These Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are a delicious twist on classic fries that bring out the very best in apples—a perfect balance of tart and sweet, with a golden, spiced coating that just begs for dipping! Whether you’re searching for a fun shareable dessert or a cozy fall snack, this recipe guarantees you’ll have people reaching for “just one more.”
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Outside, Tender Inside: Each fry delivers an irresistible crunch with a soft, juicy apple center, making every bite blissful.
- Naturally Sweet, Lower in Guilt: Air frying means you get all the satisfaction of a decadent treat, without deep frying or heaps of added sugar.
- Perfectly Spiced Flavor: Warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves infuse every fry with cozy comfort.
- Quick, Fun & Family-Friendly: Done in under 30 minutes, these apple fries are easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve at a party, too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a few simple ingredients can transform basic apples into something so crave-worthy. Each one has a purpose—bringing crisp texture, warm spices, and that irresistible golden finish to every batch of Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries!
- Granny Smith apples: Their tartness stands up beautifully to the sweet coating and they hold their shape perfectly when air fried.
- All-purpose flour: It acts as the foundation for the crispy coating that turns golden and slightly crunchy in the air fryer.
- Powdered sugar: Divided between the flour mixture and the final toss, this adds sweetness that perfectly balances the tart apples.
- Ground cinnamon: The warming, aromatic backbone of the spice blend—don’t skimp on this!
- Ground nutmeg: Just a hint deepens the flavor with cozy notes that taste like autumn in every bite.
- Ground cloves: A little goes a long way for complexity and a subtle touch of warmth.
- Cooking oil spray: Essential for helping that outer coating turn crisp and preventing sticking in the air fryer basket.
Variations
One of the best things about Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries is how easy it is to make them your own! Feel free to get a little creative—these ideas are just the beginning for customizing flavor or adjusting to what you have on hand.
- Swap the apples: Try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter flavor, or Pink Lady for a nice balance between tart and sweet.
- Make them gluten-free: Substitute a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour to make these treats celiac-friendly.
- Add crunch: Mix finely ground oats or crushed cornflakes into the flour blend for an extra-crunchy exterior.
- Switch up the spices: Experiment with pumpkin pie spice or cardamom for a different flavor twist each time you make them.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Start by washing and drying your apples thoroughly. Peel them if you’d like a softer fry, or keep the peels on for extra texture and a pop of color—either way, the flavor shines. Slice each apple into fry-like sticks, aiming for about a half-inch thickness so they’ll cook evenly and hold their shape in the air fryer.
Step 2: Mix the Coating
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, half of the powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. As you stir, you’ll notice the comforting aroma filling your kitchen! This spiced flour mixture is the secret to that signature crispy finish.
Step 3: Dredge the Apple Sticks
Lightly toss the apple sticks in the spiced flour until every side is coated. Don’t worry about perfection—just make sure most surfaces have a nice dusting so they crisp up beautifully once air fried.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer and Arrange the Fries
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes. Give the basket a quick spritz with cooking oil spray to prevent any sticking, then arrange the apple fries in a single, even layer—avoid piling them up, as this helps maximize crispiness. Work in batches if needed!
Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Give the apple fries a quick mist of cooking spray on top to boost their crunch. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. When they’re golden, crisp, and sizzling, they’re ready for their sweet finish!
Step 6: Finish and Serve
While the fries are still hot, toss them with the remaining powdered sugar so it clings to the warm coating. Serve immediately—maybe with a dip like creamy caramel or vanilla yogurt for that extra-special touch. Dive in and enjoy your Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries while they’re fresh and warm!
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
- Choose Tart Apples: Granny Smith apples truly shine here—they don’t turn mushy and their punchy tartness balances the sweet coating.
- Uniform Slicing Matters: Cutting your apple sticks to about the same size ensures even cooking so you won’t end up with some overdone and others undercooked.
- Don’t Crowd the Basket: Give your apple fries enough space in the air fryer so hot air can circulate, making each fry perfectly crisp instead of soggy.
- Optional Egg Dip for Extra Crunch: For an even crunchier coating, dip the apple sticks in a beaten egg before dredging in the spiced flour mixture.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
Garnishes
Give your Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries the royal treatment with a dusting of extra powdered sugar, a shake of cinnamon, or a light drizzle of warm caramel sauce. A handful of chopped toasted nuts or a sprinkle of orange zest can add fun flavor and texture, too!
Side Dishes
These apple fries are fantastic all on their own, but they’re also delightful alongside a steaming mug of chai tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a dessert platter, pair them with other fruit-forward treats like baked pears or a warm bread pudding.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, serve Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries in mini paper cones or single-serve mugs with a little dip on the side. Arrange them “fry-style” in a basket lined with parchment for a playful, crowd-pleasing finger food everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), let the apple fries cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You’ll lose a bit of crispness, but the flavor stays amazing.
Freezing
While these are best eaten fresh, you can freeze cooled apple fries in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months—just expect some changes in texture as the apples thaw.
Reheating
To revive Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore a bit of crunch. You can also use an oven or toaster oven if needed; just avoid the microwave, which makes them soft.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith is the top choice for true Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries, feel free to use Fujis, Honeycrisps, or even Gala if you prefer a sweeter result. Just avoid apples that get mushy when cooked, like Red Delicious.
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Do I need to peel the apples before frying?
It’s totally up to you! Peeling the apples gives a softer fry, while leaving the peel on adds texture, nutrients, and a charming rustic look. Both ways taste amazing, so experiment to find your favorite!
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Why aren’t my apple fries crispy?
The biggest culprit is crowding the air fryer basket or skipping the oil spray. Arrange fries in a single layer and spritz with oil to get that perfect crunch. Also, keep an eye on cooking time—every air fryer cooks a bit differently!
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What dips go well with these apple fries?
Creamy caramel sauce is a classic, but vanilla yogurt, whipped cream, or a mix of Greek yogurt and honey make wonderful dipping options for Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries. You can even spice up maple syrup with a dash of cinnamon.
Final Thoughts
Trust me—once you try these Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries, they’ll become your new go-to for snacks, parties, or just treating yourself on a cozy night in. They’re proof that simple ingredients can turn into something truly delightful. Whip up a batch and prepare to fall in love with apples all over again!
PrintCrispy Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Air Frying
- Method: Air Frying
Description
Enjoy a healthier twist on a classic treat with these crispy air fryer apple fries. Coated in a delightful blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these tart Granny Smith apple sticks are a perfect snack or dessert option.
Ingredients
Granny Smith Apples:
- 2 Granny Smith apples, tart apples work best for flavor
All-Purpose Flour Mixture:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (divided for coating)
Cooking Oil:
- Cooking oil spray for greasing the air fryer basket
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Wash and dry apples, then peel if desired. Slice into 1/2-inch sticks.
- Coat Apples: Combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and half of the powdered sugar in a bowl. Coat apple sticks in the mixture.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and spray basket with cooking oil.
- Cook Apples: Arrange coated apple sticks in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Finish: Spritz with more cooking spray, then toss in remaining powdered sugar. Serve hot with dip if desired.
Notes
- For extra crunch, try dipping apple slices in beaten egg before coating.
- Monitor closely in the final minutes of cooking as air fryers vary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg