Crispy air fryer apple fries are made by slicing apples thinly and coating them in a light batter before frying.
They are a great alternative to regular fries, offering a sweet and crunchy snack with a lower calorie count.
To ensure they turn out crispy and not soggy, you need to use the right ingredients and air fryer settings.
About the Ingredients
6 medium apples
Choose crisp, tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best results. If these are unavailable, use any firm apple.
1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
This helps create a light, crispy coating. If you're gluten-free, substitute with almond flour or a gluten-free blend.
1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
Cornstarch gives the fries a lighter, crunchier texture. If you don't have cornstarch, you can use a mix of flour and baking powder instead.
1/4 tsp salt
Salt enhances the flavor. You can adjust it to your taste or skip it if you're on a low-sodium diet.
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Cinnamon adds a warm, sweet flavor. Use it sparingly or skip it if you prefer a more neutral taste.
1/4 tsp baking powder
Baking powder helps the coating stay light. If you're out, skip it and use just flour and cornstarch for a slightly denser texture.
1/4 cup (60ml) milk
Milk helps the batter mix smoothly. If you're vegan, substitute with almond milk or any plant-based alternative.
1 tsp vanilla extract
Vanilla adds a subtle sweetness. Use it to enhance the flavor or skip it if you're making a savory version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
Use crisp and firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture. Soft apples may not hold up well during cooking.
Q: Do I need to use cornstarch for a crispy coating?
Cornstarch helps achieve a lighter, crispier texture, but you can skip it and use a mix of flour and baking powder instead.
Q: How can I make sure the apple slices don't get soggy?
Pat the slices dry before coating them, and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
Q: What can I serve these apple fries with?
Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert, or with a dipping sauce like peanut butter or caramel for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Slice the apples
Cut the apples into thin, uniform strips. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick to ensure even cooking and crisping.
2. Prepare the batter
In a shallow bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, and baking powder. Add milk and vanilla extract, then stir until smooth.
3. Coat the apple slices
Dip each apple strip into the batter, ensuring it's fully coated. Shake off excess batter to avoid a heavy coating.
4. Arrange in the air fryer
Place the coated apple slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overlapping, as this can make them soggy.
5. Air fry the apple fries
Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10 minutes. Flip the slices and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Check for doneness
The apple fries are done when they are golden brown and sound crisp when tapped. If they are too soft, cook for a few more minutes.
7. Cool and serve
Let the apple fries cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored for later.
Tips & Tricks
- Use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice the apples evenly, as this ensures they cook uniformly.
- Pat the apple slices dry with paper towels before coating them to help the batter stick better.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Work in batches if needed to ensure even crisping.
- For extra flavor, brush the cooked apple fries with a little honey or maple syrup before serving.
Delicious Variations
- Try using a cinnamon sugar mix instead of the batter for a simpler and sweeter version.
- Add a sprinkle of crushed nuts or oats to the batter for a heartier texture.
- For a savory twist, skip the cinnamon and use garlic powder or Parmesan cheese instead.
How to Store Crispy air fryer apple fries recipe
Refrigerator
Store the apple fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They may lose some crispiness over time.
Freezer
Freeze the cooked apple fries in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating
Reheat the apple fries in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warm and crisp again.
These crispy air fryer apple fries are a fun and healthy way to enjoy a twist on classic fries. Try them with your favorite dipping sauce or as a light snack on their own.
Crispy air fryer apple fries recipe
Crispy air fryer apple fries are a fun and healthy twist on traditional fries, made with just a few simple ingredients and ready in under an hour.
🧂 Ingredients
- 6 medium apples
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
📋 Instructions
- 1Slice the apples — Cut the apples into thin, uniform strips. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick to ensure even cooking and crisping.
- 2Prepare the batter — In a shallow bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, and baking powder. Add milk and vanilla extract, then stir until smooth.
- 3Coat the apple slices — Dip each apple strip into the batter, ensuring it's fully coated. Shake off excess batter to avoid a heavy coating.
- 4Arrange in the air fryer — Place the coated apple slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overlapping, as this can make them soggy.
- 5Air fry the apple fries — Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10 minutes. Flip the slices and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- 6Check for doneness — The apple fries are done when they are golden brown and sound crisp when tapped. If they are too soft, cook for a few more minutes.
- 7Cool and serve — Let the apple fries cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored for later.
