Air Fryer Apple Fries with Cinnamon Sugar and Vanilla Icing Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you love that perfect mix of sweet, crispy, and a little bit indulgent — and that’s exactly what you’ll get with this Air Fryer Apple Fries with Cinnamon Sugar and Vanilla Icing Recipe. These apple fries are a game changer for snack time or dessert; they’re tender on the inside, crisp on the outside, and that warm cinnamon sugar with a touch of vanilla icing? Pure magic. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it over and over again!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together beautifully to create apple fries that are crispy, flavorful, and just sweet enough. When shopping, look for firm Granny Smith apples—they hold up best in the air fryer and offer that perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.

• Granny Smith apples: I love using these because their tartness cuts through the sweetness, and they keep their shape well when cooked.
• All-purpose flour: This helps the coating stick and crisp up; you can swap half with cornstarch for extra crunch.
• Apple pie spice: Adds warm, cozy flavor without needing multiple spices separately.
• Eggs: They act as the binding agent for the coating—don’t skip or sub!
• Cinnamon sugar: Sprinkled fresh after cooking for that classic sweet-spicy finish.
• Cooking spray or oil: Essential for getting that crispy outside without deep frying.
• Confectioners sugar: For the vanilla icing—you want it fine for a smooth texture.
• Vanilla extract: Brings a lovely aroma and sweetness to the icing.
• Whole milk: Thins the icing to a perfect dipping consistency.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this recipe depending on what I’m in the mood for or who I’m cooking for. Feel free to get creative and make these apple fries truly yours.

• Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or clove to the apple pie spice for a deeper flavor profile.
• Gluten-free version: Swap all-purpose flour for almond flour or a gluten-free blend; the texture’s slightly different but still delicious.
• Different fruit: Pears work surprisingly well if you want a twist—just be gentle slicing to avoid mushiness.
• Savory option: If you’re feeling adventurous, try skipping the cinnamon sugar and drizzle with a honey butter glaze instead.

How to Make Air Fryer Apple Fries with Cinnamon Sugar and Vanilla Icing Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples with Care

Start by peeling your Granny Smith apples—I find peeling really helps the coating stick better and avoids chewy skins. Using a sharp knife or fry cutter, slice them into thin strips about the size of traditional fries. Not too thick or they’ll stay soggy; not too thin or they’ll burn. Set your apple fries aside for the next step.

Step 2: Create That Flavorful Coating

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and apple pie spice thoroughly; this blend is where the magic flavor starts. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. You’ll coat your apple fries twice — first with the flour mixture, then the egg, then back to the flour again for that extra crunch and spice kick. Make sure to shake off any extra flour before air frying, because too much can make them gummy instead of crispy.

Step 3: Ready Your Air Fryer and Cook

Preheat your air fryer to 325ºF (that’s ideal for cooking the apples gently so they get crispy outside but tender inside). Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil. Arrange the apple fries in a single layer—this part is key, so they aren’t overlapping. Spray them generously on top with more cooking oil. Cook for 5 minutes, then carefully turn each fry and spray again before cooking for another 5 minutes. You’ll notice that perfect golden crisp forming right before your eyes.

Step 4: Cinnamon Sugar Finish and Vanilla Icing Dip

As soon as the apple fries come out hot, transfer them to a rack and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm—this is essential so the sugar sticks and melts just slightly. Meanwhile, whisk together the confectioners sugar, vanilla, and milk gradually until you get a smooth, dip-able icing. Serve the fries warm with icing on the side, and prepare to indulge!

How to Serve Air Fryer Apple Fries with Cinnamon Sugar and Vanilla Icing Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple and classic—just a light dusting of extra cinnamon sugar on top before serving for the prettiest look and extra burst of flavor. Sometimes, a small sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans adds a lovely crunch and nutty contrast. Fresh mint leaves can make a nice colorful garnish if you’re feeling fancy!

Side Dishes

These apple fries are usually my star, but they pair nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an elevated dessert. If you’re serving as a sweet snack, pairing them with a warm cup of chai tea or hot apple cider truly feels like a cozy hug on a plate.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve had fun serving these in little paper cones or small mason jars at parties for a festive feel. You can drizzle extra vanilla icing over the fries and sprinkle some edible glitter or crushed toffee bits for birthday celebrations or holiday treats. Kids especially love the “dunk-and-eat” style with the icing served right in quirky little cups!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover apple fries taste best fresh, but if you have any, store them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. Keep them at room temperature for up to a day—refrigeration can make them soggy.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing before cooking them, which works well. Freeze the coated apple fries in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you want a quick treat, just air fry them straight from frozen (add a couple extra minutes for cooking time).

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at a lower temperature (about 300ºF) for several minutes until warm and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as that tends to make them soft and less enjoyable.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Air Fryer Apple Fries with Cinnamon Sugar and Vanilla Icing Recipe turns out every single time. When I first tried it, I was hooked by how easy it was to get that perfect crisp without tons of oil or fuss. It’s become our go-to sweet snack during chilly afternoons and a fun way to get the family gathered around the kitchen talking and dipping fries into the vanilla glaze. I really encourage you to try this recipe—you’ll enjoy it as much as we do, promise!

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