Mediterranean Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
Time: 15–20 minutes
Serves: 2–3
These Mediterranean Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are a quick, healthy, and naturally sweet snack or dessert. Thinly sliced apples are tossed in cinnamon and sugar, lightly coated with coconut oil, and air-fried until golden and crisp on the edges. They’re perfect on their own or paired with a dipping sauce like caramel, chocolate, or yogurt for extra indulgence. This recipe is simple, fast, and gives you that satisfying crunch without deep frying.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 large apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji work well), cored and sliced into thin fries
1 tablespoon coconut oil,
Optional dipping sauces: caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or yogurt
Instructions
Prepare the apples:
In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Mix the coating:
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and toss to coat evenly.
Add the coconut oil:
Drizzle the melted coconut oil over the apples and toss gently to ensure all slices are lightly coated.
Preheat the air fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Air fry the apple fries:
Arrange the apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the slices.
Serve:
Remove the apple fries from the air fryer, let them cool for a minute or two, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce if desired.
Tips & Variations
Choosing the Apples
Use firm, sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji for crisp, flavorful fries. Avoid softer apples like McIntosh as they can become mushy when cooked.
Keep the slices uniform in size for even cooking.
Coating and Flavor
Adjust the cinnamon-sugar ratio to taste. For a sweeter treat, increase the sugar slightly.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon-sugar mix for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
Coconut oil helps the fries crisp up and adds a subtle tropical note; you can also use unsalted butter if preferred.
Air Frying Tips
Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary to allow proper airflow and crisping.
Shake or flip the fries halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Check a minute or two before the end of cooking time, as thinner slices may cook faster.
Serving Ideas
Serve with caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or yogurt for dipping.
Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon-sugar on top immediately after cooking for added sweetness and aroma.
Top with chopped nuts or a drizzle of honey for a more decadent snack.
Make-Ahead Tips
Slice the apples and toss them with lemon juice up to an hour in advance to prevent browning.
Air fry just before serving for maximum crispiness. Reheating in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes restores some of the crunch if needed.
Q&A
Q: Can I make these apple fries without an air fryer?
Yes. You can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They may be slightly less crisp than air-fried.
Q: Can I use other types of apples?
Firm apples with a balance of sweetness and tartness work best, such as Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala. Softer apples may become too mushy when cooked.
Q: Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes. The recipe is naturally vegan if you use coconut oil. Avoid butter or other non-vegan coatings.
Q: How can I make them extra crispy?
Slice the apples thin and uniform, avoid overcrowding the basket, and shake the basket halfway through cooking. A light coating of coconut oil also helps with crisping.
Q: Can I add other flavors?
Yes. Try a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mix. You can also drizzle with honey or maple syrup after cooking.
Nutrition
(Per serving – based on 2 servings)
Calories: ~160
Protein: 0.5g
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 19g
Sodium: 0mg
(Values may vary depending on apple variety and coconut oil used.)
Conclusion
Mediterranean Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are a quick, healthy, and naturally sweet snack that satisfies a craving for something crunchy and flavorful. The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and coconut oil brings out the apples’ natural sweetness, while air frying gives a satisfying crisp without deep frying. They’re perfect on their own or paired with a dipping sauce for a little indulgence. This easy, versatile treat is great for snacks, dessert, or even a fun addition to breakfast.