Air Fryer Apple Fries: A Sweet and Crispy Snack You’ll Crave

Looking for a healthier alternative to traditional fried desserts? These Air Fryer Apple Fries are everything you didn’t know you needed—crispy, lightly sweet, spiced just right, and air-fried to perfection. Whether you’re serving them as an after-school snack, a light dessert, or a fun party treat, these apple fries are bound to be a hit. With cozy spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, each bite tastes like a warm autumn day—no matter the season.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Apple Fries

  • Quick and Easy – Just 10 minutes in the air fryer!

  • Naturally Sweet – Uses Granny Smith apples for the perfect tart-sweet balance.

  • Healthier Dessert Option – No deep frying needed.

  • Kid-Friendly – A great snack or dessert everyone will enjoy.

  • Cozy Flavors – Warm spices and tender apples make for a perfect treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to whip up a batch of air fryer apple fries:

Apples:

  • 2 Granny Smith Apples – Peeled, cored, and cut into fry-shaped slices. Tart apples work best for keeping texture and flavor.

For the Coating:

  • 1/2 Cup All-Purpose Flour – The base of your coating.

  • 1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps the coating crisp up.

  • 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon – Brings warm flavor to each bite.

  • 1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg – Adds depth and earthiness.

  • 1/2 tsp Ground Cloves – Optional, but adds an extra fall-inspired aroma.

For Frying:

  • Spray Cooking Oil – Helps crisp the coating without deep frying.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Spiced Coating

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Seal the bag and shake to mix everything evenly.

Step 2: Prep the Apples

Peel the apples and slice them into 1/2-inch thick wedges. Remove the core and cut each wedge into fry-shaped sticks, about the size of traditional French fries.

Step 3: Coat the Apple Fries

Add the sliced apples to the bag of spiced coating. Seal and shake until all the fries are evenly coated. Be sure to coat them well so each bite is loaded with flavor.

Step 4: Air Fry

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the coated apple fries in a single layer—don’t overcrowd. Lightly spray the tops with oil to help them crisp.

Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Flip the apple fries with tongs, spritz again if needed, and cook for another 5 minutes or until golden and crisp.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let the apple fries cool slightly, then serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce (vanilla yogurt, caramel, or a simple cream cheese dip work beautifully!).

Air Fryer Apple Fries

Dipping Sauce Ideas

These air fryer apple fries are amazing on their own, but even better with a dip! Here are a few options:

  • Warm Caramel Sauce

  • Vanilla Greek Yogurt

  • Honey-Cinnamon Cream Cheese Dip

  • Maple Syrup

  • Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

Tips for Perfect Apple Fries

  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – This allows for even cooking and crispiness.

  • Use tart apples – Granny Smiths hold their shape and provide a tangy contrast to the sweet coating.

  • Serve immediately – These are best when fresh and crispy.

  • Try other apples – Fuji or Honeycrisp are great sweeter alternatives.

Variations & Additions

Want to customize your apple fries? Here are a few fun ideas:

1. Add a Crunchy Finish

After frying, sprinkle with crushed graham crackers, cinnamon sugar, or crushed nuts.

2. Make It Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free flour blends or almond flour for a gluten-free version.

3. Spicy-Sweet Version

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the coating for a spicy twist!

4. Dessert Platter

Serve alongside vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream for a crowd-pleasing platter.

What to Serve With Apple Fries

These fries make a fantastic:

  • Afternoon snack

  • Kid-friendly dessert

  • Light party bite

  • Late-night sweet treat

Pair them with a hot mug of tea, cider, or coffee for an extra cozy vibe.

Storage and Reheating Tips

While these are best enjoyed fresh, here’s how you can store and revive them:

  • To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

  • To Reheat: Pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to re-crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other apple varieties?

Yes! Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples work well. Just avoid overly soft apples like Red Delicious, which can get mushy when air fried.

Can I make these ahead of time?

It’s best to serve these fresh, but you can prep the apples and the coating mix in advance to save time.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

You can! Bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t be quite as crisp but still delicious.

Can I skip the powdered sugar?

Yes, you can substitute with a bit of granulated sugar or reduce the amount if you prefer a less sweet coating.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Apple Fries are an irresistible blend of crispy, sweet, and spiced. With simple ingredients and less than 20 minutes from start to finish, they’re a fun and satisfying treat you can feel good about serving. Whether you’re celebrating fall flavors, treating the kids, or just craving something sweet without the guilt, these apple fries will quickly become a favorite.

Try them once, and they’ll become your go-to snack for everything from movie nights to brunch sides!

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Air Fryer Apple Fries

Air Fryer Apple Fries


  • Author: Diana Carrozza

Description

Crispy, warm, and packed with cozy spices—these Air Fryer Apple Fries are a sweet twist on classic fries! Perfect for snacking or dessert, and way easier than pie.


Ingredients

Scale

2 Granny Smith apples
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Spray cooking oil


Instructions

In a sealable bag, combine flour, powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Shake to mix well.
Peel the apples and cut them into 1/2-inch slices, leaving the core behind. Slice each piece into fry shapes.
Add the apple slices to the bag of dry coating and shake until the pieces are evenly coated.
Place the coated apple fries in the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring no overcrowding. Lightly spritz with oil.
Air fry at 375°F for 5 minutes. Flip the fries, spritz with oil if needed, and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until golden.
Remove from the air fryer, let cool slightly, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Apple Variety: Granny Smiths are perfect for their tart flavor, but Honeycrisp or Pink Lady work great too for a sweeter fry.

  • Crispier Coating: For extra crunch, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the dry mix.

  • Dipping Ideas: Serve with caramel sauce, vanilla yogurt, or even a cream cheese dip sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.

  • Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in batches if needed—crowding the basket will result in soggy fries.

  • Storage Tip: Best eaten fresh, but you can reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to bring back the crispiness.

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