For these delightful apple fries, the choice of apple can significantly impact the final texture and flavor. While I personally prefer Honeycrisp apples for their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, making them an excellent choice for a sweeter recipe like this, several other varieties also perform exceptionally well. The key is to select a firm, slightly tart baking apple that can hold its shape during air frying without turning mushy. Great alternatives include Granny Smith, known for its vibrant tartness that beautifully contrasts the sweet coating; Braeburn, which offers a crisp texture and tangy-sweet flavor; Golden Delicious, a softer apple that still holds up well with a mild, sweet taste; and Jonagold, a cross between Jonathan and Golden Delicious, offering a sweet-tart flavor and crispness. Avoid overly soft or mealy apples, as they tend to break down too much under the heat.

While Air Fryer Apple Fries are undeniably delicious on their own, serving them with a dipping sauce or glaze elevates the experience to another level. We absolutely love them with a warm caramel sauce, which adds a rich, buttery sweetness that complements the spiced apples. Another fantastic option is a homemade powdered sugar glaze. To prepare this simple yet decadent glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 teaspoons of milk until you achieve your desired smooth consistency. You can also experiment with other additions like a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a warm-cold contrast, or even a side of Greek yogurt for a slightly healthier twist. For an extra touch, sprinkle a few chopped nuts over the top before serving.

For this particular recipe, preheating your air fryer isn’t strictly necessary. Air fryers are known for heating up incredibly quickly, and for dishes like these apple fries, a cold start often works just fine. However, checking the specific recipe’s instructions is always a good practice, as some air fryer recipes benefit from preheating to ensure more even cooking and a crispier exterior right from the start. If you choose to preheat, it usually only takes 3-5 minutes for most air fryers to reach the desired temperature. For these apple fries, the convenience of not preheating doesn’t compromise the delicious outcome.

This recipe was developed using a 4-quart basket-style air fryer. It’s important to note that air fryers vary significantly in design and performance. Basket air fryers, which typically have a drawer that pulls out, cook differently than oven-style air fryers with racks, or specialized attachments like those found in Ninja all-in-one cookers. The internal heating elements, fan strength, and overall size can all influence cooking times. Some models cook faster, while others might take a bit longer. If you’re using a different style or brand of air fryer, I recommend using the provided cooking times as a guideline and keeping a close eye on your apple fries, especially during your first batch. They will generally be close in time, but minor adjustments might be needed to achieve that perfect golden-brown crispness.

The double coating method is a crucial step that contributes significantly to the irresistible crispiness of these Air Fryer Apple Fries. The initial coating of flour and spices creates a foundational layer that adheres to the apple slices. After a quick dip in the egg mixture, a second pass through the flour mixture ensures a more substantial and even coating. This dual layer acts as a protective barrier, preventing the apples from becoming soggy and helping them achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust. It essentially “fries” the coating in the air fryer, delivering a satisfying crunch with every bite, while keeping the apple inside tender and sweet. Don’t skip this step – it’s the secret to their fantastic texture!

These Air Fryer Apple Fries are undeniably at their absolute best when enjoyed fresh, straight from the air fryer, while they’re still warm and wonderfully crispy. Because of this, I generally don’t recommend storing them for extended periods if you want to experience their peak texture. However, if you do find yourself with leftovers, they can be stored for up to 1-2 days. Simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. To reheat, avoid the microwave, as it will make them soft. Instead, arrange them in a single layer back in your air fryer and cook at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, usually 3-5 minutes, or until they are heated through and regain some of their original crispiness. Keep a close watch to prevent burning.

Begin by carefully peeling the skins from each apple. Once peeled, cut the apples in half, then slice each half into uniform ½-inch wedges. Consistent sizing ensures even cooking.

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, apple pie spice, and 4 tablespoons of ground cinnamon until well combined. This aromatic mixture will form the initial coating.

Transfer the flour and spice mixture into a large bowl or a storage container with a secure lid. Add all the prepared apple wedges into this container.

Secure the lid tightly on the container and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. This action ensures that every apple wedge is thoroughly and evenly coated with the seasoned flour mixture.

Using a large slotted spoon, carefully remove the apple wedges from the container. Gently shake off any excess flour mixture. Place the coated wedges on a plate, preparing them for the next dredging step. Remember to save the remaining flour mixture in the container, as it will be used again shortly.

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract until they are smooth and well combined. This egg wash will help the second coating adhere beautifully.

Take a few apple wedges at a time and dredge them thoroughly into the whisked egg mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.

Return these egg-dipped wedges to the container with the reserved flour mixture. Reseal the lid and shake again to create a second, robust coating. In a small separate bowl, combine the light brown sugar and the remaining 1 tablespoon of cinnamon; set this spiced sugar mixture aside for later.

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil nonstick cooking spray. Arrange the double-coated apple fries in a single layer within the basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper airflow and crispiness; you will likely need to cook these in two batches. Liberally spray the top-facing apples with olive oil spray, then sprinkle half of the brown sugar/cinnamon coating evenly over each apple. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 6 minutes.

After the initial 6 minutes, open the air fryer basket. Carefully flip each apple fry to ensure even browning. Spray the flipped side with more olive oil spray and sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture. Close the basket and cook for an additional 6 minutes, or until the apple fries are golden brown and crispy.