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This recipe transforms humble apples into crispy, spiced fries using the air fryer. The tartness of Granny Smith apples combines beautifully with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, creating a snack or light dessert that feels special but comes together quickly. It’s a great way to enjoy a cozy treat with minimal fuss and no heavy frying.
I first made these apple fries on a chilly afternoon when I wanted something sweet but not heavy. My family loved how crispy and fragrant they were and now I often whip them up when we want a quick snack that feels special.
Ingredients
- Granny Smith apples: fresh and tart for a good balance against the sweet coating
- Allpurpose flour: important for creating a light crisp crust on the apples
- Powdered sugar: adds sweetness and helps the coating stick keep it divided to coat before and after frying
- Ground cinnamon: brings warmth and depth to the flavor use good quality for best aroma
- Ground nutmeg: adds subtle earthiness enhancing the other spices
- Ground cloves: powerful and aromatic so just a little goes a long way
- Cooking oil spray: helps achieve a crisp finish without heavy oil
Instructions
- Slicing the Apples:
- Wash and dry your apples thoroughly. Peel them if you want a softer texture or leave the peel on to add extra bite and nutrition. Slice apples into sticks about half an inch thick aiming for uniform size so they cook evenly.
- Mixing the Coating:
- Whisk the flour cinnamon nutmeg cloves and half of the powdered sugar together in a shallow bowl. This blend creates a fragrant and flavorful coating that crisps nicely in the air fryer.
- Coating the Apple Sticks:
- Lightly toss the apple sticks in the flour mixture ensuring every piece is well coated. This layer will crisp up beautifully during cooking.
- Preheating and Preparing the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit or 193 degrees Celsius for about three minutes. While it heats spray the basket lightly with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Arranging and Cooking the Fries:
- Place the coated apple sticks in a single layer inside the basket. You may need to do this in batches depending on your air fryer size. Lightly spray the tops with oil again to enhance crispiness. Air fry for eight to ten minutes shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. Look for golden crisp fries.
- Finishing Touch:
- As soon as the fries are out of the air fryer toss them with the remaining powdered sugar or serve with dips like caramel sauce or vanilla yogurt for added indulgence.
My favorite part of this recipe is the smell while they are cooking cinnamon and cloves almost perfume the kitchen and bring back memories of cozy family gatherings. My kids especially love dipping them into warm caramel which makes it feel like a festive treat.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day to keep them somewhat crisp. Reheat briefly in the air fryer to restore the crunch. Avoid the microwave as it makes them soggy.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap Granny Smith apples for Fuji or Honeycrisp for a sweeter taste. Use cornstarch instead of flour for a gluten free coating. Brown sugar could replace powdered sugar for a deeper sweetness but it will change the texture slightly.
Serving Suggestions
These fries are wonderful on their own or served with cinnamon sugar sprinkled on top. Try pairing them with a side of caramel sauce vanilla yogurt or even a drizzle of honey. They also make a great topping on ice cream or yogurt bowls.
Enjoy these crispy warmly spiced apple fries as a quick snack or light dessert. They bring cozy flavors to the table with very little fuss.
FAQs About This Recipe
- → What type of apple works best for these sticks?
Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their firm texture and tartness, which balance the sweet and spiced coating beautifully.
- → Can the apple peel be left on?
Yes, leaving the peel adds extra texture, fiber, and nutrients while providing a slight rustic bite.
- → How can I ensure even cooking of apple sticks?
Slice apples into uniform half-inch sticks and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket to avoid overcrowding.
- → Why spray the air fryer basket with oil?
Lightly spraying the basket prevents sticking and helps develop a crisp crust on the coated apple sticks.
- → Does dipping apple sticks in egg before coating help?
Yes, an egg wash creates better adhesion for the dry coating and results in added crunch.
- → What dips pair well with these apple sticks?
Caramel sauce and vanilla yogurt complement the sweet and warm spiced flavors, adding a creamy contrast.