Apple season always hits a little differently in our house. It’s the time of year when the markets are lined with wooden crates overflowing with Granny Smiths, Pink Ladies, and Honeycrisps. We’ve made apple pies, crisps, and even cider, but this week, I wanted something playful something snackable, quick, and just a little unexpected.
On Saturday afternoon. My son had just come back from a playdate with sticky fingers and a sudden craving for something “crunchy but sweet.” I opened the fridge, spotted two lonely Granny Smith apples, and remembered a note I’d scribbled in my phone weeks ago: “try air fryer apple fries no batter!”
We gathered the ingredients, shook the coating in a giant resealable bag like it was a maraca, and had fun slicing the apples into thick fry-like sticks. Ten minutes later, we were dipping crispy apple fries into warm caramel sauce and wondering why we’d never thought to make these sooner.
These apple fries came out golden and lightly spiced, with edges that crunched and centers that stayed tender. The fact that they’re air fried with zero added sugar or batter? Just a bonus. Here’s how we made them.
Short Description
Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are a quick, healthier treat made with Granny Smith apples and warm spices. They’re easy to prep, air-fried to golden perfection, and perfect for dipping into caramel or yogurt.
Key Ingredients
- 2 Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and cut into fry-shaped strips)
- 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
Tools Needed
- Large resealable plastic bag
- Vegetable peeler
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Air fryer
- Small tongs (optional)
- Mixing bowl (for serving or dipping sauce)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Spiced Coating
Add the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to a large resealable plastic bag. Seal the bag and shake vigorously until the mixture is well combined and smells like warm apple pie.
Step 2: Slice the Apples into Fries
Peel the Granny Smith apples, remove the cores, and slice them into 1/2-inch wedges. Then, cut each wedge into strips roughly the shape and size of thick-cut fries. Aim for uniform thickness so they cook evenly.
Step 3: Coat the Apple Fries
Add the apple strips to the bag with the spiced flour mixture. Seal it again and shake until every piece is thoroughly coated. Don’t worry if some look slightly powdery that crisp coating will cling in the fryer.
Step 4: Arrange and Spray
Place the coated apple fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not overlapping or crowded, or they won’t crisp properly. Lightly spritz with cooking oil for that perfect golden crunch.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Set your air fryer to 375°F. Cook for 5 minutes, then pause, flip the fries using tongs or a spatula, and spritz again if they look too dry. Cook for another 5 minutes until they’re golden brown with crisp edges.
Step 6: Cool and Serve Warm
Carefully remove the apple fries from the basket and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with dipping sauce caramel, vanilla yogurt, or peanut butter all work beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Naturally sweet with no added sugar in the coating
– Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside
– Quick and air-fried—no deep-frying mess
– Kid-approved and fun to eat
– Easily customizable with your favorite spices or sauces
– A healthy snack or dessert that feels indulgent
– Vegan and dairy-free with the right dipping sauce
– Uses pantry staples and two apples—super budget-friendly
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Mistake 1: Overcrowding the air fryer
Solution: Always cook in a single layer. If needed, fry in batches. Crowding leads to soggy fries.
Mistake 2: Skipping the oil spray
Solution: A light spritz helps the coating crisp. Don’t skip it even just a little oil makes a difference.
Mistake 3: Uneven apple slices
Solution: Try to cut the apple fries to a consistent thickness so they cook evenly.
Mistake 4: Overcooking
Solution: Watch them closely in the last few minutes. If they start to brown too fast, reduce the heat slightly.
Mistake 5: Using soft apples
Solution: Granny Smiths hold up best. Avoid apples like Red Delicious they get mushy.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Dip ideas: Warm caramel, vanilla yogurt, peanut butter sauce, honey-cinnamon Greek yogurt
On a snack board: Pair with fresh berries, cheese cubes, and nuts for a fun fall grazing platter
As a dessert: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar
For brunch: Serve alongside waffles or pancakes with a drizzle of maple syrup
Style: Great for buffet spreads, family-style snacking, or plated with elegant sauces
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Place cooled fries in an airtight container lined with a paper towel. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Re-crisp in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. Avoid microwaving they’ll turn soggy.
Freezing: Not recommended. The texture doesn’t hold up well after freezing and thawing.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, but Granny Smiths give the best texture. If you prefer a sweeter taste, try Honeycrisp or Fuji, but expect softer fries.
2. Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend (one that contains rice flour or oat flour works well).
3. Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling helps the coating stick better and keeps the texture more consistent, but you can leave the skin on for added fiber.
4. What if I don’t have powdered sugar?
You can blend granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until fine, or use coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener.
5. Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t be quite as crispy but still delicious.
Tips & Tricks
– Add a pinch of sea salt to the coating for a sweet-salty twist.
– Use a crinkle cutter for fun, fry-like shapes that hold more dip.
– Warm the dipping sauce before serving for extra indulgence.
– Double the recipe you’ll be surprised how fast these disappear.
– Serve immediately for maximum crispness. They lose texture if they sit too long.
Recipe Variations
1. Churro-Style Apple Fries
Swap cloves and nutmeg for extra cinnamon
Add 2 tbsp granulated sugar to the coating
Toss the cooked fries in cinnamon sugar before serving
Serve with warm chocolate sauce
2. Coconut Crunch Apple Fries
Use 1/4 cup flour + 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut in coating
Adds nutty flavor and texture
Pair with pineapple yogurt dip
3. Savory Apple Fries
Omit powdered sugar, use 1/2 tsp smoked paprika and 1/4 tsp salt in the coating
Serve with maple mustard dip or sharp cheddar sauce
Great as an appetizer or brunch side
4. Pumpkin Spice Apple Fries
Replace spices with 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Drizzle with maple glaze instead of dipping sauce
Perfect for fall gatherings
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries may not be traditional, but they’ve earned a permanent spot in our seasonal rotation. They’re quick to prepare, irresistibly snackable, and surprisingly adaptable. They strike a perfect balance cozy yet light, nostalgic yet refreshingly new.
They’re also the kind of snack that sparks conversation, especially when you bring them out warm with a little caramel on the side. People don’t expect apple fries, and that’s part of the fun. They invite you to play a little in the kitchen, to rethink what apples can do.
Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe
Print ThisIngredients
- 2 Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and cut into fry-shaped strips)
- 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
Step 1. Make the spiced coating by shaking flour, powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a large resealable bag.
Step 2. Peel and slice the apples into fry-shaped strips with even thickness.
Step 3. Add the apple strips to the bag and shake until fully coated.
Step 4. Arrange the coated apples in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray with cooking oil.
Step 5. Air fry at 375°F for 5 minutes, flip, spray again if needed, and cook for another 5 minutes until golden and crisp.
Step 6. Cool slightly and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
