Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe

If you’re craving something sweet, crisp, and a little out-of-the-ordinary, these Air Fryer Apple Fries are about to become your next obsession. Imagine tender wedges of Honeycrisp apples, coated in a spiced, crunchy shell that gives way to juicy, warm fruit inside—all made effortlessly in your air fryer. Not only are they a playful twist on traditional fries, but they’re also an absolute crowd-pleaser, perfect for snack time, dessert, or even a brunch spread. These Air Fryer Apple Fries bring all the flavors of your favorite apple desserts in a fun, dippable form you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with just a handful of basics, but each plays an essential role in delivering that signature texture, flavor, and beautiful golden color. Grab these ingredients and you’ll soon see how every one contributes to making Air Fryer Apple Fries completely irresistible.

• Honeycrisp apples: Their natural sweetness and crisp texture hold up perfectly during air frying, ensuring the fries don’t get mushy.
• All-purpose flour: This gives the apple wedges a hearty, crisp coating that helps lock in moisture.
• Apple pie spice: Adds a warm, spiced flavor reminiscent of homemade apple pie—so comforting!
• Cinnamon: Extra cinnamon both in the coating and on top provides a delicious, aromatic boost.
• Eggs: The binding agent that helps the spiced coating adhere—and gives the coating a fluffy crust.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brings out the apples’ natural sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
• Light brown sugar: This helps create a caramelized, sweet finish on top, adding beautiful color and a hint of candy-like crunch.
• Olive oil nonstick spray: Prevents sticking and helps crisp up the fries without drowning them in oil.
• Caramel sauce or powdered sugar glaze (optional): Perfect for drizzling or dipping if you want to take these apple fries totally over the top.

How to Make Air Fryer Apple Fries

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Start by peeling the apples with an apple peeler to remove the skins. Cut each apple in half, then slice them into thick ½-inch wedges. The shape is key—thick enough to stay juicy inside while getting that crisp coating you’ll love on the outside.

Step 2: Mix the Spiced Flour Coating

Whisk together your all-purpose flour, apple pie spice, and four tablespoons of cinnamon in a medium bowl. You’ll immediately smell those cozy, inviting aromas. This mixture creates the base layer for your Air Fryer Apple Fries, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 3: Coat the Apple Wedges

Transfer the spiced flour mixture to a large bowl or container with a lid. Toss in the apple wedges, then secure the lid and shake with gusto. This method coats each piece evenly—no messy hands required.

Step 4: Remove and Reserve

Use a large slotted spoon to lift out the flour-coated apple wedges, gently shaking off any excess. Lay them out on a plate in a single layer, preparing them for their egg bath. Don’t discard your coating mixture just yet—you’ll need it once more!

Step 5: Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk up the eggs with a splash of vanilla extract. The vanilla infusion takes the eggs from basic to bakery-level, promising that delicious, golden crust.

Step 6: Dredge and Double-Dip

Dip a few apple wedges at a time into the vanilla-egg mixture, ensuring each slice is thoroughly coated. Then, pop them back into the container with your remaining flour mixture. Give the container another hearty shake, giving your fries their signature double layer of flavor.

Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and your reserved tablespoon of cinnamon. This sweet topping is sprinkled over the fries for a bit of extra sparkle and crunch—seriously swoon-worthy.

Step 8: Ready the Air Fryer

Spray your air fryer basket thoroughly with olive oil nonstick spray. Arrange a single layer of coated apple fries in the basket so they don’t overlap—this helps every fry get perfectly crisp and golden. You’ll likely have to work in two batches, but it’s worth it!

Step 9: First Cook and Sprinkle

Spritz the top-facing side of the apples with more olive oil spray, then sprinkle about half of your brown sugar-cinnamon mixture over the fries. Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 6 minutes, letting the coating crisp up and the sugars start to caramelize.

Step 10: Flip and Finish

Open the air fryer, flip each fry with tongs, spray again, and then top with the remaining cinnamon sugar. Return to cook for another 6 minutes, until the Air Fryer Apple Fries are golden, crisp, and completely irresistible.

Step 11: Serve With Something Sweet

Your apple fries are ready! Serve immediately, with a side of caramel sauce or a simple powdered sugar glaze for dunking. They’re best warm, when that crispy coating meets steamy, juicy apple in every bite.

How to Serve Air Fryer Apple Fries

Garnishes

For a simple, elegant finishing touch, dust your Air Fryer Apple Fries with a light shower of powdered sugar or drizzle with warm caramel sauce. Chopped toasted pecans or a pinch of flaked sea salt on top can add both crunch and flavor contrast, making these fries even more special for guests or family.

Side Dishes

Pair your Air Fryer Apple Fries with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an instant apple pie sundae, or serve them alongside a cup of spiced hot cocoa for a cozy, comforting snack. If you’re building a brunch board, these apple fries are a perfect sweet counterpoint to savory breakfast casseroles and quiche.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your Air Fryer Apple Fries in mini parchment cones or in cute mason jars with caramel sauce at the bottom for dunking. For a dessert platter, arrange them in a spiral with a variety of dips: chocolate, whipped cream, or even lemon curd. You can even thread them onto skewers for a fun, party-ready twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Air Fryer Apple Fries (which, to be honest, is a rare occurrence!), simply let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep their flavor for up to two days, though the coating is always crispiest on the first day.

Freezing

For longer storage, arrange cooled apple fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. This prevents clumping and ensures they’re easy to reheat individually as needed for up to one month.

Reheating

To recapture the signature texture of fresh Air Fryer Apple Fries, place leftovers back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes at 350°F. This renews the crispy coating, warms the apple centers, and brings those flavors back to life. Avoid microwaving, as this tends to make the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of apple?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples hold up beautifully to heat, you can substitute with Fuji, Gala, or even Granny Smith for a slightly tarter bite. Just ensure the apple you choose is firm enough to keep its shape during cooking.

What if I don’t have apple pie spice?

No problem—just mix equal parts ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice or cloves to make a quick homemade blend that still delivers that cozy apple pie flavor in your Air Fryer Apple Fries.

Can I make these gluten-free?

You sure can! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Arrowroot or cornstarch can also help achieve that crispy coating without any gluten.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is highly recommended for the best texture, since apple skins can get tough when air fried. However, if you prefer to keep the skins on for extra fiber and color, go for it—you’ll just have a chewier result.

Are Air Fryer Apple Fries kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids will love the crunchy outside and taffy-like center, and they can help with shaking, dredging, or adding the cinnamon sugar. They’re a playful, healthier treat perfect for sharing and dipping.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about discovering a new favorite treat, and Air Fryer Apple Fries truly check every box: quick, easy, satisfyingly crunchy, and bursting with warm apple-cinnamon goodness. Give these a try and you’ll see why they’ve become a staple in so many kitchens. Grab your apples, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to fall in love with each cinnamony bite!

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