Craving a sweet treat that’s also quick and easy? Look no further than these delightful Air Fryer Apple Fries! This recipe transforms fresh apples into a crispy, warm snack or dessert with minimal effort. You’ll love their delightful texture and comforting flavor, perfect for any time of year.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Apple Fries
Discover why these Air Fryer Apple Fries will quickly become a family favorite:
- Super Quick to Prepare: Get from apple to table in under 30 minutes.
- Minimal Simple Ingredients: You likely have most items in your pantry already.
- Healthier Alternative: Enjoy a crispy snack without the deep-fried guilt. Many sources highlight the health benefits of using an air fryer, including a reduction in fat and calories compared to traditional deep-frying. For more details, explore the health benefits of air frying.
- Perfect Family-Friendly Snack: Kids and adults alike adore this sweet treat.
- Customizable: Easily change up the flavors with different spices or toppings.
- Fantastic Seasonal Recipe: A wonderful way to enjoy fresh apples, especially in autumn.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Air Fryer Apple Fries:
- 2 large Honeycrisp apples
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 4 Tablespoons apple pie spice
- 5 Tablespoons ground cinnamon (reserve one Tablespoon for top coating)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- Olive oil cooking spray
Notes & Substitutions
For the best Air Fryer Apple Fries, choose crisp, tart baking apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji. Granny Smith also works wonderfully. According to food experts, certain apple varieties are ideal for baking because they hold their shape and flavor when cooked. You can make your own apple pie spice or use a store-bought blend for convenience. Feel free to experiment with coconut sugar or maple sugar instead of brown sugar. For an egg wash alternative, use milk or a non-dairy milk mixed with a little water.
Equipment
You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools for these Air Fryer Apple Fries:
- Air fryer (basket style is ideal)
- Apple peeler/corer
- Medium mixing bowls (two)
- Large mixing bowl or container with a lid
- Whisk
- Slotted spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
How To Make Air Fryer Apple Fries
Let’s get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create perfect Air Fryer Apple Fries:
- Use an apple peeler to remove the skins from each apple. Carefully cut the apples in half, then slice them into ½ inch thick wedges.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, apple pie spice, and 4 tablespoons of cinnamon until well combined. Transfer this flour mixture into a larger bowl or a container with a lid. Add the apple wedges to the container.
- Secure the lid on the container, then shake it vigorously to ensure all sides of the apple wedges are thoroughly coated in the flour mixture. Using a large slotted spoon, remove the apple wedges from the container. Gently shake off any excess flour mixture and place the wedges on a plate. Keep the remaining flour mixture in the container, as you will use it again.
- In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth. Dredge a few apple wedges at a time into this egg mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Return the egg-dipped apple wedges to the reserved flour mixture in the container. Shake them once more to create a second, crispier coating.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and the remaining 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Mix these together and set aside.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil nonstick spray. Arrange the coated Air Fryer Apple Fries in a single layer in the basket. You will likely need to cook these in two batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Liberally spray the top-facing apples with olive oil spray. Sprinkle half of the prepared brown sugar and cinnamon coating over them. Cook these apple wedges for 6 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Open the air fryer basket. Carefully flip each apple fry, then spray them again with nonstick spray. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over the flipped apple fries. Cook for an additional 6 minutes, or until they are golden brown and wonderfully crispy. Serve your delicious Air Fryer Apple Fries immediately with caramel sauce or a simple powdered sugar glaze, if desired.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve perfect Air Fryer Apple Fries every time with these helpful tips. Ensure all apple slices are of even thickness for uniform cooking. This prevents some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked. Double coating the apple wedges in flour and egg wash is key for maximum crispiness. Never overcrowd your air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary, allowing air to circulate. Shake or flip the apple fries halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Remember that air fryer cooking times can vary by model, so adjust as needed. Check for doneness when the apple fries are golden, tender on the inside, and crispy outside.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
Serving Suggestions
These warm Air Fryer Apple Fries are incredibly versatile. Drizzle them with warm caramel sauce, a powdered sugar glaze, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a fantastic breakfast topping for oatmeal or pancakes.
Storage & Reheating
Air Fryer Apple Fries are best enjoyed fresh, when they are at their crispiest. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, until crispy again.
Variations
Experiment with different spice blends like pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist. For a savory option, omit the sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and black pepper before serving. You could also add a touch of nutmeg or ginger to the coating. Try adding a drizzle of honey or maple syrup after cooking for extra sweetness.
Nutrition Information
Please note that this nutrition information is an estimate based on the ingredients and preparation method. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, ingredient substitutions, and serving sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 74 g |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.01 g |
| Cholesterol | 82 mg |
| Sodium | 41 mg |
| Fiber | 10 g |
| Sugar | 24 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 2 g |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Crisp, firm apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith hold their shape well and offer a great balance of sweetness and tartness.
Can I make these apple fries without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, but they may not be as crispy.
Do I need to peel the apples before air frying?
Peeling is recommended for the best texture, as the skin can become tough during the air frying process.
How can I prevent the Air Fryer Apple Fries from sticking?
Ensure you spray the air fryer basket thoroughly with olive oil nonstick spray before adding the apples. Cooking in a single layer also helps.
Can I prepare the apples ahead of time?
You can slice the apples up to an hour in advance and toss them in a little lemon juice to prevent browning. Coat them just before air frying.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Apple Fries truly deliver on flavor and convenience. They’re a fantastic, healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks and come together so quickly. Whether you need a sweet treat, a unique dessert, or a fun family snack, this recipe is sure to impress. Give them a try and enjoy the crispy, comforting goodness!
Air Fryer Apple Fries
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Peel and core each apple, then cut them into ½ inch wedges.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, apple pie spice, and 4 Tablespoons of cinnamon.
- Transfer the flour mixture to a large lidded container, add the apple wedges, and shake vigorously to coat.
- Remove the coated apple wedges from the container using a slotted spoon, shaking off any excess flour, and set them aside.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract.
- Dredge a few apple wedges at a time into the egg mixture.
- Return the egg-coated wedges to the remaining flour mixture in the container and shake again to create a second coating.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and the reserved 1 tablespoon of cinnamon; set aside.
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil nonstick spray, then arrange the coated apple fries in a single layer (cook in two batches).
- Liberally spray the top-facing apples with olive oil spray, sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over them, and cook for 6 minutes at 350°F.
- Open the basket, flip the apples, spray them with nonstick spray, sprinkle with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and cook for an additional 6 minutes.
- Serve the air fryer apple fries immediately, optionally with caramel sauce or a powdered sugar glaze.
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
