Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself craving a treat that’s crispy, sweet, and a little bit unexpected, get ready to fall in love with Air Fryer Apple Fries. These golden, cinnamon-dusted beauties are the ultimate answer when you want something playful, easy, and bursting with cozy apple pie flavor. Whether you serve them as a fun dessert, a snack for movie night, or a creative brunch side, Air Fryer Apple Fries will turn any day into a special occasion. You simply can’t go wrong with slices of tart apple, perfectly spiced, crisped to perfection, and served with a dreamy vanilla dip!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Air Fryer Apple Fries comes from a handful of everyday ingredients that each play a starring role in making the fries crunchy, flavorful, and sweet. Here’s what you need, plus a few tips so you get the dreamiest texture and flavor every time.

• Granny Smith apples: Their tartness holds up beautifully to the sweet coating and creates fries that aren’t overly cloying.
• All-purpose flour: The secret to that irresistible crisp outer layer; make sure to measure carefully for the best texture.
• Apple pie spice: Infuses every bite with warm, fragrant notes that make these fries taste just like your favorite fall dessert.
• Large eggs: Help the flour coating stick, so each fry gets that ideal golden crunch.
• Cinnamon sugar: Sprinkling this on while the fries are hot gives them that magical, sweet finish.
• Cooking spray: Just a spritz ensures the fries become deliciously crispy in the air fryer with minimal oil.
• Confectioners sugar: This forms the base for the creamy, sweet dipping icing that takes your apple fries over the top.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash brings beautiful depth and aroma to the vanilla dip.
• Whole milk: The key to a silky-smooth icing that’s just the right consistency for dipping or drizzling.

How to Make Air Fryer Apple Fries

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Start by peeling your apples—Granny Smiths work best for their tart bite and sturdy texture. Slice them into thin strips using a sharp knife or fry cutter. This shape helps them cook evenly and makes them perfect for dunking into icing later!

Step 2: Mix the Coating

In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and apple pie spice until everything is evenly combined. This fragrant flour blend is what delivers those classic fall bakery flavors in every bite.

Step 3: Whisk the Eggs

In a separate dish, crack and whisk the eggs until smooth. The eggs are what help the seasoned flour stick to each apple piece and form that crave-worthy crust.

Step 4: Dredge the Apple Slices

Now, working in small batches, toss your apple strips into the flour mixture. Use a slotted spoon to lift the apples out, shaking gently to remove any extra flour—too much will keep the fries from crisping up nicely.

Step 5: Dip in Eggs and Recoat

Next, dip each floured apple fry into the beaten eggs, shake off the extra egg, then coat them again in the flour and spice mixture. Double-dipping ensures that each apple stick is perfectly coated and will get wonderfully crisp in the air fryer.

Step 6: Prep for the Air Fryer

Place your coated apple fries on a wire rack with parchment paper underneath (this makes cleanup a breeze). Make sure to gently shake off any thick areas of flour so the coating is light and even.

Step 7: Preheat and Spray the Basket

Preheat your air fryer to 325ºF. Take a moment to spray the bottom of your air fryer basket generously with cooking spray—this is essential for even, golden fries that don’t stick.

Step 8: Arrange and Spray the Fries

Lay the apple fries in the basket so they aren’t overlapping. Hit the tops with another generous spray of oil—getting the coating lightly (but thoroughly) oiled will help everything crisp up beautifully.

Step 9: Cook and Turn Halfway

Let the air fryer work its magic for 5 minutes. Turn the apple fries with tongs, spray again, and cook for another 5 minutes. They’ll come out puffed, golden, and perfectly crisp on the outside.

Step 10: Toss with Cinnamon Sugar

Immediately transfer the piping hot fries to a cooling rack and shower them with cinnamon sugar. Doing this while they’re hot helps the sugar stick—and brings that unmistakable “fresh-from-the-bakery” finish.

Step 11: Repeat with Remaining Fries

Continue with the rest of your apple fries, always tossing with cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm. This step is key to achieving that signature sweet crunch in every batch.

Step 12: Make the Vanilla Icing

In a small bowl, whisk together confectioners sugar, vanilla extract, and milk (start with 1 tablespoon and add more as needed) until the icing is smooth and silky. This simple dip is a game-changer—you’ll want to dunk everything in it!

Step 13: Serve and Enjoy

Air Fryer Apple Fries are best enjoyed immediately. Serve them piled high with the icing as a dip, or drizzle it over the top for an extra layer of indulgence. Prepare for smiles all around!

How to Serve Air Fryer Apple Fries

Garnishes

These fries already pack plenty of flavor, but you can make them extra special by adding a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, or even some finely chopped toasted pecans for a classic fall touch. Want to get playful? Add tiny curls of caramel or chocolate for a gooey twist that looks gorgeous and tastes incredible!

Side Dishes

Pairing Air Fryer Apple Fries with vanilla ice cream is a match made in dessert heaven. You might also want to serve them alongside fresh fruit salad or a sharp cheddar cheese plate—the flavors play off each other surprisingly well. For a full-on brunch spread, they’re delightful next to pancakes, waffles, or even crispy bacon as a sweet contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the fries in mini cups with a shot of icing for dipping, perfect for parties or kid-friendly snacking. Or line up the fries on a platter and drizzle with several sauces: caramel, vanilla, and even a chocolate ganache for a “build-your-own-dip” experience. For holiday gatherings, a sprinkle of colored sugar can make these treats extra festive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow manage to have leftovers, store your cooled Air Fryer Apple Fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Make sure they’re spread out and not stacked to prevent sogginess. Save any extra icing in a separate sealed container!

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Air Fryer Apple Fries by laying them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month, making it easy to satisfy your sweet tooth anytime.

Reheating

To recapture their crispiness, reheat the fries in your air fryer at 350ºF for 3–5 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to make them soft. Give the icing a quick stir and, if needed, add a splash of milk to loosen before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different apple variety for Air Fryer Apple Fries?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith gives the best crunchy-tart flavor, Honeycrisp or Fuji work well for a sweeter experience. Just keep in mind: firmer apples are best so your fries hold their shape and don’t turn mushy.

What can I use instead of apple pie spice?

If you don’t have apple pie spice, a blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of allspice or cloves will mimic those autumn flavors beautifully. Adjust amounts to suit your personal taste.

Do I really need to double-coat the apples?

Yes, for the ultimate crispy bite, dipping your apple sticks twice is the way to go! The layers help make that golden crust and allow the cinnamon sugar to stick better after air frying.

Can I make Air Fryer Apple Fries gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend. The texture might be slightly different, but the results will still be delicious and crispy.

Can I make the vanilla icing ahead of time?

Yes! Mix up the icing in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. If it thickens up, a quick stir or a little extra milk will have it silky-smooth in seconds.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about Air Fryer Apple Fries—the way they’re crispy on the outside, soft and tangy inside, and so easy to share. If you haven’t tried this playful treat yet, I can’t recommend it enough. Go ahead, gather your apples and give this recipe a whirl. You’ll be amazed by how quickly they disappear!

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