Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe

If you love crisp, sweet treats that feel just a little bit special, you’re going to adore these Air Fryer Apple Fries. This delightful snack transforms fresh Granny Smith apples into crispy, golden sticks coated with warming apple pie spices and a touch of cinnamon sugar. Air frying makes them wonderfully light, avoiding the heaviness of deep frying, and finishing them with a luscious vanilla icing dip takes the experience to a whole new level. Whether you want an afternoon pick-me-up or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these fries bring a comforting, nostalgic flavor with a fresh twist that’s impossible not to love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet essential for creating the perfect balance of crispy texture and cozy, autumn-inspired flavor in your Air Fryer Apple Fries. Each component plays a key role, from the zingy tartness of Granny Smith apples to the sweet-spiced warmth of the coating.

• Granny Smith apples: Their tartness holds up beautifully to frying and contrasts perfectly with the sweet coating.
• All purpose flour (130 grams): Creates a light, crisp crust that crisps up nicely in the air fryer.
• Apple pie spice: A cozy blend that infuses the fries with those classic autumn flavors.
• Large eggs: Helps the coating stick and provides moisture for that perfectly even crisp.
• Cinnamon sugar: The finishing touch that adds gentle sweetness and a delicate crunch.
• Cooking spray: Keeps the fries from sticking and encourages golden browning without excess oil.
• Confectioners sugar: The base of the smooth icing that pairs perfectly with the warm fries.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and a subtle sweetness to the icing.
• Whole milk: Thins the icing just enough for drizzling or dipping.

How to Make Air Fryer Apple Fries

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Start by peeling your Granny Smith apples for a tender, clean bite. Then slice them into uniform thin strips—aim for fry-size so they cook evenly and get deliciously crispy. Using a fry cutter can save time, but a sharp knife works just fine if you’re careful.

Step 2: Mix Your Coating

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and apple pie spice until they’re fully blended. This flour-spice mixture is the secret to that irresistible crust with warm, earthy flavors that hug each fry.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. This egg wash is what binds your coating to the apple fries, ensuring every bite has that perfect balance of crisp coating and soft apple.

Step 4: Double Dip for Crispy Coating

Working in batches, toss the apple strips first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess fluff. Then dip each strip in the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, and coat them again in the flour and spice mix. This double-dipping trick seals the coating so it crisps up beautifully in the air fryer, giving you a satisfyingly crunchy texture.

Step 5: Arrange for Crispiness

Lay your coated apple fries on a wire rack with parchment underneath; this helps them dry just a bit before cooking, which is essential for maximum crispiness. Preheat your air fryer to 325ºF during this resting time.

Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection

Generously spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray so the fries won’t stick, then place the apple fries in a single layer without overlapping. Give them a generous spray on top as well, which enhances browning. Cook for 5 minutes, then turn and spray again before cooking for another 5 minutes until golden and crisp.

Step 7: Add the Sweet Finish

Once cooked, immediately sprinkle the hot fries with cinnamon sugar. The heat helps the sugar stick to the fries, creating a lovely sweet crust that complements the tart apple and spices.

Step 8: Whip Up the Icing

While your fries cook in batches, whisk together the confectioners sugar, vanilla extract, and whole milk (start with 1 tablespoon, adding more as needed) until you get a smooth, pourable icing. This is what takes your Air Fryer Apple Fries from great to unforgettable.

How to Serve Air Fryer Apple Fries

Garnishes

Sprinkle an extra dusting of cinnamon sugar, or add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cloves for a deeper spice profile. Fresh chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts lend a lovely crunch and nutty contrast, and a tiny drizzle of caramel sauce can make these fries feel like a decadent treat.

Side Dishes

These apple fries shine as a sweet side or snack but pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream for a classic combo. They are also excellent alongside a scoop of creamy Greek yogurt or even alongside savory dishes like pork chops or roasted chicken, providing a sweet counterbalance to rich, hearty flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these fries in a rustic paper cone or a small basket lined with parchment for a fun, casual vibe. For parties, provide little dipping cups with the vanilla icing, caramel sauce, or even a spiced cream cheese dip. Stacking them in a pyramid shape and drizzling the icing over the top right before serving makes an impressive centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Air Fryer Apple Fries leftover, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They are best eaten within 1 to 2 days for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

While these fries are best fresh, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer to revive some crispness, though the texture may not be quite as perfect as fresh.

Reheating

The best way to bring back that crispy magic is to reheat your Air Fryer Apple Fries in the air fryer itself at 300ºF for 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for Air Fryer Apple Fries?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer a perfect tartness and firm texture, you can experiment with Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. Just expect a sweeter taste and possibly less firmness.

Do I have to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for the smoothest, most uniform fries and better coating adherence, but if you love the texture and nutrients of the skin, you can leave it on. Just know it may change the overall crispiness slightly.

Can I make these apple fries gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that works well for frying. Make sure to choose one without heavy starches to keep the coating light and crispy.

Is there a way to make these without eggs?

For an egg-free version, you can use a mixture of plant-based milk and a bit of cornstarch or a commercial egg replacer. The key is creating a sticky layer to help the coating adhere well.

How long do Air Fryer Apple Fries take to cook?

Cooking time is about 10 minutes total at 325ºF, flipping halfway through, but this might vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and how thick your apple strips are.

Final Thoughts

Making Air Fryer Apple Fries is such a joyful kitchen experience—they come together quickly, use simple ingredients, and deliver layers of crunchy, sweet, and spicy flavor that feel like a warm hug on a plate. I can’t wait for you to try them and add your own twists. Whether for dessert, snack time, or a fun brunch treat, these apple fries are destined to become a new favorite.

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