Experience the joy of perfectly sweet and irresistibly crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries, adorned with a delectable brown sugar and cinnamon topping. This incredibly easy recipe transforms fresh apples into a mouthwatering dessert or a wholesome snack in mere minutes, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Forget traditional deep-frying; your air fryer unlocks a healthier, faster, and equally delicious way to enjoy apples.
These Air Fryer Apple Fries offer a delightful indulgence that’s fantastic on their own or elevated further with your favorite dipping sauce. For an extra layer of decadence, try them with our Homemade Caramel Sauce Recipe, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They are a surprisingly decadent treat without the guilt of heavy desserts.
This recipe is truly an Easy Apple Dessert, designed to be ready in a flash, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Everyone, from kids to adults, will adore this simple yet delicious easy air fryer dessert that brings the comforting flavors of fall right to your table.
Table of contents
- Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Apple Fries
- Ingredients for Air Fryer Apple Fries
- Topping Ingredients
- Step-By-Step Instructions for Apple Fries
- Serving Suggestions for Apple Fries
- Storage and Reheating Tips
- Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Apple Fries
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Apple Fries
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Air Fryer Apple Fries recipe. Not only is it a brilliant and delicious way to utilize an abundance of fresh apples, but it’s also incredibly straightforward to prepare. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a treat that tastes far more complex than the effort it requires. It’s an effortless dessert that truly delivers on flavor and texture.
I especially enjoy making these apple fries when I’m craving something sweet but want a healthier alternative to heavy, calorie-laden desserts. The air fryer crisps the apples beautifully, giving them a delightful bite without excessive oil. This method makes them a guilt-free pleasure, perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth without derailing your healthy eating goals. They are also a fantastic option for families, as kids absolutely adore the “fries” format, making it easier to sneak in some fruit!
The combination of tart apples with a sweet, spiced coating creates a harmonious flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re looking for a quick after-school snack, a unique party appetizer, or a simple dessert, these air fryer apple fries are a versatile and winning choice. Their quick cooking time means you can have a fresh, warm batch ready in under 30 minutes, from start to finish.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Apple Fries
- Granny Smith Apples: The crisp texture and distinct tartness of Granny Smith apples are absolutely ideal for this recipe. Their tang provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet brown sugar and cinnamon topping, preventing the dish from becoming overly sweet. While Granny Smith is recommended for its balance, you can experiment with other firm, tart apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a slightly different flavor profile.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the key component for creating that wonderfully crispy exterior. The flour forms a light coating that, when air-fried, crisps up beautifully. When measuring flour, always spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents over-packing the flour, which can lead to a dense or overly thick coating.
- Apple Pie Spice: This pre-mixed spice blend is a true time-saver and delivers a perfectly balanced warmth. It typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and sometimes ginger or cardamom, all of which complement apples beautifully. If you don’t have apple pie spice, you can easily create your own blend using individual spices (see pro tips for ratios).
- Eggs: Large eggs serve as the binding agent, helping the flour mixture adhere to the apple slices. The egg wash ensures an even coating, which is crucial for achieving consistent crispiness and flavor on every “fry.”
Topping Ingredients
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-rich sweetness and a slightly moist texture to the topping. Its caramel notes perfectly complement the apple and cinnamon. If you’re feeling ambitious, our Homemade Brown Sugar Recipe is surprisingly simple to make and adds an extra special touch.
- Cinnamon: A classic pairing with apples, cinnamon provides a warm, aromatic spice that brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit. Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon to your personal taste; if you’re a big fan, don’t hesitate to add a little extra for a bolder flavor.
Find the complete list of ingredients with precise measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Apple Fries
Creating these delightful Air Fryer Apple Fries is a straightforward process. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfect, crispy results every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Apples. Begin by thoroughly washing your Granny Smith apples. Then, peel them using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife. Once peeled, carefully slice each apple into thin, fry-like strips. Aim for a consistent thickness, roughly ¼-inch, to ensure even cooking and optimal crispiness. Thinner slices will cook faster and be crispier, while thicker ones might be softer in the center.
Step 2: Set Up Breading Stations. Prepare two shallow mixing bowls. In the first bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with the apple pie spice, stirring well until evenly mixed. In the second separate shallow bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them thoroughly until the yolks and whites are fully combined and slightly frothy. These will be your breading stations.
Step 3: Coat the Apple Slices. Work in small batches to ensure even coating. First, dip the apple slices into the whisked egg mixture, allowing any excess egg to drip off naturally. Then, transfer the egg-coated apple slices into the flour and apple pie spice mixture. Toss gently to ensure each apple slice is fully and evenly coated. The goal is a light, uniform breading.
Step 4: Prepare for Air Frying and Make Topping. Once coated, place the breaded apple slices on a separate clean plate or a sheet of parchment paper. Continue the coating process with the remaining apple slices, ensuring they don’t overlap too much. While the apples are resting, prepare your delicious topping: in a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for later.
Step 5: Preheat and Load the Air Fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). While it’s preheating, lightly coat the air fryer basket with a non-aerosol spray oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil, to prevent sticking (see pro tips for why). Once preheated, arrange the coated apple slices in a single layer within the air fryer basket. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary, depending on the size of your air fryer model. Lightly spray the top of the apple slices with more oil.
Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection and Top. Cook the apple slices for approximately 6 minutes. After this initial cooking time, carefully open the air fryer, flip each apple slice to ensure even crisping, and lightly spray them again with oil. Close the air fryer and continue to cook for another 6 minutes, or until the apples are golden brown and wonderfully crispy. Cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on them. Once done, immediately remove the apple fries from the air fryer and transfer them to a cooling rack or plate. While still warm, generously sprinkle them with the prepared brown sugar and cinnamon topping. The warmth of the apples helps the topping adhere and creates a delightful sugary glaze. Repeat for all remaining batches.
Serving Suggestions for Apple Fries
These Air Fryer Apple Fries are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many delicious ways. While fantastic on their own, a little extra something can transform them into an even more memorable treat:
- Caramel Sauce: A classic pairing! Drizzle warm Homemade Caramel Sauce generously over your apple fries, or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. The buttery sweetness of the caramel is simply divine with the spiced apples.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of light and airy Homemade Whipped Cream adds a cool, creamy contrast that is absolutely delicious. For an extra touch, dust the whipped cream with a pinch of cinnamon.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve your warm apple fries à la mode with a scoop of No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream. The melting ice cream creates a luscious sauce that coats the crispy apples.
- Breakfast Topping: Don’t limit these to dessert! They make an amazing topping for pancakes, waffles, or French toast. Add them to a bowl of oatmeal or yogurt for a warm, spiced breakfast treat.
- Nutella or Chocolate Sauce: For a different kind of indulgence, try dipping them in Nutella or a rich chocolate sauce. The flavors of chocolate and apple, especially with cinnamon, are surprisingly complementary.
- Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted chopped pecans or walnuts over the top for added texture and a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with apples.
Storage and Reheating Tips
While Air Fryer Apple Fries are undeniably best enjoyed fresh, hot, and crispy right out of the air fryer, you can certainly store any leftovers. To maintain their best quality, allow the apple fries to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 1-2 days. Beyond that, they tend to lose their optimal texture.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I highly recommend reheating leftovers in the air fryer. This method is superior to a microwave as it helps restore their delicious crispiness. Simply place the chilled apple fries in a single layer in a preheated air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 1-2 minutes, or until they are warmed through and have regained some of their original crisp texture. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Apple Fries
- Choosing the Right Oil for Your Air Fryer Basket: It’s always best to use a non-aerosol spray oil or to brush oil onto your air fryer basket instead of using traditional non-stick cooking sprays. The propellants and certain additives in aerosol cans can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket over time, leading to flaking and decreased performance. Opt for a simple spray bottle filled with olive oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil.
- Proper Air Fryer Preheat: Just like a conventional oven, preheating your air fryer is crucial for achieving consistent cooking results and that desired crispy texture. If your air fryer model doesn’t have a specific “preheat” option, simply run it empty for 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) before adding your apple fries. This ensures the basket is hot and ready to crisp the apples immediately.
- Timely Topping Application: The brown sugar and cinnamon topping should be applied immediately after the apple fries come out of the air fryer and while they are still warm. The residual heat from the apples helps the sugar slightly melt and adhere to the surface, creating a delicious, glistening glaze that locks in the flavors. If you wait too long, the topping won’t stick as effectively.
- Apple Peeling Preference: While I prefer to peel the apples for a smoother “fry” texture, leaving the skin on is absolutely an option if you prefer. The apple skin adds a bit of extra fiber and a slightly more rustic appearance. Just ensure the apples are thoroughly washed if you choose not to peel them.
- Ensure a Single Layer for Optimal Crispiness: This is a golden rule for air frying! For the apple fries to become perfectly crispy, air needs to circulate freely around each piece. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket at all costs. If you pile the apples, they will steam rather than fry, resulting in soggy rather than crispy results. Work in batches if necessary, even if it adds a few extra minutes to the total prep time.
- Monitor Cooking Times, as They Can Vary: Not all air fryers are created equal. Different brands and models can have varying wattages and heating efficiencies, meaning cooking times can differ. Always consider the suggested cooking time as a guideline. Keep a close eye on your apple slices during the last few minutes of cooking. They should be golden brown and crisp, but not burnt. Adjust cooking time as needed for your specific appliance.
- Even Slicing for Uniformity: Strive for apple slices of similar thickness. This ensures that all your apple fries cook evenly. If some are thick and some are thin, you’ll end up with some undercooked and some burnt. A mandoline slicer can be very helpful for achieving consistent slices quickly and safely.
- Customizing Spice Blend: If you don’t have apple pie spice, you can create your own! A good homemade blend typically includes 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger, and a pinch of ground allspice or cloves. Adjust to your preferred taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use different types of apples?
Yes, while Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and firm texture, you can experiment with other varieties. Firmer apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala will hold up well to air frying. Softer apples might become mushy. - Can I make these apple fries gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure your chosen blend is suitable for baking and frying for the best results. - Can I bake these apple fries in a conventional oven instead?
Yes, you can. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated apple slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly sprayed with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and tender-crisp. The texture might be slightly less crispy than air-fried, but still delicious. - How can I make these even healthier?
To reduce sugar, you can lessen the amount of brown sugar in the topping or use a sugar substitute. For fewer calories, ensure a very light coating of oil. The air fryer itself makes this a healthier alternative to deep-frying. - Can I prepare the apples ahead of time?
You can peel and slice the apples a little ahead of time, but they tend to brown quickly once exposed to air. To prevent browning, toss the apple slices in a small amount of lemon juice (about 1 tablespoon per 2 apples) before coating. However, for best crispiness, it’s ideal to coat and air fry them shortly after slicing.
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Don’t wait any longer! Whip up these easy and tasty Air Fryer Apple Fries for a sweet treat that everyone will adore. We’d love to hear about your experience, so please come back and leave a comment with your thoughts and any creative twists you added. Your feedback makes our day!
Air Fryer Apple Fries
Air Fryer Apple Fries are sweet and crispy with delicious brown sugar topping. Make this delicious recipe in minutes for the best dessert or snack.
Ingredients
- 2 large Granny Smith Apples
- 1 ½ cups All Purpose Flour
- 2 Tablespoons apple pie spice
- 2 large Eggs
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup Brown Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Cinnamon
Instructions
- Peel the apples and slice the apples into thin strips.
- In a small shallow mixing bowl, stir together the flour and apple pie spice.
- In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs.
- Work in batches, coat the apple slices in the egg mixture (dripping off the excess mixture) and then place them in the flour mixture and coat them with the mixture.
- Transfer the apples to a separate place or parchment paper. Continue this process until all the apples are coated.
- Mix together the topping ingredients and set aside.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and coat the basket with oil (I love using a spray olive oil).
- Place the coated apples in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you will have to work in batches). Generously spray the top of the apples with oil.
- Cook the apples for 6 minutes.
- Flip the apples, spray them again with the spray oil and cook for 6 more minutes.
- Remove the apples from the air fryer and place them on a cooling rack or plate and top immediately generously with the topping mixture.
- Continue this process until all the apples are cooked and topped with the cinnamon and sugar mixture.
- These are great served warmed as is, caramel sauce or whipped cream. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
It’s best to use a spray oil instead of a non-stick cooking spray in an air fryer basket so that it doesn’t affect the lining of your air fryer basket.
Nutrition Facts
Calories 317kcal, Carbohydrates 66g, Protein 8g, Fat 3g, Saturated Fat 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat 1g, Monounsaturated Fat 1g, Trans Fat 0.01g, Cholesterol 82mg, Sodium 39mg, Potassium 225mg, Fiber 5g, Sugar 23g, Vitamin A 183IU, Vitamin C 5mg, Calcium 77mg, Iron 4mg