Ingredients:

  • 2 large Firm Apples (Granny Smith/Gala), peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch sticks
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted
  • Neutral Oil Spray, as needed
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (Caster Sugar)
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (or Tapioca Starch)
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (Optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
  • For Optional Glaze:
  • 1/2 cup Icing Sugar (Confectioner’s Sugar), sifted
  • 1-2 tablespoons Milk or Cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Apples: Peel and core the apples. Using a sturdy knife, cut the apples into uniform sticks, roughly 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) thick and 3 inches (7.5 cm) long.
  2. Prevent Browning: Place the cut apple fries into a bowl and lightly toss with the lemon juice. Drain well, removing any excess liquid.
  3. Mix the Coating: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
  4. First Coat (Moisture): Drizzle the melted butter over the apple fries. Toss gently until every piece is lightly coated.
  5. Second Coat (Dry Mix): Add the buttered apples to the spice mix bowl. Toss vigorously until the dry ingredients adhere completely, forming a thin, uniform crust on the surface of the apples.
  6. Preheat and Load the Basket: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Arrange the apple fries in a single layer. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  7. Initial Cook: Air fry the first batch for 6 minutes.
  8. Shake and Finish: Pull out the basket, give it a good shake to redistribute the fries, and return to cook for another 6-9 minutes, or until the fries are tender and the coating is deeply golden brown and caramelised.
  9. Repeat: Transfer the cooked fries to a serving bowl. Repeat the cooking steps with the remaining apples.
  10. Make the Glaze (Optional): Whisk together the sifted icing sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk/cream until smooth. Adjust liquid for desired consistency.
  11. Serve: Drizzle the glaze immediately over the hot Air Fryer Apple Fries, or serve them with a dipping bowl on the side. Enjoy straight away.