Air Fryer Apple Fries Dip

This air fryer apple fries recipe transforms ordinary apples into a dessert that mimics the beloved comfort of french fries, paired with a decadent caramel cream dip that makes the perfect fall treat or anytime indulgence.

I created this recipe when looking for ways to use up our apple picking haul last autumn. My children initially refused to try them but now request these apple fries weekly as their after school snack instead of potato chips.

Ingredients

• Large apples: Like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp which hold their shape when cooked and offer the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness
• Lemon juice: Prevents browning and adds a subtle brightness that enhances the apple flavor
• All purpose flour: Creates the perfect coating that crisps beautifully in the air fryer
• Granulated sugar: Brings out the natural sweetness of the apples while helping create caramelization
• Ground cinnamon: Pairs perfectly with apples and creates that classic fall flavor profile
• Pinch of salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness

• Caramel sauce: Forms the rich base for this irresistible dip. Use homemade if you have it but store bought works perfectly
• Cream cheese: Adds tanginess and creates a luxurious texture that perfectly complements the crisp apples
• Powdered sugar: Dissolves smoothly into the dip ensuring a silky texture without graininess
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth that enhances the caramel notes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for optimal crispiness. A properly preheated air fryer is essential for achieving that perfect golden exterior while maintaining a tender interior in your apple fries.

Prepare The Apples:

Peel the apples completely then cut them into uniform fry shaped strips about 1/4 inch thick. The uniformity ensures they cook evenly. Immediately toss them in lemon juice which not only prevents discoloration but also adds a subtle brightness to the final flavor.

Create The Coating Mixture:

Combine flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl, whisking well to distribute the spices evenly. This simple mixture will transform into a crispy, flavorful coating once air fried.

Coat The Apple Strips:

Work with small batches of apple strips, tossing them in the flour mixture until completely covered. Shake off any excess coating as too much can prevent proper crisping. The thin layer of coating is what creates that magical crispy exterior.

Arrange In Air Fryer:

Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray then arrange the coated apple strips in a single layer without overcrowding. Proper spacing allows the hot air to circulate around each piece, ensuring even cooking and maximum crispiness.

Air Fry To Perfection:

Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, carefully flipping halfway through cooking. Watch them closely as they can go from perfectly golden to overdone quickly depending on your specific air fryer model and the moisture content of your apples.

Prepare The Dip:

While the apples cook, combine caramel sauce, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until completely smooth and creamy. The dip can be served warm or at room temperature depending on your preference.

Serve And Enjoy:

Transfer the hot apple fries to a serving plate or basket and serve immediately alongside the caramel cream dip. These are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer when they are at their crispiest.

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The cinnamon sugar coating is truly what makes this recipe special. The first time I made these for my family gathering, my grandmother who rarely eats desserts had three servings and asked for the recipe. The simplicity of transforming a humble apple into something that feels indulgent yet remains relatively wholesome continues to delight everyone who tries them.

Apple Selection Guide

The variety of apple you choose dramatically impacts the final result of your fries. Granny Smith apples deliver a tart contrast to the sweet coating and hold their shape exceptionally well during cooking. Honeycrisp provides a perfect balance of sweetness and structure, maintaining a pleasing texture when heated. Avoid softer varieties like McIntosh or Red Delicious as they tend to become mushy in the air fryer. The ideal apple for this recipe should have a firm flesh that can withstand the cooking process while maintaining its shape and providing a satisfying bite.

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Storage and Reheating

While these apple fries are best enjoyed immediately after cooking, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They will lose some of their crispiness during storage, but can be revitalized by reheating in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes at 350°F. The caramel cream dip keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in a sealed container. Let it come to room temperature before serving with reheated fries or warm it slightly in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds and stir well before serving.

Seasonal Variations

Adapt this recipe throughout the year by adjusting the spice profile to complement seasonal themes. In autumn, enhance the coating with a pinch of nutmeg and allspice for a warm, harvest flavor. During winter holidays, incorporate a touch of ground cloves and ginger for a festive twist. Spring celebrations might benefit from a lighter approach with a hint of cardamom and orange zest added to the coating. Summer gatherings can feature a coating seasoned with a touch of lemon zest and a sprinkle of vanilla sugar. These simple adjustments maintain the recipe's core appeal while keeping it fresh and exciting year round.

Dietary Modifications

This versatile recipe easily accommodates various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or texture. For gluten free diets, substitute the all purpose flour with a one to one gluten free flour blend or rice flour which creates an equally crispy coating. Those following vegan diets can replace the cream cheese in the dip with dairy free cream cheese and ensure the caramel sauce is plant based. For reduced sugar options, replace the granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener in the coating and use a sugar free caramel sauce with stevia sweetened powdered sugar in the dip. These modifications make this delightful treat accessible to nearly everyone regardless of dietary restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, you can use any firm apple variety, but Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work best for their texture and tartness.

→ How do I prevent the apples from turning brown?

Toss the apple slices with lemon juice before coating them to prevent oxidation and browning.

→ Can I make these without an air fryer?

Absolutely. You can bake the coated apple strips in a preheated oven at 400°F until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover apple fries and caramel dip separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat fries in an air fryer for best results.

→ Can I make the caramel cream dip ahead of time?

Yes, the caramel cream dip can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving.