Imagine crispy, golden fries with a tart apple twist—made right in your air fryer! These Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are the irresistible snack you never knew you needed, combining the cozy spices of fall with an airy, delightful crunch. They’re sweet, just a little bit sassy, and totally addictive for kids and grown-ups alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Outside, Tender Inside: The air fryer creates a beautifully crispy coating while keeping the apples soft and juicy in every bite!
- No Deep Frying Needed: Skip the mess and extra oil—these apple fries are healthier and easier, but taste just as decadent.
- Ready in Under 30 Minutes: From start to finish, you’ll have Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries on the table in no time for instant snacking gratification.
- Fun to Personalize: Change up the spices, serve with different dips, or try your favorite apple variety for a treat that’s all your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh apples, you can create these mouthwatering apple fries anytime. Each ingredient plays a starring role—lending sweetness, warmth, or that essential crispy coating we all crave in Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries!
- Granny Smith apples (2 pieces): Their tartness perfectly contrasts the sweet coating, and they hold their shape beautifully when air-fried.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): This provides a light, crispy exterior that helps the spices cling to every fry.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup, divided): Half for the coating and half for a luscious, snowy finish after cooking—total sweet tooth satisfaction.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings the cozy, warming spice that pairs so naturally with apples.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Adds extra depth and a hint of aromatic holiday flavor.
- Ground cloves (1/2 teaspoon): Intensifies the spiced aroma and rounds out that cinnamon-nutmeg blend.
- Cooking oil spray: A light mist gives an extra crisp finish and keeps the fries from sticking, so use as needed.
Variations
The beauty of these Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries is just how easy they are to adapt to your mood or what you have in your pantry. Go classic, get creative, or tweak the spices for new flavors every time you make them!
- Switch the Apples: Try Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji for sweeter, juicier fries, or mix and match for a flavor surprise.
- Make ‘Em Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free all-purpose blend—the crispiness still shines through!
- Add a Crunchy Coating: Dip apple sticks in beaten egg and then roll in crushed graham crackers or cornflakes for even more texture.
- Change Up the Spices: Love pumpkin pie spice? Swap it in! Or add a dash of cardamom or ginger for an unexpected zing.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Start by washing and drying your Granny Smith apples. Peel them if you like that melt-in-your-mouth texture, or leave the skins on for extra color and a nutritional boost. Slice them into fries—think about 1/2 inch thick, like classic potato fries—so they cook evenly and get that perfect balance of tender and crisp.
Step 2: Make the Coating
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, half of the powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This fragrant, spiced mixture is what sets these apple fries apart—a heavenly hug of autumn flavors that clings to every stick!
Step 3: Coat the Apple Fries
Lightly toss your sliced apples in the flour-spice mixture so every nook and cranny is covered. Don’t be shy—this helps form the crispy shell that makes these fries so irresistible.
Step 4: Preheat and Prep the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes. Give the air fryer basket a quick spritz with cooking spray—this tiny step ensures those apple fries lift right out, golden and gorgeous!
Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Arrange the coated apple fries in a single layer in your basket (work in batches if needed). Spritz the tops with a bit more oil and air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. When the fries are golden and the kitchen smells like an autumn carnival, you know they’re ready!
Step 6: Dust & Serve
While the fries are still nice and hot, give them a generous dusting with the remaining powdered sugar. Serve immediately with caramel dip, vanilla yogurt, or just eat them by the handful. Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries really are best enjoyed fresh!
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
- Uniform Slicing Matters: Cut your apples into evenly sized sticks to ensure every fry cooks at the same rate and gets that perfect crunch.
- Dry Apples Are Happy Apples: Pat the apple slices dry before coating to help the flour mixture stick better and crisp up in the air fryer.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Give the apple fries some breathing room! Crowding creates steam—keep them in a single layer for the crispiest results.
- Finish with Sugar While Hot: Toss with powdered sugar immediately after frying so it melts slightly and clings beautifully to each crispy fry.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of powdered sugar is classic, but don’t stop there! Try a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a dusting of extra cinnamon for a flavor boost. A few fresh mint leaves make your platter pop, both in color and in freshness.
Side Dishes
These fries make an awesome sidekick to a cozy mug of spiced apple cider or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. If you’re serving appetizers, pair with a platter of cheese or salty nuts—the contrast in flavors will have everyone asking for your secret!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries in classic fry baskets, on a rustic wooden board, or standing upright in mason jars for a cheerful, shareable snack. For parties, offer an apple fry “bar” with dips like chocolate sauce, honey, or whipped cream, letting guests mix and match their favorite combos!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is honestly rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The fries will soften a little, but they’re still delicious cold or gently reheated!
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries. The juicy apples tend to release moisture when thawed, making the fries lose their signature crispiness, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh whenever possible.
Reheating
To restore some of that delightful crunch, pop the fries back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. Avoid the microwave—while it’s fast, it will make the fries soft rather than crispy.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of apple for these fries?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples give the best tartness and hold their shape, you can use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for sweeter, softer fries. Just keep in mind that softer apples may cook a bit faster.
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Do I have to peel the apples first?
Nope, it’s all about personal preference! Leaving the peel on adds extra color and a bit of chew, while peeling delivers a softer, classic dessert fry. Try both and see which you prefer for your Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries.
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What dipping sauces taste best with apple fries?
Caramel sauce is a dreamy classic, but vanilla yogurt, chocolate sauce, honey, or even peanut butter make fun and tasty choices. Mix and match to find your family’s favorite!
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How do I keep the fries crispy after cooking?
For best results, enjoy right away! But if you need to hold them for a bit, keep the fries on a wire rack in a warm oven (around 200°F) to help maintain their crunch until ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a playful and cozy treat, these Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are a must-try. They’re easy, irresistibly delicious, and always a hit with friends and family—so why not whip up a batch today and see just how quickly they disappear?
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
Delight in these crispy air fryer apple fries as a healthier alternative to traditional fries. Perfectly seasoned and easy to make, they are a delightful snack or dessert option for all ages.
Ingredients
Granny Smith Apples:
- 2 pieces Granny Smith apples (Tart apples work best for flavor)
Coating:
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Powdered sugar (Divided for coating)
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground cloves
Others:
- Cooking oil spray (for spraying the air fryer basket)
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Wash and dry apples. Peel if desired. Slice into fry-shaped sticks.
- Coating: Whisk flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and half of powdered sugar in a bowl. Coat apple sticks.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes. Spray basket with cooking oil.
- Cooking: Arrange coated apples in a single layer. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Finish: Toss hot fries with remaining powdered sugar or serve with dip.
Notes
- For extra crunch, try dipping apple slices in beaten egg before coating.
- Monitor closely in the final minutes of cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 165 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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