Description
These Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are a delightful treat perfect for a healthy snack or dessert. Coated in a crunchy bread crumb layer and seasoned with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these apple fries are air fried to golden perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior. Served with optional caramel sauce for dipping, they are quick to prepare and satisfy any sweet craving without deep frying.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 2 medium apples (such as Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala)
Coating Mixture
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or use almond flour for a gluten-free version)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Bread Crumbs
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs (or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
Additional
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (optional for extra crispiness)
- Caramel sauce for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Wash the apples thoroughly and remove the cores using an apple corer or a knife. Cut the apples into fries by slicing them into 1/2-inch thick wedges.
- Make the Coating: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), sugar, and cornstarch to create the dry coating mixture.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In another shallow bowl, whisk the egg and vanilla extract together until fully combined.
- Set Breadcrumbs: Place the breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl for the final coating layer.
- Coat the Apple Fries: Dip each apple wedge first into the flour mixture, coating it lightly and shaking off any excess.
- Egg Dip: Next, dip the coated apple wedge into the egg mixture, ensuring it is thoroughly covered.
- Breadcrumb Coating: Roll the apple wedge in the breadcrumbs until fully coated for a crunchy texture. Optionally, lightly drizzle with melted butter for extra crispiness.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure it’s ready for cooking.
- Air Fry the Apple Fries: Arrange the coated apple fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping the apple fries halfway through cooking to ensure they achieve an even golden and crispy texture on all sides.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the apple fries once crispy and golden. Let them cool slightly before serving.
- Optional Serving: Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar to add extra sweetness and enhance presentation.
Notes
- Using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour makes this recipe gluten-free.
- For extra crispiness, using panko breadcrumbs and drizzling melted butter before cooking enhances texture.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Flipping the apple fries midway helps achieve uniform browning.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more sugar or serving with sweet dips like caramel sauce or honey.
- Try different apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala for variations in flavor and sweetness.
