Hey there! So, the other day I was craving something sweet and crunchy but didn’t want to go through the hassle of baking a whole pie. Then I remembered this little gem of a recipe I tried last fall – Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries! Let me tell you, they’re like apple pie’s fun younger cousin. I first whipped these up when my oven decided it wasn’t going to play nice and since then, these fries have been a bit of a staple in our house. Plus, the kids absolutely love them (and so do I, let’s be real!).
Why You’ll Love This
I make these crispy apple fries whenever I need a quick snack that feels like a treat. You know how sometimes you just want something sweet but not too heavy? That’s when these come in handy. My family goes crazy for them because they’re not only tasty but quick to make (the air fryer is my new best friend). I’ll admit, the first time I botched the seasoning – a bit too much cinnamon. But now I’ve got it just right.
Ingredients
- 2 large apples (I like Granny Smith for tartness, but any kind works)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (sometimes, I use whole wheat to feel a bit healthier)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (go easy if you’re not a big fan)
- 1/4 cup sugar (brown or white, both are fine)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko gives a nice crunch!)
- 1 egg (or use a flaxseed egg if you’re going vegan)
- A pinch of salt
Directions
- Peel and slice the apples into thin wedges. Honestly, don’t worry if they’re not perfect – it’s part of the charm.
- In one bowl, mix flour, cinnamon, sugar, and salt. In another, beat the egg. And in a third, place your breadcrumbs.
- Dip each apple slice into the flour mixture, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs. (This is where I usually sneak a taste!)
- Place coated apple slices in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd! They need space to get nice and crispy.
- Air fry at 400°F for about 8 minutes. Keep an eye on them – I’ve learned they can go from perfect to too brown in a blink.
Notes
I’ve found that if you let the apples sit for a minute before breading, they hold the coating better. Oh, and don’t skip the breadcrumbs; I once did and it was like eating soggy apples.
Variations
Experimenting is my jam! I tried adding a sprinkle of nutmeg once – didn’t quite work for me, but you might love it. Another time, I used honey instead of sugar, and it was divine.
Equipment
If you don’t have an air fryer, don’t fret. You can use a convection oven, just keep an eye on them. But, an air fryer really does make them crisper.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Though honestly, in my house, they never last more than a day!
Serving Suggestions
We like to dip them in caramel sauce – it’s like a little taste of autumn in every bite. Sometimes, we even add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Heaven.
Pro Tips
I once tried rushing the coating process and regretted it because the fries didn’t hold the breadcrumbs well. Take your time!
FAQ
Can I use other fruits? Well, you could try pears, but they tend to get mushy. Apples really hold up best.
What apples are best? Granny Smiths are my go-to, but Fujis or Honeycrisps work well too for a sweeter bite.
Do I have to peel the apples? I think it tastes better peeled, but if you’re into a rustic vibe, leave them on!
By the way, if you’re new to air frying, check out this guide for some great tips!