Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries

Featured in: Perfect Bites for Every Occasion

Enjoy the crunch of apple fries with a sweet and spiced coating, made simply in the air fryer. Granny Smith apples are sliced, coated in a blend of flour, powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, then air fried until golden and crisp. Perfect served warm with your favorite dip, these fries offer a delightful balance of tart apples and aromatic spices. Easy to prepare, mess-free, and irresistibly snackable, they make a quick sweet treat for any occasion.

Tags: #halal #vegan #vegetarian #air-fryer #kid-friendly #easy #under-30-minutes #north-american #dessert #snack #fall

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Updated on Mon, 30 Jun 2025 22:45:30 GMT
A bowl filled with crispy air fryer apple fries. Pin it
A bowl filled with crispy air fryer apple fries. | recipebyme.com

Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are the snack I whip up when I need something sweet but not heavy. The first time I made these I was surprised by how the cinnamon and nutmeg brought out the bright apple flavor. Air frying means zero sogginess and barely any mess to clean.

My family always gathers around the kitchen when these start cooking. The aroma makes everyone come running and there is never a single fry left on the tray.

Ingredients

  • Granny Smith apples: Offer a tart punch and keep their shape when cooked. Make sure they are firm and free from bruises
  • All purpose flour: Forms the crunchy coating and helps spices stick well
  • Powdered sugar: Melts in the hot air fryer adding a light sweetness and a delicate crust
  • Ground cinnamon: Gives warmth so look for fresher spices with bright color
  • Ground nutmeg: Adds a toasty note. Whole nutmeg grated fresh gives bigger flavor if you have it
  • Ground cloves: Bring spicy boldness and amplify the cinnamon. Use a small pinch for balance
  • Spray cooking oil: Ensures the apples crisp without getting greasy. Pick a neutral variety like canola or avocado

Instructions

Mix the Coating:
Pour flour powdered sugar cinnamon nutmeg and cloves into a large zip top bag. Seal and shake the bag thoroughly so the spices are evenly distributed through the flour and sugar mixture
Prepare the Apples:
Peel each apple using a sharp peeler then slice into half inch wedges. Remove the core from each wedge then cut into thin strips so they resemble classic fries
Coat the Apples:
Drop all of the apple strips into the bag with the dry ingredients. Reseal tightly and shake until every apple strip is coated in a dusty layer of sweet and spiced flour
Air Fry:
Lay the coated apple strips in the air fryer basket making sure none are stacked on each other. Lightly spray the tops with cooking oil to encourage browning and crunch
Cook:
Set the air fryer to three hundred seventy five degrees and cook for five minutes. Pause and flip the fries gently spritz more oil if they look dry then continue for another five minutes until crisp and golden
Serve:
Let the fries cool for just a few minutes so the coating sets. Serve them warm with your favorite dip like caramel yogurt or a hint of chocolate
A bowl of french fries covered in sugar and cinnamon. Pin it
A bowl of french fries covered in sugar and cinnamon. | recipebyme.com

Granny Smith apples are my favorite for this recipe. I tried different varieties and learned they hold their bite the best. One chilly autumn afternoon my daughter and I made a double batch and the house smelled like a country bakery.

Storage Tips

Store leftover fries in a paper towel lined container in the fridge for up to two days. Give them a quick blast in the air fryer before serving for best texture. You can freeze uncoated apple slices for make ahead prep and coat them right before air frying.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any apple that stays crisp like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady if you prefer less tartness. Brown sugar works in place of powdered sugar for a richer flavor. You can swap apple pie spice for the mix of cinnamon nutmeg and clove when you are short on time.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these fries with a side of caramel sauce Greek yogurt or a quick drizzle of chocolate for dipping. They also work as a topping for vanilla ice cream or alongside brunch pancakes for a special treat.

Cultural and Historical Context

Fried apples hold a special place in American comfort food. Turning apples into fries with a spiced crust puts a modern spin on a heritage treat without the heaviness of old school deep frying. Air frying lets you enjoy that nostalgic flavor with a crunchy twist.

Seasonal Adaptations

Fresh autumn apples give unbeatable flavor Try warming spices like cardamom or ginger for a winter version Spritz with a little lemon juice in the coating step if your apples tend to brown quickly

Success Stories

Last Halloween I served these right out of the fryer with warm caramel. Even the kids who skip regular fruit snacks polished them off. My friend from book club now makes extra for her picky teenager.

Freezer Meal Conversion

To freeze make a batch of uncooked apple fries up to the coating step and lay them flat on a tray in the freezer. Once frozen transfer to a zip top bag. Cook straight from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the air fryer time.

A bowl of french fries covered in sugar. Pin it
A bowl of french fries covered in sugar. | recipebyme.com

Air fried apple fries are sure to become your family’s favorite sweet treat. Crisp flavorful and so easy to make this snack is as fun as it is delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of apples works best for apple fries?

Granny Smith apples are recommended for their firmness and tart flavor, which hold up well during air frying and contrast nicely with the sweet coating.

→ Can I use other spices besides cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves?

Yes, apple pie spice or a similar warm spice blend can be used for a richer, more complex flavor.

→ How do I keep the apple fries crispy?

Place cooked fries in a preheated oven on low heat while preparing additional batches to maintain their crispiness.

→ Is it necessary to peel the apples before slicing?

Peeled apples result in a softer texture, but leaving the peel on is possible if you prefer more structure and nutrients.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with apple fries?

Caramel, chocolate, vanilla yogurt, or cream cheese dips complement the sweet and spiced flavor nicely.

→ Can I make these without an air fryer?

The fries can be baked in a conventional oven, though the crispiness may vary compared to air frying.

Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries

Golden apple fries tossed in warm spices and sugar, perfectly crisped in the air fryer for a sweet treat.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Rose


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (Approximately 32 apple fries)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Produce

01 2 Granny Smith apples

→ Dry Ingredients

02 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
03 1/2 cup powdered sugar
04 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

→ Other

07 Spray cooking oil

Instructions

Step 01

In a large resealable bag, add all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Seal and shake until evenly combined.

Step 02

Peel Granny Smith apples and slice into 1/2-inch wedges, remove cores, and cut each wedge into fry-shaped strips.

Step 03

Place apple strips in the bag with dry mixture. Seal and shake thoroughly until each piece is well coated.

Step 04

Lay coated apple strips in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Lightly spritz with cooking oil.

Step 05

Set air fryer at 375°F and cook for 5 minutes. Open basket, turn apple fries, and spritz again with oil if necessary. Cook an additional 5 minutes or until fries are golden and crisp.

Step 06

Carefully remove apple fries and let cool for several minutes before serving warm with your choice of dipping sauce.

Notes

  1. Substitute apple pie spice for enhanced aroma, or hold prepared fries in a low-temperature oven to maintain crispness between batches.

Tools You'll Need

  • Air fryer
  • Resealable bag
  • Knife

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat (gluten)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 170
  • Total Fat: 1 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 41 g
  • Protein: 2 g