Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a surprisingly delightful treat: Air Fryer Apple Fries. This ingenious snack delivers the perfect balance of crispy, tender, and warmly spiced apple slices, all made effortlessly in your air fryer. Imagine the sweet aroma of cinnamon sugar mingling with perfectly cooked apple fries, complemented by a luscious vanilla glaze that adds just the right touch of indulgence. Whether you’re craving a snack, dessert, or a fun twist on apples, these apple fries will quickly become a new favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients work in harmony to create the irresistible flavor, texture, and color of the apple fries. Each component plays a key role in enhancing this snack’s appeal, from the tartness of the apples to the sweet cinnamon sugar finish.

• 2 large Granny Smith apples: Their tartness perfectly balances the sweetness and keeps the fries firm during cooking.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (130 grams): Helps create a light, crispy coating that crisps up nicely in the air fryer.
• 1 tablespoon apple pie spice: Adds warm, comforting notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for that classic fall flavor.
• 3 large eggs: Acts as a binding layer so the coating sticks beautifully to each apple strip.
• 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar: Sprinkled on hot fries for a sweet, crunchy finish that’s absolutely addictive.
• Cooking spray: Ensures a golden, crisp texture while keeping them light and oil-friendly.
• 1 cup confectioners sugar: The base for a smooth, sweet icing to dip or drizzle over the apple fries.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the glaze with a fragrant sweetness that complements the spicy coating perfectly.
• 1-2 tablespoons whole milk: Adjusts the glaze to just the right consistency for dipping or drizzling.

How to Make Air Fryer Apple Fries

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling your Granny Smith apples to remove the skin which helps the fries get extra crispy. Then slice them into thin, uniform strips—think of them like French fries but bursting with apple flavor. Keeping the slices thin ensures they cook evenly and get nicely golden in the air fryer.

Step 2: Mix the Coating

Combine the all-purpose flour and apple pie spice in a small bowl, whisking until well blended. This aromatic mixture adds a cozy warmth and a slight crunch to your apple fries. The spice mix is what transforms simple flour into that blissful apple pie flavor.

Step 3: Beat the Eggs

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly. These will help the flour mixture adhere to the apples as a second layer, building that irresistible crisp coating that air fryer magic loves.

Step 4: Coat the Apple Fries

Working in batches, first toss the apple strips into the spiced flour. Use a slotted spoon to lift them out and gently shake off any excess flour—this step keeps your fries from being too clumpy. Next, dip each apple strip into the eggs, letting excess drip off, then return them to the flour mixture for a final coating. Remember to shake off extra flour once coated; this is the secret to getting crisp, not soggy, fries.

Step 5: Get Ready to Air Fry

Place the coated apple fries on a wire rack lined with parchment paper—this keeps them from sticking and makes cleanup easy. Meanwhile, preheat your air fryer to 325ºF, ensuring your fries start cooking immediately at the perfect temperature.

Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection

Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket generously with cooking spray or light oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the apple fries in a single layer without overlapping, then spray the tops lightly as well. Cook for 5 minutes, then carefully turn the fries, spray again, and cook for another 5 minutes. This quick flip helps them cook evenly and get that perfect golden hue.

Step 7: Add Cinnamon Sugar

As soon as your fries come out piping hot, transfer them to another cooling rack or basket and immediately sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar. The warmth of the fries makes the sugar stick and melt slightly, giving each bite a magical sweet-spicy crunch.

Step 8: Prepare the Vanilla Icing

While the fries cool just a minute, whisk together confectioners sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Adjust the milk to get a thick but pourable glaze. This icing can be drizzled over the apple fries or served as a luscious dip alongside.

How to Serve Air Fryer Apple Fries

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar or a pinch of nutmeg on top for a photo-ready finish. If you want to elevate the presentation, a few fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a beautiful touch and fresh scent.

Side Dishes

Air Fryer Apple Fries make a fantastic accompaniment to warm caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a cozy dessert. For savory pairings, try them alongside a sharp cheddar cheese platter or atop a bowl of vanilla yogurt for a balanced snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your apple fries in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper for a casual vibe or place them artistically on a large platter with icing piped in playful patterns. For a party, mini dipping bowls around the plate with different sauces like caramel, chocolate, or honey make a fun and interactive treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which can be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind they are best eaten fresh for maximum crispness but reheating can still bring them back to life.

Freezing

You can freeze air fried apple fries on a parchment-lined baking sheet first, so they don’t stick together. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month. Freeze only after air frying and cooling, as the raw apple fries won’t hold the coating well in the freezer.

Reheating

Reheat your apple fries in the air fryer at 325ºF for 3-4 minutes. This quick refresh crisps them right back up, avoiding sogginess. Avoid microwaving as it will make them soft and less appealing.

FAQs

Can I use other apple varieties for Air Fryer Apple Fries?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are ideal because of their tartness and firm texture, but you can experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady. Just know sweeter apples may create a different sweetness balance in the final dish.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended to achieve the crispiest texture. The skin can sometimes slow down crisping and add a different chewiness. However, if you love a bit of extra texture, feel free to leave the peel on.

Can I make these Air Fryer Apple Fries without an egg wash?

The egg wash helps the coating stick and crisp up nicely, so skipping it might result in a less even crust. If you have egg allergies, try a plant-based milk mixed with a little flour as a substitute.

How do I make the vanilla icing thicker or thinner?

Adjust the icing by adding more milk to thin it out for drizzling or more confectioners sugar to thicken it for dipping. A thicker glaze clings nicely if you want to coat the fries extensively.

What if I don’t have apple pie spice? Can I make my own?

Yes! Mix cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves in small amounts to create your own blend. This lets you control the intensity and customize to your taste.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Apple Fries are a wonderful way to turn simple apples into a snack or dessert everyone will love. Crispy, sweet, and warmly spiced with a touch of vanilla glaze, they are absolutely irresistible and easy to whip up. I can’t wait for you to try them and experience just how magical this easy recipe can be. Happy cooking!

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