Get ready for the ultimate sweet treat with these Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries! They’re golden and crunchy on the outside, warm and cinnamon-sweet on the inside—and honestly, impossibly snackable. If you adore classic apple desserts but crave something a bit playful and finger-friendly, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Wholesome Yet Decadent: The combination of tart apples and warm spices delivers all the comfort of a classic dessert with a light, crispy finish.
- Quick & Easy: You’ll only need about 25 minutes from start to finish, making these apple fries a perfect spontaneous treat.
- No Messy Frying: Thanks to the air fryer, you’ll enjoy all that glorious crunch without dealing with splattering oil or heavy clean up.
- Super Customizable: Whether you leave the peel on or try different coatings, Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries easily welcome your creative twists.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries lies in just a handful of simple ingredients, each bringing its own unique touch. These pantry staples—plus your favorite apples—work together to create fries that are crisp, aromatic, and utterly irresistible.
- Granny Smith apples: Tart apples like these hold their shape beautifully and balance out the sweetness with their signature zing.
- All-purpose flour: This gives the fries a light, crunchy shell—don’t skip it!
- Powdered sugar: Divided for both coating and a sweet finishing dust; it melts softly over the hot fries.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and cozy flavor—an absolute must with apples.
- Ground nutmeg: A tiny pinch creates depth, enhancing those nostalgic dessert vibes.
- Ground cloves: A little goes a long way here—think aromatic and slightly peppery undertones.
- Cooking oil spray: Ensures your apple fries achieve that classic crispy exterior without sticking.
Variations
One of the best things about Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries is how easy they are to tailor. Whether you’re feeling adventurous with flavors or need to modify for dietary requirements, there’s so much room to play around with this recipe.
- Try Different Apples: Swap in Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady for a sweeter twist or different texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend for the coating and get equally crispy results.
- Breaded Crunch: Dip apple sticks in beaten egg, then coat with panko before air frying for an ultra-crunchy bite.
- Cocoa Dust: Mix a spoonful of cocoa powder into your coating for subtle chocolate notes.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
Step 1: Prep Your Apples
Wash and thoroughly dry your apples. Peel them if you’d like a more tender, melt-in-your-mouth fry; or leave the peel on for a little extra color, texture, and a daily nutrient bonus.
Step 2: Slice into Fries
Cut each apple into “fries” about 1/2-inch thick. Uniform size is important—it helps all your apple fries cook up evenly and ensures a pleasing crispness on every bite.
Step 3: Coat in Spiced Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, half the powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Lightly toss the apple sticks in this sweet-and-spiced flour mix, making sure every fry is well coated.
Step 4: Prep Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes. Give the basket a light mist of cooking spray so those beautiful apple fries won’t stick.
Step 5: Arrange & Spritz
Lay the coated apple fries in a single layer in your basket—don’t crowd them. Mist the tops with a little more oil spray for extra crunch once they hit the hot air.
Step 6: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You want the fries golden and crisp on the outside and just tender inside. Once done, immediately toss in the remaining powdered sugar. Serve hot for maximum deliciousness!
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
- Apple Choice Matters: Go for crisp, tart apples (like Granny Smith) for fries that hold their shape and don’t turn mushy.
- Egg Dip Upgrade: For next-level crunch, dip apple sticks in beaten egg before flouring—they’ll turn out almost churro-like!
- Single Layer for Crispiness: Crowding the basket will steam, not crisp. Cook in batches for best results.
- Warm Toss: Toss fries with the final dusting of powdered sugar immediately after air frying so it sticks beautifully and melts just right.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
Garnishes
Finish your apple fries with a dusting of extra powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an old-fashioned touch. For a little sparkle, try a blend of cinnamon and raw sugar granules—so simple, but absolutely gorgeous!
Side Dishes
Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries pair marvelously with creamy vanilla yogurt, tangy crème fraîche, or swoon-worthy caramel sauce for dipping. They’re also fantastic as a playful side for a cozy brunch or after-school snack platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these apple fries in paper cones lined with parchment for festival-style flair, or arrange them upright in a small mason jar alongside tiny dipping cups. For parties, set up a “build your own apple fries” bar with sauces, sprinkles, and chopped nuts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If (and that’s a big if!) you have leftover Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. They’re best fresh, but they’ll still be tasty for a quick sweet snack later on.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal, as the apples may become soft and lose their trademark crunch. If you must, arrange leftovers in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag—but know the texture will change when reheated.
Reheating
Pop your apple fries back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to revive their crispness. Avoid the microwave, which tends to make them soggy—these fries earn their name best when crispy!
FAQs
-
Can I make Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries ahead of time?
They’re definitely at their best fresh from the fryer, but you can prep the apples and dry coating ahead of time for quick assembly. If you need to crisp them up later, just pop them into the air fryer for a couple minutes before serving.
-
What dips go well with apple fries?
Classic choices are warm caramel, vanilla yogurt, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce. For a fun fall twist, try pumpkin dip or maple cream cheese frosting on the side!
-
Why aren’t my apple fries getting crispy?
There are a few culprits: make sure your apple sticks are dry before coating, don’t crowd the basket, and do a quick oil spritz over the top. Air fryers all vary a bit, so add an extra minute if needed—just keep an eye out so they don’t overbrown.
-
Can I use a different fruit for this coating and method?
Absolutely! Pears, firm peaches, and even slightly underripe bananas work well. Just adjust the cook time as needed, as softer fruits may cook more quickly than apples.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a treat that’s quick, irresistible, and just the right amount of nostalgic, these Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are calling your name. I can’t wait for you to try them—and watch them disappear almost as fast as they come out of the fryer. Enjoy every warm, spiced bite!
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
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy these crispy air fryer apple fries as a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fries. Perfect for a snack or dessert, these apple fries are coated in a flavorful blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, then air fried to crispy perfection.
Ingredients
Granny Smith Apples:
2 pieces
All-purpose Flour:
1/2 cup
Powdered Sugar:
1/2 cup (divided)
Ground Cinnamon:
1 teaspoon
Ground Nutmeg:
1/2 teaspoon
Ground Cloves:
1/2 teaspoon
Cooking Oil Spray:
as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Wash and dry the apples. Peel if desired and cut into fry-shaped sticks.
- Coat the Apples: Mix flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and half of the powdered sugar. Toss apple sticks in the mixture.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat to 380°F (193°C) and spray basket with oil.
- Cook the Apples: Arrange coated apples in a single layer, air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Finish and Serve: Toss hot fries in remaining powdered sugar or serve with dip.
Notes
- For extra crunch, dip apple slices in beaten egg before coating.
- Monitor closely in the final cooking minutes as air fryer times may vary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 150 kcal
- Sugar: Approximately 12g
- Sodium: Approximately 40mg
- Fat: Approximately 1g
- Saturated Fat: Negligible
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35g
- Fiber: Approximately 3g
- Protein: Approximately 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg