Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries

Crispy air fryer apple fries are my favorite treat when I crave something sweet but want it fast and a little lighter. You only need tart apples and a handful of pantry spices to create golden apple fries with that classic fairground vibe. My kids ask for these all year round because they deliver dessert joy in a fraction of the time… and cleanup is easy too.

I first whipped up these apple fries on a rushed autumn afternoon when my kids were begging for apple pie. Now it is our weekend ritual to make big batches together and there are never any left by Sunday night.

Ingredients

• Granny Smith apples: the tart flavor balances the sweet coating select apples that are firm and heavy for their size to ensure a crunchy result
• All-purpose flour: adds a golden crust and crisp texture sift for the lightest even coat
• Powdered sugar: provides a delicate sweet finish choose a fine grain for smooth dusting
• Ground cinnamon: infuses deep warmth pick fresh ground for robust aroma
• Ground nutmeg: brings earthy comforting notes grating it fresh boosts the spice punch
• Ground cloves: for a little zing without overpowering the apples whole cloves ground just before use give the best flavor
• Cooking oil spray: helps fries get crispy with very little fat use a neutral-flavor spray to keep your apples the star

Instructions

Prepare The Apples:

Wash apples and dry them completely. If you want a softer fry peel them though keeping the skins adds both crunch and fiber.

Cut The Apple Fries:

Slice each apple into even sticks about half an inch wide. Try to keep sizes uniform so they finish cooking at the same time.

Mix Coating:

Combine flour cinnamon nutmeg ground cloves and half of your powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Blend until you have a consistently spiced dry mixture.

Coat The Apples:

Toss apple sticks in your spiced flour mix using your hands to ensure every piece is well coated.

Preheat The Air Fryer:

Turn your air fryer to three hundred eighty degrees Fahrenheit. Heat for about three minutes and spray the basket lightly with oil to prevent sticking.

Arrange Apple Fries:

Spread apple sticks in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Do not pile too high or they will steam instead of crisp.

Spray And Cook:

Spray a light coating of oil on top of the fries. Air fry for eight to ten minutes. Shake the basket halfway through so every fry browns nicely on all sides.

Add Powdered Sugar:

When the fries are golden and still warm, toss them with the remaining powdered sugar. Eat immediately with caramel or yogurt on the side for dipping.

The best part is always the Granny Smith apples. Their tart snap never fades with heat and combined with fresh spices the aroma instantly reminds me of apple picking in cool weather with my grandma. We still talk about those days whenever I pull out the air fryer for this treat.

Storage Tips

Cool any extra fries fully before placing in an airtight container in the fridge. For best texture, pop them back in the air fryer for two minutes to re-crisp. They keep their flavor for up to two days but rarely last that long in my house.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap in Fuji or Honeycrisp if that is what you have—just keep them firm. Almond flour adds a faint nuttiness if you want something different or oat flour will keep things gluten-free. Change the spices for extra warmth with a pinch of ginger or cardamom.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy a basket dusted with extra powdered sugar right out of the fryer. Dip in caramel or tangy vanilla yogurt for contrasting creaminess. For parties, I drizzle with a little chocolate or set a bowl on a dessert platter with fresh berries and nuts for fun DIY snacking.

After sharing these with school friends my youngest started calling them magic apple sticks because everyone comes back for more. It feels so good to serve something that tastes indulgent but is secretly better for you. If you have never tried air frying apples before trust me these will become a family classic.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What apples work best for this dish?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape and balance the sweetness nicely when air fried.

→ Should apples be peeled or left unpeeled?

Peeled apples give a softer fry while unpeeled ones add texture and nutrients—choose based on your preference.

→ How do I achieve extra crispy fries?

Use a light oil spray and cook fries in a single even layer, shaking the basket mid-cook for the crispest texture.

→ Which dips pair well with apple fries?

Caramel sauce and vanilla yogurt complement the spiced sweetness, but chocolate or ice cream are great too.

→ Can I use alternative flours?

Gluten-free blends, almond, or oat flour may be swapped in for dietary preferences or extra flavor.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Cool completely, store in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat briefly in the air fryer to restore crunch.