crisp up! Place them on a wire rack with parchment paper underneath. The parchment will catch any excess flour that falls off, making it easy to clean up.
- Preheat the air fryer to 325ºF.
- I spray the bottom of my basket generously with cooking spray (or I like to use oil in a spray bottle). Place the apple fries in the basket so they are not overlapping. Generously spray the tops of the fries with additional cooking oil.
- Cook for 5 minutes, turn the apple fries, spray them again and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove the fries and place onto another cooling rack or basket and immediately sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. You want the fries to be hot when sprinkling with sugar so that the sugar sticks! (There is no sugar in the flour mixture so the apple fries won’t be very sweet without this!)
- Cook additional batches of apple fries and toss with cinnamon sugar while still warm.
- Make the icing by whisking the confectioners sugar, vanilla and milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, in a small bowl.
- The fries are best served immediately. Serve the icing as a dip with your fries or drizzle it over them.
