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- Apples: Use 3 medium apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These apples are firm and tart, giving a nice balance to the sweet coating. Choose apples that are fresh and have no bruises. - Dry ingredients: For the batter, you need 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. The flour provides structure, while the baking powder helps the fries puff up nicely. Cinnamon adds warmth and flavor. - Wet ingredients: You will need 1 cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The milk can be dairy or a plant-based option. The milk makes the batter creamy, and the vanilla adds a touch of sweetness. - Cooking spray: This is crucial for the air fryer. A light coating of cooking spray helps prevent the apple fries from sticking. It also aids in achieving that crispy texture we all love. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by washing the apples under cool water. This removes any dirt or wax. Next, use an apple corer to remove the seeds. It is important to get rid of the seeds for safe eating. Now, cut each apple into thin strips. Aim for uniform sizes, about 1/4 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly. If some pieces are thicker, they may not get as crispy. In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients first. Mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk until they blend well. In another bowl, pour in the milk and add the vanilla extract. Stir them together. Now, slowly add the wet mix to the dry bowl. Stir gently to combine. You want a lumpy batter, not smooth. Lumps help the batter stick to the apple fries better when cooking. Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Let it warm up for about 5 minutes. This step is key for even cooking. Next, take each apple strip and dip it in the batter. Ensure it is fully coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before placing each fry in the air fryer. Lightly coat the basket with cooking spray to help prevent sticking. Arrange the apple fries in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap. You may need to cook them in batches. Set the timer for 8 to 10 minutes. Check for a golden brown color. Halfway through, gently shake the basket. This keeps the fries cooking evenly and gives them that perfect crispiness. Once done, they should look delicious and golden! To achieve the ideal crispiness, choose the right apples. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are perfect. They hold up well and offer a nice crunch. Cut your apples into thin strips, about the size of regular fries. This helps them cook evenly. Adjust your cooking time based on the type of apple. Softer apples might need less time. Check for a golden brown color as a sign they are ready. Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through cooking. This ensures all sides get crispy. For dipping, some sauces work better than others. Caramel sauce is a classic choice. It adds a sweet touch. Vanilla yogurt is also great and adds a creamy contrast. If you want something different, try a chocolate sauce. You can make your sauces at home or buy them. Homemade sauces often taste fresher. Store-bought options are quick and easy when you're short on time. Pick what suits you best! If you need to swap out granulated sugar, there are great options. Coconut sugar or brown sugar can work well. They add a different flavor but still taste sweet. For a healthier option, consider using honey or maple syrup. Mix these with cinnamon for a tasty topping. You can also use sugar substitutes like stevia. These can reduce calories while keeping the flavor enjoyable. Pro Tips Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor and texture, opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Honeycrisp. Their firmness ensures they hold up well during cooking. Perfect the Batter: Aim for a slightly lumpy batter. This texture helps the batter adhere to the apple fries, creating a delightful crunch when cooked. Batch Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches allows for even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly crispy apple fries each time. Toss While Hot: Immediately toss the apple fries in the cinnamon sugar mixture after removing them from the air fryer. This ensures the sugar sticks well and creates a delicious coating. {{image_4}} You can switch apples for other fruits. Pears or peaches work great too. Just slice them into fry shapes. Each fruit brings its own flavor. Seasonal fruits also add fun. Think about using strawberries in summer or pumpkin in fall. The choices are endless! Want to shake things up? Add nutmeg or ginger for a warm taste. You can even mix in chopped nuts. Walnuts or pecans add crunch. For a sweet twist, add chocolate chips to the batter. This makes your apple fries even more special! If you want to make this dish healthier, go gluten-free. Use almond or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour. For dairy-free options, choose plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. You can cut the sugar too. Try using a sugar substitute. Your apple fries will still taste amazing! To store your leftover apple fries, start by letting them cool fully. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from getting soggy. Store the container in your fridge. Your apple fries will last for about 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is key. To keep that delightful crispness, use your air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 3-5 minutes. This way, they will regain their crunch. If you want to save your apple fries for later, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, spread the fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. This prevents them from sticking together. Freeze them for about 1 hour until firm. After that, transfer the frozen apple fries into a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible and seal it tight. They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, you can cook them straight from the freezer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Air fry for about 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through. This will help them cook evenly and stay crispy. The shelf life of your apple fries depends on how you store them. In the fridge, they last for about 3 days. If you freeze them, they can last up to 3 months. Just remember, the longer they sit, the more they may lose their crispness. For the best taste and texture, try to enjoy them fresh! Yes, you can! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work great, other apples like Fuji or Gala are also good choices. They add a nice sweetness or tartness to the fries. Just make sure the apples are firm. Soft apples can turn mushy. Look for a golden brown color. The fries should be crispy on the outside. If they are soft or pale, they need more time. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This helps them brown evenly. Keep an eye on them as they cook. Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a regular oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the coated apple fries on a baking sheet. Make sure they are in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This will help them crisp up nicely. You learned how to make delicious apple fries step by step. We covered choosing the right apples, making the batter, and cooking tips. You can also customize with different fruits and flavors. Enjoy experimenting with sauces and storage tips for the best results. Remember, crispiness is key! With practice, you’ll make perfect apple fries every time. Happy cooking!

Crispy Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fries

Delicious and crispy apple fries coated in cinnamon sugar, made easily in an air fryer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 spray cooking spray

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Apples: Begin by washing and coring the apples to remove the seeds. Cut each apple into thin strips that resemble fries, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
  • Make the Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until fully combined. In a separate bowl, mix the milk and vanilla extract together. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined; be careful to leave the batter slightly lumpy, which will help it cling better to the apple strips.
  • Heat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Allow it to warm up for approximately 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  • Coat the Apple Fries: Take each apple strip and dip it into the batter, ensuring each piece is well coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before placing them in the air fryer.
  • Air Fry the Apples: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the battered apple fries in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. You may need to work in batches for best results.
  • Cooking: Air fry the apple fries for about 8-10 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and crispy. Remember to shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning.
  • Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar: While the apple fries are cooking, mix the granulated sugar with an additional sprinkle of cinnamon in a shallow bowl and set aside. This will create a delightful cinnamon sugar coating for your fries.
  • Finish and Serve: Once the apple fries are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated while they are still hot. Serve warm, accompanied by your choice of dipping sauce, such as caramel or vanilla yogurt for an irresistible treat.

Notes

Serve warm with caramel or vanilla yogurt for dipping.
Keyword air fryer, apple fries, cinnamon sugar