When I first discovered air fryer apple fries, I was blown away by how easy they were to make and how wonderfully crispy they turned out without deep-frying. These little snacks are my go-to when I want something sweet, fresh, and just a bit indulgent without piling on the fat. You slice apples into fries, toss them with cinnamon and sugar, and then crisp them up in the air fryer.
The magic here is that you get these warm, crunchy edges with a tender inside. If you love apples and quick snacks, air fryer apple fries will totally change the way you think about fruit desserts. I’m excited to share my tried-and-true recipe and tips to make yours turn out perfectly every time.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Apple Fries
Getting clear with your ingredients helps this recipe come together without confusion. You’ll need:
- 3 large apples (I prefer Granny Smith for tartness, but Honeycrisp adds sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark works fine – dark gives a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional but nice)
- A pinch of salt (just to balance sweetness)
Make sure your apples are fresh and firm. Slice them evenly into sticks about 1/2 inch thick for the best crunch.
PrintAir Fryer Apple Fries With 5 Irresistible Flavor Twists to Try
Air Fryer Apple Fries with 5 tasty twists to satisfy your snack cravings with crispy sweet and healthy flavors youll love
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Discover how to make deliciously crispy and sweet Air Fryer Apple Fries without deep-frying. Perfect for a quick snack or a healthy dessert with a cinnamon sugar coating.
How to Prepare Air Fryer Apple Fries
Alright, here’s how I make the best air fryer apple fries step-by-step. You’ll want to follow this carefully for that perfect texture.
- Slice the apples: Core and cut your apples into fry shapes, about a half-inch thick. I like them uniform so they cook evenly.
- Mix the coating: In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Coat the apple fries: Toss the apple slices first with melted butter so they have a bit of moisture and stickiness. Then sprinkle the sugar-cinnamon mix over them and toss again to coat evenly. Don’t overdry or overdress – just enough for a thin, even layer.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F and let it come to temperature for about 3 minutes. This step helps with crispiness right away.
- Arrange the apples: Place the coated apple fries in a single layer inside the basket, leaving space between pieces for air circulation. You might need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is small.
- Cook: Air fry at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Shake or flip the fries halfway through cooking for even browning. Watch carefully after 8 minutes – every model varies, and you want them golden and crispy but not burnt.
- Rest and serve: Let the fries cool for a minute or two; they get crispier as they cool. Serve while warm with your favorite dip – plain yogurt or caramel sauce pairs well.
One tip I always keep in mind is to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If you do, the steam makes the fries soggy instead of crisp. Trust me, your patience here pays off in crunch.
Tips for Making Perfect Air Fryer Apple Fries
- Choose the right apples: A firm, tart apple holds up better, but if you want sweeter, slightly softer ones like Fuji or Gala work too.
- Don’t skimp on butter: It helps the sugar and cinnamon stick and browns the fries nicely.
- Cut evenly: Consistent sizes mean even cooking times.
- Shake or flip halfway: Keeps the fries crispy all around.
- Serve immediately: They lose crispness after a while, but reheating briefly can help.
I’ve tried baking these in the oven, but the air fryer’s quick heat and strong air circulation give a crispness that even the oven can’t match.
Storage and Reheating of Air Fryer Apple Fries
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be rare!), here’s how you can keep them tasty later:
- Storage: Store fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They’ll soften but remain good.
- Reheat: Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to crisp them up again.
- Avoid microwaving: It makes them soggy quickly. The air fryer is key for crunch.
I usually make just enough to enjoy fresh, but these storage tips saved me a couple of times when I had extras.
Air Fryer Apple Fries Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Nutritional values for this recipe can vary depending on the types and brands of apples, butter, and sugar used. Because of this variability, exact nutrition data isn’t provided here. If tracking calories and macros is important to you, I recommend using a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredient choices for the most accurate results.
Frequently Asked Questions about Air Fryer Apple Fries
Can I use other fruits instead of apples for these air fryer fries?
Yes, you can experiment with pears or peaches, but keep in mind their water content and softness differ. Apples hold up best for that crisp texture.
Do I need to peel the apples before making apple fries?
Peeling is a personal preference. I usually leave the skin on for texture and nutrients, but you can peel them if you want a smoother finish.
What’s the best dip to serve with air fryer apple fries?
Plain Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey, caramel sauce, or even nut butter make great companions. Try what you like most!
Can I make the cinnamon sugar coating without butter?
The butter helps the sugar stick and creates a nice caramelization. Without it, the coating might not adhere well and the fries won’t crisp as nicely.
How do I prevent the apple fries from getting soggy?
Don’t overcrowd the basket and remember to shake or flip them halfway through cooking. Also, preheating your air fryer helps achieve that crisp finish quickly.
