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This crispy air fryer apple fries recipe turns tart Granny Smith apples into a spiced, crunchy snack that feels special but comes together quickly. Lightly coated in a fragrant mix of flour and warming spices and then air fried to perfection, these apple fries make a delightful treat that is not too sweet and easy to enjoy any time.
I first made these apple fries on a chilly afternoon when I wanted something sweet but light. My family loved how crispy and fragrant they were and now I often make them for a quick snack that feels a little special.
Ingredients
- Granny Smith apples: fresh and tart for a nice balance against the sweet coating
- All-purpose flour: helps create a light, crisp crust on the apple sticks
- Powdered sugar: adds sweetness and helps the coating stick it is divided to coat both before and after frying
- Ground cinnamon: brings warmth and depth to the flavor use a good quality variety for best aroma
- Ground nutmeg: adds a subtle earthiness that enhances the other spices
- Ground cloves: is powerful and aromatic so use sparingly
- Cooking oil spray: helps achieve a crisp finish without heavy oil
Instructions
- Slicing the Apples:
- Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. If you prefer a softer bite peel them or leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients. Slice into sticks roughly half an inch thick aiming for uniform size so they cook evenly.
- Mixing the Coating:
- Whisk together the flour cinnamon nutmeg cloves and half of the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. This blend delivers a fragrant and flavorful coating that crisps nicely in the air fryer.
- Coating the Apple Sticks:
- Toss the apple sticks lightly in the flour mixture making sure each piece is coated evenly. This layer will crisp up beautifully while cooking.
- Preheating and Preparing the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F or 193°C for about three minutes. Spray the basket lightly with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Arranging and Cooking the Fries:
- Place the coated apple sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on your air fryer size you may have to do batches. Lightly spray the top of the fries with oil again to help crisp them. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes shaking the basket halfway for even cooking. Watch for a golden crispy finish.
- Finishing Touch:
- Once out of the air fryer toss the fries in the remaining powdered sugar or serve with dips like caramel sauce or vanilla yogurt for added indulgence.
My favorite part is the amazing aroma while they cook cinnamon and cloves nearly perfume the kitchen reminding me of cozy family gatherings. My kids especially enjoy dipping them into warm caramel making it a festive treat.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day to keep some of the crispness. Reheat briefly in the air fryer to restore crunch avoid microwaving as it makes them soggy.
Ingredient Substitutions
Fuji or Honeycrisp apples can be used for a sweeter taste. Cornstarch works well instead of flour for a gluten-free option. Brown sugar can replace powdered sugar for deeper sweetness but it changes the texture slightly.
Serving Suggestions
These apple fries are lovely on their own sprinkled with cinnamon sugar or paired with caramel sauce vanilla yogurt or a drizzle of honey. They also make an easy topping for ice cream or yogurt bowls.
These apple fries are a quick cozy snack that brings warm, familiar flavors. Serve them fresh from the air fryer for the crispiest bite.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of apple works best for these fries?
Granny Smith apples are ideal because their firm texture and tartness balance the sweet, spiced coating well.
- → Can I leave the apple peel on?
Yes, leaving the peel adds extra texture and nutrients, giving a slightly rustic bite to the apple sticks.
- → How do I ensure the apple sticks cook evenly?
Slice the apples into uniform half-inch sticks and arrange them in a single layer without overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- → Why spray the basket with oil before cooking?
Lightly spraying prevents sticking and helps develop a crisp, golden crust on the coated apple sticks.
- → Does dipping apple sticks in egg wash help?
Yes, dipping in beaten egg before coating improves adherence of the spice mixture and results in extra crispness.
- → What dipping sauces pair well with the apple sticks?
Caramel sauce and vanilla yogurt complement the sweet, warm spices with creamy, contrasting flavors.