Say goodbye to boring snacks and hello to our irresistible Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries! Inspired by popular theme park treats, these homemade apple fries offer all the fun without the deep-frying fuss. You’ll love the perfect balance of sweet cinnamon sugar and a creamy vanilla glaze, all achieved with less oil and incredible ease. Get ready to elevate your snack game.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Achieves perfect crispy-tender texture – Every bite delivers a delightful crunch on the outside and a soft, warm apple interior.
- Sweet, spiced apple flavor with creamy glaze – The cinnamon sugar coating and rich vanilla glaze create an amazing dessert experience.
- Healthier alternative to deep-frying – Enjoy this treat with significantly less oil, making it a guilt-free pleasure.
The Cleveland Clinic highlights how air frying can significantly reduce calorie and fat intake compared to traditional deep-frying. For more details, explore the benefits of healthier cooking methods like air frying.
- Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes – This recipe is perfect for busy parents and beginners looking for a fast snack.
- A delightful treat for any season – While perfect for fall, these air-fried apple sticks are a hit all year round.
Ingredients
Whipping up a batch of delicious Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries requires just a few simple pantry staples.
For the Apple Fries:
- 2 large Granny Smith apples
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (130 grams)
- 1 tablespoon apple pie spice
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup cinnamon sugar
- Cooking spray
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons whole milk
Notes & Substitutions
- Best Apples: Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and firm texture, which holds up well to frying. Honeycrisp or Fuji also work beautifully if you prefer a sweeter, crisp apple. Avoid softer varieties.
- Flour: For an extra crispy coating, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with cornstarch. This small change makes a big difference in texture.
- Oil: Use any high-heat cooking oil in a spray bottle or a non-stick cooking spray like avocado or canola oil. Avoid olive oil as it has a lower smoke point.
- Spice: If you don’t have store-bought apple pie spice, you can easily make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of ground ginger.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Sharp knife or apple slicer/fry cutter
- Small bowls for dredging
- Whisk
- Wire rack
- Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup under the rack)
How To Make Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
Follow these easy steps to create your perfect batch of Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries. This recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly and quick!
- Prepare Apples: Peel the apples. Using a sharp knife or a fry cutter, carefully slice the apples into uniform thin strips, similar to French fries. Set them aside.
- Set Up Dredging Stations: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with the apple pie spice and whisk well. In a separate shallow dish, whisk the large eggs until they are fully blended.
- First Coat (Flour): Working in small batches to prevent overcrowding, toss the apple fries into the flour and spice mixture. Use a slotted spoon to scoop them out, shaking off any excess flour.
- Second Coat (Egg): Next, dip each flour-coated apple fry into the whisked eggs, ensuring it’s fully covered. Let any excess egg drip off before moving to the next step.
- Third Coat (Flour/Spice): Place the egg-coated apple fry back into the flour and spice mixture. Turn it to fully coat, then shake off the extra flour. This is crucial for achieving that signature crispness.
- Arrange: Make sure all of the apple fries are evenly coated and excess flour has been shaken off. Place the coated apple fries on a wire rack. Parchment paper underneath the rack helps catch any stray flour for easy cleanup.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C). This ensures even cooking and crisping from the start.
- Air Fry First Batch: Generously spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange a single layer of coated apple fries in the basket, making sure they do not overlap. Generously spray the tops of the fries with additional cooking oil.
- Cook & Flip: Air fry for 5 minutes. Carefully open the air fryer, turn the apple fries over, spray them again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Sugar Coat: Remove the hot fries from the air fryer and immediately place them onto another cooling rack or basket. Liberally sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar. The heat from the fries helps the sugar stick.
- Repeat: Continue cooking the remaining batches of apple fries, ensuring you coat them with cinnamon sugar while they are still warm.
- Make Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and whole milk, adding the milk one tablespoon at a time until the glaze is smooth and reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve: The apple fries are best served immediately while hot. Serve the delicious vanilla glaze as a dip on the side, or drizzle it generously over your warm air-fried apple sticks.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Apple Choice: Always opt for firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith. They maintain their shape and offer a great flavor contrast.
- Uniform Slicing: Cut your apple fries into uniform strips. This ensures they cook evenly and crisp up at the same rate.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Air fry in batches. Overcrowding the basket prevents proper air circulation, leading to soggy, rather than crispy, results.
- Shake Excess: Vigorously shake off excess flour and egg coating. Too much coating will make your fries gummy instead of light and crispy.
- Generous Oil Spray: Don’t be shy with the cooking spray. A good coat of oil helps achieve that beautiful golden brown and perfectly crisp texture on these sweet apple fries.
- Serve Immediately: For the best possible texture and flavor, enjoy your Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries right after they’re cooked and sugar-coated.
- Preventing Soggy Fries: Ensure even coating and adequate space in the air fryer basket for optimal air circulation. Also, the double spray of oil helps.
- Adjusting Cook Time: Air fryer models vary. Monitor your fries during the last few minutes and adjust cooking time slightly until they reach your desired crispness.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
Serving Suggestions
These Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are incredibly versatile.
- The classic vanilla glaze is a perfect pairing.
- Drizzle them with warm caramel sauce or rich chocolate sauce for an extra indulgence.
- Serve them alongside a cheesecake dip or a creamy peanut butter dip for a protein boost.
- A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns this snack into a decadent dessert.
Storage Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers (a rare occurrence!), ensure they are completely cooled before storing.
- Place cooled apple fries in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 2-3 days.
- To restore their crispness, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy.
Variations
- Spice Blends: Get creative with your spices! Add a pinch of nutmeg, ground ginger, or use pumpkin pie spice for a different seasonal twist.
- Sweetness: Adjust the amount of cinnamon sugar to your preference. You could also try maple sugar for a distinct flavor.
- Savory Twist: For a unique snack, omit the sugar and spices, using just flour and egg coating. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper after frying.
- Coatings: Experiment with other coatings! Panko breadcrumbs provide an even crunchier texture, or try crushed cornflakes for a subtle, malty sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are apple fries?
Apple fries are thinly sliced apple strips that are typically coated and then cooked until crispy, often served as a sweet snack or dessert. These Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries offer a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions.
Are air fryer apple fries healthy?
Compared to traditional deep-fried options, air fryer apple fries use significantly less oil, making them a lighter and healthier treat. They provide a good source of fiber from the apples.
What are the best apples for making air fryer apple fries?
Firm, crisp, and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are best. They hold their shape well during cooking and offer a great flavor profile.
How do you cut apples into fries?
First, peel the apple. Then, carefully slice it into quarters, remove the core, and then slice each quarter into even, thin strips, about ¼ to ½ inch thick, resembling potato fries.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Can I use parchment paper or foil in the air fryer?
Yes, you can use parchment paper designed for air fryers or foil, but ensure it has holes for air circulation and doesn’t block the airflow. Avoid placing it directly on the heating element.
Final Thought
There you have it – a simple, delicious, and healthier way to enjoy a unique treat. These Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are incredibly easy to make, delivering that perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and wonderfully crispy texture in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a fun dessert, or a delightful fall-inspired dish, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Give them a try today, share the joy, and enjoy this fantastic sweet invention!
Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Peel and slice the apples into thin strips using a sharp knife or a fry cutter, then set them aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and apple pie spice until well combined.
- Whisk the eggs in a separate dish.
- Working in small batches, toss the apple fries in the flour mixture, shake off excess, then dip each into the whisked eggs, shaking off excess egg.
- Place the dipped fries back into the flour mixture, turn to coat, and ensure all excess flour is shaken off for crispiness; place them on a wire rack with parchment paper underneath.
- Preheat the air fryer to 325ºF.
- Generously spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking spray, arrange apple fries without overlapping, and generously spray their tops with additional oil.
- Cook for 5 minutes, turn the apple fries, spray them again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove the hot fries to a cooling rack and immediately sprinkle with cinnamon sugar to ensure it sticks.
- Cook additional batches of apple fries, tossing each batch with cinnamon sugar while still warm.
- Make the icing by whisking the confectioners sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, adding milk one tablespoon at a time, in a small bowl.
- Serve the apple fries immediately, offering the icing as a dip or drizzling it over them.
Notes
High-Protein Nutrition Specialist and Wellness Advocate with over a decade of experience.
My human-first approach blends science-backed guidance with real-life empathy, shaped by my own journey through fatigue and muscle loss. Today, I help people reclaim strength, energy, and confidence through high-protein nutrition that’s both practical and empowering.
- Anne Newgent
- Anne Newgent
- Anne Newgent
- Anne Newgent
