If you are searching for a delightful and cozy treat that perfectly balances crisp texture with warm spice, these Air Fryer Apple Fries are exactly what you need. Imagine golden apple wedges, coated in a fragrant mix of cinnamon and apple pie spice, cooked to perfection in your air fryer for a tender inside and lightly crisp outside. This recipe brings you an effortlessly delicious snack or dessert that bursts with flavor and warmth, making it a new favorite in your kitchen repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s lending sweetness, adding spice, or ensuring that perfect crispy coating that defines Air Fryer Apple Fries.

Honeycrisp apples: Their natural sweetness and firm texture hold up beautifully in the air fryer, giving the fries a perfect bite.
All-purpose flour: Acts as the base for the spice coating, helping it stick to every apple wedge evenly.
Apple pie spice: A blend of warm spices that gives these fries their cozy, inviting flavor.
Cinnamon: Adds a bold, sweet-spicy note and enhances aroma; reserved cinnamon is used both in coatings and finishing sugar.
Eggs: Bind the flour mixture to the apples for a double coating, creating that wonderful crust.
Vanilla extract: A subtle hint of sweetness that rounds out the spices beautifully.
Light brown sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness to the final coating, bringing extra depth and sparkle.
Olive oil nonstick spray: Helps achieve a golden finish without excess oil.

How to Make Air Fryer Apple Fries

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling your Honeycrisp apples using an apple peeler for quick and easy skin removal. Then slice each apple in half and cut into uniform ½ inch wedges. Uniform size ensures they cook evenly in the air fryer, achieving that perfect balance between tender inside and lightly crisp exterior.

Step 2: Mix the Spice Coating

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, apple pie spice, and four tablespoons of cinnamon. This aromatic blend forms the flavorful coating that gives the apple fries their signature warmth and mild spiciness, making each bite irresistible.

Step 3: Coat the Apples with Flour Mixture

Transfer the flour-spice blend into a larger container with a lid, then add all the apple wedges. Place the lid securely on top and shake vigorously, so every apple wedge gets enveloped in the spiced flour. This dry coating is essential for the crispy texture you’re after.

Step 4: Prepare for Dredging

Using a slotted spoon, remove the coated apple wedges from the container, shaking off any excess flour. Set them on a plate once coated to prepare for the next step. Don’t discard the flour mixture—you will need it again soon to achieve a double coating that’s key to that crunch.

Step 5: Egg Wash Dip

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract. Dip the apple wedges into this egg wash a few at a time; this sticky layer allows the flour mixture to adhere once more in the next step, doubling the coating and amplifying the crunch and flavor.

Step 6: Second Flour Coating

Return the egg-coated apple wedges to the leftover flour mixture in the container. Close the lid and shake energetically to cover each apple wedge with a second layer of the spiced flour blend. This layered approach ensures each fry is perfectly crisp and flavorful.

Step 7: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar with the reserved tablespoon of cinnamon. This mixture will be sprinkled atop the apple fries during air frying, giving them a sweet, fragrant finish that caramelizes beautifully.

Step 8: Air Frying the Apples

Spray the air fryer basket liberally with olive oil nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated apple wedges in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Spray the top sides of the apples with olive oil spray, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over them. Cook for 6 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 9: Flip and Finish Cooking

After the initial air fry, open the basket and carefully flip the apple wedges. Spray with olive oil spray again and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar on top. Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 6 minutes, allowing the apples to turn perfectly golden and caramelized.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Once out of the air fryer, serve your Air Fryer Apple Fries immediately. They’re delightful plain or paired with some luscious caramel sauce or a simple powdered sugar glaze to elevate the experience into pure comfort food heaven.

How to Serve Air Fryer Apple Fries

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce, or even a dollop of whipped cream will make your Air Fryer Apple Fries feel extra special. These garnishes add sweetness and texture contrasts that bring the whole dish to life.

Side Dishes

If you’re indulging in these apple fries as part of a dessert spread, try pairing them with vanilla ice cream or a scoop of cinnamon gelato for a refreshing complement. For a snack, they pair wonderfully with a cup of spiced tea or rich coffee to balance their sweet warmth.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the apple fries in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper for a casual feel, or arrange them elegantly on a white platter with small bowls of dipping sauces like caramel, honey yogurt, or even maple cream. You can also sandwich the fries between two waffle halves for a fun autumn-inspired treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Air Fryer Apple Fries are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep them from becoming soggy, place a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture.

Freezing

While not ideal, you can freeze the cooked apple fries on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to one month. Recrisp them in the air fryer when ready to eat for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Air Fryer Apple Fries in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes. This method quickly revives their crispy coating without making them too soft or mushy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples are wonderful for their sweetness and firmness, Granny Smith or Fuji apples can also be used. Just make sure to choose apples that are firm enough to hold their shape during cooking.

Do I have to double coat the apples?

Yes, the double coating step is crucial to achieving the crispy, spiced crust that makes these apple fries so irresistible. Skipping this step can result in a less crispy texture.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

You can, but the texture will differ slightly. Baking at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, can work, but air frying generally yields a superior crispiness.

What dipping sauces work best with Air Fryer Apple Fries?

Classic caramel sauce is a natural pairing, but you can also get creative with yogurt dips, chocolate sauce, or even a maple cream to add variety and enjoyment.

Are these apple fries healthy?

These apple fries are a healthier alternative to traditional fried desserts since they use an air fryer with minimal added oil. Plus, apples provide fiber and natural sweetness, making this a tasty but moderately healthy treat.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe Air Fryer Apple Fries are a magical way to enjoy dessert or a snack that feels both cozy and special. The fragrant spices, sweet caramelized sugar, and perfectly cooked apples come together to create something irresistibly comforting. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and make these apple fries part of your cozy kitchen traditions—they’re guaranteed to warm your heart and delight your taste buds.

Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 11 reviews

Author: Thomas
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Apple Fries coated with a cinnamon-spiced flour mixture, perfect for a healthy and delicious snack or dessert. These apple fries have a crunchy exterior and tender inside, ready in just over 20 minutes.

Instructions

Prepare Apples: Use an apple peeler to remove the skins from each apple. Cut each apple in half, then slice into ½ inch wedges for fries.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, apple pie spice, and 4 tablespoons of cinnamon.
Coat Apples (First Coat): Transfer the flour mixture to a large container with a lid, add the apple wedges, secure the lid, and shake vigorously to coat all sides evenly.
Remove Excess Flour: Use a large slotted spoon to remove coated apple wedges from the container, shaking off any excess flour. Place them on a plate to prepare for dipping.
Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract until combined.
Dredge Apples in Egg: Dip a few apple wedges at a time into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
Coat Apples (Second Coat): Return the egg-coated apple wedges into the reserved flour mixture container, secure the lid, and shake again to create a second crispy coating.
Make Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and reserved 1 tablespoon of cinnamon together; set aside.
Prepare Air Fryer: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Air Fry First Side: Arrange the coated apple fries in a single layer in the basket (batch if needed). Spray the top-facing apples generously with olive oil spray, sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar topping, and cook at 350°F for 6 minutes.
Flip and Continue Cooking: Open the basket, flip the apple fries, spray again with olive oil spray, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar, and cook for an additional 6 minutes until golden and crispy.
Serve: Serve your air fryer apple fries warm with caramel sauce or a simple powdered sugar glaze, if desired, for extra sweetness.

Notes

Use Honeycrisp apples for a balance of sweetness and firmness, but Granny Smith or Fuji apples also work well.
Make sure the apple wedges are evenly coated to achieve a crispy crust.
If you don’t have an apple peeler, peel with a knife or vegetable peeler, then slice carefully.
The air fryer cook time may vary; check for golden edges and adjust by a minute or two if needed.
You can double the recipe easily by cooking in multiple batches.
For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Leftover apple fries are best eaten immediately but can be reheated briefly in the air fryer to crisp up again.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Snack, Dessert
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 6-8 apple fries)
Calories: 180 kcal
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 120 mg
Fat: 4 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg

Keywords: Air Fryer Apple Fries, Cinnamon Apple Fries, Healthy Apple Snack, Air Fryer Dessert, Cinnamon Sugar Apples