Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries

If you’re looking for a fun and healthy snack that’s sure to please everyone in the family, you’ve landed in the right place! Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are a delightful twist on traditional fries, bringing together the sweetness of apples and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these apple fries are not only easy to whip up but also make for a great dessert or snack option that feels indulgent without the guilt.

Imagine sinking your teeth into warm, golden apple wedges that crunch just right, all while knowing you’re serving something wholesome. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have these crispy treats ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love them! These apple fries are a hit with both little ones and adults alike.
• Versatile Snack: Serve them as a fun dessert, an afternoon treat, or even pack them for school lunches.
• Healthy Twist: Made with fresh apples and minimal sugar, they’re a guilt-free indulgence!
• Customizable Flavors: You can easily tweak the spices or toppings to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients for these Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries. You’ll find everything you need right at your local grocery store!

For the Apple Fries

• 2 large Honeycrisp apples
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 tbsp apple pie spice
• 5 tbsp cinnamon (reserve 1 tbsp for topping)
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• Olive oil nonstick spray

Variations

This recipe is incredibly flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences.

• Change the Apples: Try using different varieties like Fuji or Granny Smith for unique flavors.
• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and nutrition.
• Drench in Chocolate: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the finished fries for a decadent touch.
• Experiment with Spices: Swap out apple pie spice with pumpkin spice or add a pinch of nutmeg for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling your apples and cutting them into 1/2-inch thick wedges. The thickness helps ensure they cook evenly while still providing that satisfying crunch we’re after.

Step 2: Create the Coating Mix

In a bowl, mix together the flour, apple pie spice, and 4 tablespoons of cinnamon. This delicious blend will create a sweet crust around our apple wedges that makes them oh-so-tasty.

Step 3: Coat the Wedges

Transfer this mixture into a container with a lid. Add your apple wedges and shake it up! This step is key because it ensures every piece is evenly coated.

Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined. This will help our coating stick nicely to each wedge.

Step 5: Double Dredge the Apples

Dredge each wedge in the egg mixture before returning them to the flour mix for a second coating. This double layer makes sure they turn out extra crispy when cooked!

Step 6: Spice it Up!

Combine your remaining tablespoon of cinnamon with light brown sugar in a small bowl. This sweet sprinkle is what takes these fries over the top!

Step 7: Get Cooking!

Spray your air fryer basket with olive oil nonstick spray. Place the coated apple wedges in a single layer inside and give them another light spray on top before sprinkling half of your cinnamon sugar mixture over them.

Step 8: Air Fry Away!

Cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 6 minutes. Flip those lovely wedges halfway through cooking, give them another spray of oil, sprinkle with more cinnamon sugar, and cook for another 6 minutes until they are golden brown.

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve warm! These Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are perfect on their own or dipped in caramel sauce or drizzled with powdered sugar glaze if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries

Making the perfect Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries can be a delightful experience! Here are some tips to ensure your apple fries turn out golden and delicious every time.

• Choose the right apples: Honeycrisp apples are my favorite for this recipe due to their natural sweetness and crisp texture. They hold up well during frying and provide a balanced flavor that complements the cinnamon.
• Coat evenly: When shaking the apple wedges with the flour mixture, ensure they are coated evenly. This helps create a consistent crunch across all fries, making every bite satisfying.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Air fryers work best when air can circulate freely around the food. Place the apple wedges in a single layer for optimal crispiness; you may need to cook in batches if you’re making a larger quantity.
• Adjust cooking time based on thickness: If your apple wedges are thicker than 1/2 inch, you may need to add an extra minute or two to each cooking session. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add your favorite spices or even a pinch of nutmeg to the flour mixture for a new twist. This customization can elevate your apple fries and keep things exciting!

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries

These Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries not only taste amazing but also look fantastic when served! Here are some ideas on how to present this delightful treat at your next gathering or as a family snack.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the apples.
• Fresh mint leaves: A few fresh mint leaves placed on top not only brighten up the dish but also provide a refreshing contrast to the warm cinnamon flavors.
• Dusting of powdered sugar: For an extra touch of sweetness, lightly dust your apple fries with powdered sugar just before serving. It makes for an eye-catching presentation!

Side Dishes

• Vanilla yogurt dip: A creamy vanilla yogurt dip provides a cool, tangy contrast to the warm apple fries and adds extra protein, making it a perfect side.
• Cottage cheese with fruit: A side of cottage cheese topped with fresh berries or sliced bananas complements the sweet apple fries while boosting nutrition.
• Mixed green salad: A light salad tossed with vinaigrette balances out the sweetness of the apple fries, providing a fresh and crisp component to your meal.
• Granola bars: Homemade granola bars make for an excellent pairing, offering chewy texture and added fiber that works harmoniously with crispy apple fries.

With these pro tips and serving suggestions, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy your Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries in style! Happy snacking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch and store them for later, making it a delightful snack or dessert option throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the apple fries to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Cool the apple fries completely before freezing.
• Arrange the apple fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 1 hour.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the frozen or refrigerated apple fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Reheat for about 5-7 minutes, until warmed through and crispy.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delicious apple fries!

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

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples provide great flavor and texture, feel free to experiment with other varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith. Each will offer its unique taste!

How do I make Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. This will still give you that delightful crunch while keeping it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I sweeten my Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries further?

Of course! If you prefer sweeter apple fries, consider adding more light brown sugar to the cinnamon-sugar mixture or drizzling a bit of maple syrup or honey over the cooked fries just before serving.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries as much as I do! They’re not only a fun twist on traditional fries but also a healthier alternative that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you serve them as an afternoon snack or a delightful dessert, they’re sure to create smiles all around. Happy cooking, and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts on this recipe!