Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries

If you’re looking for a fun, healthier alternative to traditional fries (but with all the satisfying crunch!), then you’re in for a treat with these Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries. Imagine tender apple slices, coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, and air-fried to golden perfection. They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and just the right balance of sweet and spiced. These apple fries are perfect for snacking, an easy dessert, or even as a kid-friendly treat. Best part? You can enjoy all the crispy goodness without deep frying or heavy oil. Trust me, once you bite into these, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries

Quick and Easy: These apple fries are ready in less than 20 minutes! No need to preheat your oven for ages or fuss over multiple cooking steps. The air fryer does the work, and you get to enjoy these crisp, sweet treats in no time.

Healthier Alternative: Made with fresh apples, these fries are a lighter, fruit-filled snack that still feels like a guilty pleasure. It’s a great way to enjoy a satisfying dessert without the extra calories or grease from deep-frying.

Customizable: Love caramel? Drizzle some on top for extra sweetness. Want a bit of a savory twist? Try sprinkling a dash of sea salt or chili powder for a fun contrast to the sweetness. The best part? You can make these to your taste!

Kid-Friendly: If you’re trying to sneak some fruit into your little ones’ snack time, this is the way to do it. These crispy apple fries are fun to eat, and they’ll think they’re getting a treat instead of something healthy.

Ingredients

This recipe is all about simplicity. You don’t need anything fancy to make these crispy apple fries, just a few basic ingredients that come together to create the perfect sweet treat:

• Apples: Choose a firm, crisp variety like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith. These apples hold their shape when cooked and provide a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors.
• Cinnamon: Adds that warm, comforting spice that pairs beautifully with the apples.
• Sugar: Sweetens the apples just the right amount. You can use regular granulated sugar, or for a twist, use coconut sugar or brown sugar.
• Cornstarch: Helps create that crispy coating on the outside of the apples as they air fry.
• Vanilla Extract (optional): A splash of vanilla can really elevate the flavor of the apples and give them a richer taste.
• Butter (optional): Just a little melted butter helps the cinnamon-sugar coating stick to the apple fries and adds a lovely richness.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are included in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get these apple fries air-fried and crispy!

Prep the Apples:

Start by washing and drying your apples. Slice each apple into thin strips, like fries. You can peel the apples if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds an extra layer of texture and nutrients. Just be sure to remove the core and seeds using an apple corer or knife.

Coat the Apple Fries:

In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Toss the apple slices into this mixture until they’re evenly coated. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract at this point to bring out the flavor even more.

Air Fry the Apple Fries:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with melted butter to prevent the apples from sticking. Place the coated apple slices in the basket, making sure they’re in a single layer (you may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer).

Air fry the apple fries for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. The apples should be golden and crispy on the outside while tender on the inside.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once the apple fries are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm, and if you like, drizzle with caramel sauce, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 120-150 (depending on the size of the apples and whether you use butter)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 15-20 minutes

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries

These apple fries are delicious as a snack or dessert, but here are a few extra ideas to make them even more exciting:

With Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the fries for a sweet, gooey finish. If you’re feeling extra, a pinch of sea salt on top can create a sweet-salty sensation.

Dipped in Whipped Cream or Yogurt: Pair these crispy fries with a side of whipped cream, vanilla yogurt, or even a sweetened mascarpone dip for an indulgent treat.

As a Side for Breakfast: Serve these apple fries alongside pancakes or waffles for a fun twist on the classic breakfast combo.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream: For a more decadent dessert, serve the fries with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The hot, crispy fries will melt the ice cream in the best way!

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to help you get the best crispy apple fries:

Choose Firm Apples: For the best results, pick apples that are crisp and firm, as they hold up better in the air fryer and won’t turn mushy. Good varieties include Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala.

Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: For maximum crispiness, be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook the fries in batches for even cooking.

Customize the Coating: Want more flavor? Add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or a dash of allspice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. For a caramelized effect, you can sprinkle some brown sugar on the fries before air frying.

Use a Liner: If you’re worried about sticking, use parchment paper or a silicone air fryer liner to make cleanup easier.

Keep the Apples Crispy: To maintain that crispy texture, serve the apple fries right away! They’re best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer, while they’re still hot and crunchy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different fruit for this recipe?
A1: Yes! You can try making air fryer fries with pears, peaches, or even bananas. Keep in mind that softer fruits like bananas will cook quicker and may not get as crispy as apples.

Q2: Can I make these apple fries ahead of time?
A2: These apple fries are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the apple slices and coat them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for a few hours before air frying.

Q3: Can I bake these apple fries in the oven instead of using the air fryer?
A3: Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the apple fries on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They may not be as crispy as in the air fryer but will still be delicious.

Q4: How do I store leftover apple fries?
A4: Store any leftover apple fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, air fry them for 2-3 minutes to get the crispiness back.

Q5: Can I make these apple fries gluten-free?
A5: Yes! Simply use gluten-free cornstarch to make these apple fries fully gluten-free.

Q6: Can I use frozen apple slices for this recipe?
A6: It’s best to use fresh apples for the best texture and flavor. Frozen apples can turn mushy when cooked, so it’s not recommended for this recipe.

Q7: How do I get the perfect crispy texture?
A7: Be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give each slice enough space so the hot air can circulate and crisp up the apples evenly.

Q8: Can I add a glaze on top?
A8: Absolutely! A drizzle of caramel, honey, or even a powdered sugar glaze will elevate the apple fries even more.

Q9: Can I use a sweetener other than sugar?
A9: Yes! You can use coconut sugar, maple sugar, or a sugar substitute like stevia to make these apple fries lower in sugar.

Q10: Can I dip these in something besides caramel?
A10: Yes, these apple fries would also be delicious with whipped cream, peanut butter, chocolate sauce, or a yogurt dip.

Conclusion

Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are the perfect way to enjoy the sweetness of apples with a crispy twist. They’re quick, easy, and absolutely irresistible, making them a great snack, dessert, or party treat. With the air fryer doing most of the work, you get to enjoy all the crunch without the extra calories or hassle. Give them a try—you won’t be disappointed!

Print