Welcome to my kitchen, where today I’m thrilled to share a delightful treat that’s sure to become a family favorite: Air Fryer Apple Fries. If you’re anything like me, you love a good apple recipe—especially when it’s quick, easy, and utterly delicious. Let me take you back for a moment. I vividly remember autumn days at my grandma’s house. The crisp air, leaves turning fiery shades, and the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through her cozy kitchen. Apples were always at the center of it. Whether it was pies, crisps, or just a simple apple with a sprinkle of cinnamon, they brought warmth to our family gatherings.
Fast forward to today, and I still hold onto those memories, especially when I recreate them with my own twist. That’s where these Air Fryer Apple Fries come in. They’re crispy, sweet, and a little tangy all at once. The best part? They’re a breeze to make, even if your day is as packed as mine. With only a few ingredients and the trusty air fryer, you’ve got yourself a snack that’s perfect for after school, a cozy movie night, or just a sweet treat for no reason at all.
Plus, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a dish that feels like a treat but doesn’t leave you with a heap of guilt? The Granny Smith apples bring a tartness that balances beautifully with the cinnamon sugar, while the apple pie spice adds that nostalgic touch. And that icing drizzle? It’s like the cherry on top. So, are you ready to whip up something special? Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked.
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Fries
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Ingredients:
- 2 large Granny Smith apples
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (130 grams)
- 1 tablespoon apple pie spice
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar
- Cooking spray
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons whole milk
Directions:
- Peel the apples and slice them into thin strips, like fries. Use a sharp knife or a fry cutter for consistency.
- In a bowl, combine the flour and apple pie spice. Stir them together until evenly mixed.
- In another dish, beat the eggs until smooth and well mixed.
- Take a small batch of apple strips and coat them in the flour mixture. Use a slotted spoon to remove them, shaking off any excess flour.
- Dip each coated apple strip into the beaten eggs, let the extra egg drip off, then coat again in the flour mixture.
- Lay the coated apple fries on a wire rack lined with parchment paper to catch any excess flour.
- Preheat the air fryer to 325ºF.
- Generously spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, place the apple fries in a single layer, and spray the tops with more oil.
- Cook the fries for 5 minutes, flip them, spray again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Once cooked, transfer the fries to a cooling rack and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar while still warm.
- Repeat the cooking process with remaining apple fries and cinnamon sugar.
- To make the icing, mix confectioners sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a bowl. Add milk gradually until you achieve the desired consistency.
- Serve the apple fries hot with the icing either as a dip or drizzled on top. Enjoy!
Customizing Air Fryer Apple Fries: Alternative Ingredients
If Granny Smith apples are too tart for your taste, try using Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor. No apple pie spice on hand? Mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice as a quick substitute. You can also use almond milk instead of whole milk in the icing for a dairy-free option.
Best Ways to Store Leftover Air Fryer Apple Fries
Store any leftover apple fries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness. For longer storage, freeze them without the icing and reheat in the air fryer as needed.
The Best Accompaniments for Air Fryer Apple Fries
Pair these apple fries with a warm caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. A hot cup of spiced tea or apple cider makes for a delightful beverage companion, enhancing the rich apple flavors.
Cooking Hacks to Elevate Your Apple Fries
For extra crispness, let the coated apple fries sit for a few minutes before air frying to allow the coating to adhere better. If you prefer a thicker batter, double dip the apple strips in the flour and egg mixture. Add a pinch of salt to the flour mixture for a flavor punch.
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Fries Shine in Any Season
In spring, add a dash of lemon zest to the flour mixture for a fresh twist. Summer calls for a sprinkle of coconut flakes for a tropical note. In fall, add a pinch of pumpkin spice. During winter, serve with a warm chocolate drizzle for a cozy treat.
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, feel free to use any variety you enjoy. Sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji offer a sweeter flavor, which can be a nice change if you prefer less tartness in your apple fries.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can bake these apple fries in a conventional oven instead. Preheat your oven to 350ºF and bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They might not be as crispy as air-fried, but they’ll still be delicious!
How do I make the icing thicker or thinner?
To adjust the icing’s thickness, alter the amount of milk you add. For a thicker consistency, add less milk, and for a thinner drizzle, add a bit more milk. Always add the milk gradually to achieve your desired texture.
Are there any gluten-free alternatives for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend you choose is suitable for coating and frying. Additionally, verify that your other ingredients, like the apple pie spice, are gluten-free.
Can I prepare the apple fries in advance?
While it’s best to enjoy them fresh, you can prepare the apples and coatings ahead of time. Store the sliced apples in cold water with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning. Coat and air fry them just before serving for optimal crispness.
How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
To ensure the coating adheres well, make sure the apple slices are dry before coating. Pat them with a paper towel if necessary. Additionally, letting the coated fries sit for a few minutes before cooking helps the flour mixture adhere better, resulting in a crispier finish.
Air Fryer Apple Fries
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 large Granny Smith apples peeled and sliced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (approximately 130 grams)
- 1 tablespoon apple pie spice
- 3 large eggs beaten
- 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar
- Cooking spray
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons whole milk use as needed
Instructions
- Begin by peeling the apples, then cut them into thin strips and set them aside.
- In a small bowl, combine flour and apple pie spice and mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs until they are fully blended.
- Take the apple strips a few at a time, coat them with the flour mixture, and use a slotted spoon to remove them, shaking off excess flour.
- Dip each coated apple strip into the beaten eggs, letting any extra egg drain before returning them to the flour mixture for another coat.
- Place the apple fries on a wire rack lined with parchment paper to catch falling flour.
- Preheat the air fryer to 325ºF.
- Generously spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the apple fries inside, ensuring they do not overlap. Add a light spray of cooking oil on top.
- Cook the apple fries for 5 minutes, flip them, spray again, and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove the fries and place them on a cooling rack. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar immediately while hot to ensure adherence.
- Repeat the process with any remaining apple strips, tossing them with cinnamon sugar afterwards.
For Icing:
- Prepare the dipping icing by whisking confectioners sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth, adjusting the milk for desired consistency.
- Serve the warm apple fries with icing as a dip or drizzled on top. Enjoy!
