Air fryer cinnamon sugar apple fries have quickly become a popular dessert and snack choice. With their crispy texture and sweet, warm cinnamon flavor, they are the perfect alternative to traditional deep-fried apple fries. The best part is that you can enjoy them guilt-free, as they are made in an air fryer, reducing the amount of oil used.
This article will take you through everything you need to know about making air fryer cinnamon sugar apple fries, from the basic recipe to variations that suit specific dietary needs like gluten-free and no-egg options. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious and healthier snack right at home.
What Are Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fries?
Air fryer cinnamon sugar apple fries are thinly sliced apple pieces coated in a cinnamon and sugar mixture, then cooked in an air fryer until they’re perfectly crispy and golden. Unlike traditional deep frying, an air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook food, making it a healthier option for creating crispy snacks without excess oil.
These apple fries can be enjoyed as a sweet treat, a dessert, or even as a fun snack for kids. The cinnamon sugar coating gives them that familiar warm flavor, while the air fryer helps achieve that satisfying crispness that you’d typically get from deep frying.
Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fries:
- Apples (your choice of variety – Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work well)
- Cinnamon
- Sugar (white, brown, or a sugar substitute)
- A little oil or cooking spray
- Optional: A pinch of salt to balance the sweetness
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fries: Step-by-Step Guide
Making air fryer cinnamon sugar apple fries is straightforward and quick. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you can prepare this crispy snack in no time. Below is the step-by-step guide to making this sweet treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2-3 medium apples
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp of olive oil (or cooking spray)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apples:
- Start by washing your apples thoroughly. Peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds a nice texture and nutrition to the dish.
- Slice the apples into thin wedges or fries. Aim for about 1/4-inch thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar. You can adjust the ratio depending on how sweet or cinnamon-flavored you prefer your apple fries.
- Optional: You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- Coat the Apple Wedges:
- Place the apple slices in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil or spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Toss the apple wedges to ensure they are evenly coated with oil. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over them and toss again until the apples are fully coated.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the apple fries cook evenly.
- Air Fry the Apple Fries:
- Arrange the coated apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them; if necessary, cook in batches.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The apples should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooked, remove the apple fries from the air fryer. Serve them warm, and feel free to dip them in a sweet sauce like caramel or chocolate for extra flavor.
Recipe Notes:
- You can adjust the cinnamon and sugar ratio based on your preferences, adding more or less of either ingredient.
- For a vegan option, skip the honey and use agave syrup or maple syrup as a sweetener.
Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fries with No Breading: A Simple Twist
One of the best features of this recipe is its versatility. If you prefer to avoid breading altogether, the air fryer cinnamon sugar apple fries can be made without any breading or batter. This will give you a cleaner, healthier snack with all the sweetness of the cinnamon and sugar coating without the added carbs.
Why Skip the Breading?
- Less Calories and Carbs: Breading typically adds extra calories and carbohydrates. By skipping the breading, you’re reducing these elements.
- Focus on the Apple Flavor: Without breading, the natural sweetness and texture of the apples come through more prominently.
Making Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fries Without Flour: A Gluten-Free Option
If you’re on a gluten-free diet, you can still enjoy this recipe without using any flour. The great thing about air fryer cinnamon sugar apple fries is that they don’t require any flour for the coating. All you need is the cinnamon, sugar, and a little oil to get that crispy texture.
Gluten-Free and Delicious
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: You don’t need any flour to make these apple fries. The cinnamon-sugar coating is enough to create a delightful sweetness.
- Gluten-Free Apples: Apples are naturally gluten-free, making them an excellent choice for anyone with gluten sensitivities.
Why Choose Healthy Air Fryer Apple Fries Over Traditional Fried Fries?
The air fryer method provides several health benefits compared to traditional frying. Let’s explore why air fryer apple fries are a healthier alternative:
Benefits of Using the Air Fryer:
- Less Oil: The air fryer uses little to no oil, meaning you can enjoy crispy fries with a fraction of the calories and fat compared to deep-fried alternatives.
- Fewer Calories: Since air frying requires minimal oil, the overall calorie content is lower than traditional frying.
- Preserved Nutrients: Air frying retains more nutrients in fruits and vegetables compared to traditional frying methods, which can destroy vitamins and minerals.
How to Achieve Crispy Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fries
Achieving that perfect crispiness is the key to making great apple fries. Here are some tips to get your apple fries crispy every time:
Tips for Crispy Apple Fries:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat the air fryer before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Make sure the apple slices are arranged in a single layer. Overcrowding the basket prevents the hot air from circulating properly, which leads to soggy fries.
- Use a Little Oil or Cooking Spray: A light drizzle of oil or a quick spray will help the fries crisp up without adding too much fat.
- Flip Halfway Through: Flip the apple fries halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy on all sides.
A Healthier Take: Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fries with No Egg
Some apple fries recipes may include egg as a binding agent, but if you’re looking to keep things light and egg-free, you can skip it. The oil or cooking spray used in this recipe will be sufficient to hold the cinnamon-sugar coating in place without the need for egg.
Legoland Apple Fries Recipe in the Air Fryer: A Fun Variation
Ingredients for Legoland-Inspired Apple Fries:
To make these Legoland-inspired apple fries, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 medium apples (choose a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Fuji for a balanced flavor)
- 1/4 cup of sugar (you can use white, brown, or even coconut sugar)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp of olive oil or cooking spray (for coating)
- 1/4 tsp of salt (optional, to enhance the sweetness and balance flavors)
For the dipping sauce (optional but recommended):
- 1/4 cup of caramel sauce or whipped cream
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Legoland Apple Fries in the Air Fryer:
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
The first step is to prepare the apples for slicing into fries:
- Wash the Apples: Start by washing the apples thoroughly to remove any pesticides or wax coating. If you prefer, you can peel the apples, but keeping the skin on gives the fries a bit more texture and nutrients.
- Slice the Apples: Using a sharp knife, cut the apples into thin slices or wedges. Aim for slices that are about 1/4-inch thick to ensure they cook evenly in the air fryer. The goal is to create “fries” that have enough surface area to crisp up nicely.
- Tip: To prevent browning, you can soak the apple slices in a mixture of water and a splash of lemon juice while you prepare the other ingredients. This helps preserve the apples’ color and freshness.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Now that the apples are ready, it’s time to prepare the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Mix Sugar and Cinnamon: In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Stir well to evenly distribute the cinnamon throughout the sugar.
- Optional Add-Ins: If you’d like to add a bit of extra flavor, consider mixing in a pinch of salt or even a dash of nutmeg for a more complex spice profile.
Step 3: Coat the Apple Fries
With the apples sliced and the cinnamon-sugar mixture ready, it’s time to coat the apple fries.
- Coat with Oil: Drizzle the apple slices with olive oil or lightly spray them with cooking spray. This helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the apples and ensures they become crisp in the air fryer.
- Toss in Cinnamon Sugar: Place the apple slices in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and toss them gently until each slice is evenly coated. Make sure every apple wedge gets a good coating for that perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavor.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating your air fryer is essential for getting that perfect crisp. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the apples will cook evenly and become crispy.
Step 5: Air Fry the Apple Fries
Now it’s time to cook the apple fries.
- Arrange the Apple Wedges: Place the coated apple slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation, which is key to achieving crispiness.
- Air Fry: Set the air fryer to cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the apple fries to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. You may need to check the fries towards the end to ensure they don’t burn. The apple fries should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while tender and juicy on the inside.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your apple fries are crispy and golden, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket.
- Serving Tip: Arrange the apple fries on a plate or platter and serve them immediately while they’re still warm and crispy.
- Dipping Sauce: For an added touch, serve the Legoland-inspired apple fries with a side of caramel sauce or whipped cream for dipping. The creamy, sweet sauce complements the cinnamon sugar coating perfectly.
Gluten-Free Air Fryer Apple Fries: A Perfect Snack for Everyone
For those following a gluten-free diet, this recipe is perfect! There is no flour or breading involved, making it naturally gluten-free. This recipe allows you to enjoy a sweet treat without worrying about gluten sensitivity.
Gluten-Free Benefits:
- Apples are naturally gluten-free, so no modifications are necessary.
- Air fryer cinnamon sugar apple fries make for an easy and delicious gluten-free dessert or snack.
How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Apple Fries for Later Enjoyment
Leftovers? No problem! You can store any extra apple fries for later.
Storage Tips:
- Cool Completely: Let the apple fries cool to room temperature before storing.
- Use an Airtight Container: Place the fries in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- Reheat in the Air Fryer: To bring back the crispiness, reheat the fries in the air fryer at 375°F for about 2-3 minutes.
Conclusion
Air fryer cinnamon sugar apple fries are an easy, healthy, and fun snack that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free treat, a simple dessert, or just something crispy and sweet, this recipe fits the bill. With minimal preparation and a few ingredients, you can make a delicious, guilt-free snack in no time.
So, grab your air fryer and apples, and get ready to enjoy these crispy, sweet apple fries!
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use different varieties of apples for this recipe. For the best results, it’s ideal to use a combination of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp. This gives the apple fries a balanced flavor with a slight tartness and natural sweetness.
2. Do I need to peel the apples before making apple fries?
No, you don’t have to peel the apples. Keeping the skin on not only adds texture but also provides extra nutrients. However, if you prefer peeled apples, feel free to do so.
3. Can I make these apple fries gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that the cinnamon and sugar are free from any gluten-containing additives. If you want to make the coating even crispier, you can use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to dust the apples before adding the cinnamon sugar.
4. Can I make Legoland apple fries without using oil?
Yes, you can make this recipe without oil. If you want to avoid oil, simply skip the step of coating the apple slices with oil or cooking spray. However, using a small amount of oil helps create a crispier texture in the air fryer.
5. How do I store leftover apple fries?
If you have any leftover apple fries, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. However, keep in mind that the fries might lose their crispness over time. You can reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to restore some of their crispiness.
6. Can I freeze apple fries before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the apple slices before cooking. After coating the apple slices in cinnamon sugar, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, you can air fry them directly from frozen, but you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
7. Can I use sugar substitutes in this recipe?
Yes, you can use sugar substitutes like Stevia, Erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener in place of regular sugar. Just ensure that the substitute you choose is suitable for cooking at high heat. The amount of sweetener can also vary, so follow the substitution guidelines provided on the product packaging.
8. What dipping sauces pair well with apple fries?
Apple fries pair well with a variety of dipping sauces. Some popular options include:
- Caramel sauce – A classic option that enhances the sweetness of the apple fries.
- Whipped cream – Adds a light, fluffy texture to balance the crispy fries.
- Peanut butter – For a savory-sweet twist.
- Vanilla yogurt – For a lighter, tangy contrast.
- Chocolate sauce – For a decadent treat.
9. How do I make the apple fries extra crispy?
To make the apple fries extra crispy, you can try a few tricks:
- Lightly dust the apple slices with cornstarch before coating them with cinnamon sugar.
- Ensure you don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow enough air circulation for crisping.
- Increase the cooking temperature to 400°F for a crispier exterior, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
10. Can I make these apple fries in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Yes, you can bake these apple fries in the oven if you don’t have an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the coated apple slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy. You may need to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the apple slices.
