Mouthwatering Air Fryer Apple Fries Dip

These air fryer apple fries turn ordinary apples into a tasty treat similar to french fries, with a rich caramel cream dip that's perfect for fall or any time you want something sweet.

I came up with this idea when we had too many apples after our picking trip last fall. At first my kids wouldn't even try them, but now they ask for these instead of chips when they come home from school.

Ingredients

• Large apples: Go for Honeycrisp or Granny Smith since they don't get mushy and have just the right mix of sweet and tart flavors
• Lemon juice: Stops the apples from turning brown and adds a fresh zing that makes the apple taste pop
• All purpose flour: Forms the outer layer that gets nice and crispy in the air fryer
• Granulated sugar: Brings out the apple's natural sweetness and helps them brown nicely
• Ground cinnamon: Gives that warm, cozy flavor that works so well with apples
• Pinch of salt: Makes all the other flavors stand out and cuts through the sweetness

• Caramel sauce: Creates the tasty base for your dip. Store bought works fine, but homemade is great too
• Cream cheese: Adds a bit of tang and makes the dip nice and thick for perfect apple dipping
• Powdered sugar: Blends in smoothly so your dip isn't grainy or gritty
• Vanilla extract: Gives a warm background flavor that works well with the caramel

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Your Air Fryer Ready:

Heat your air fryer to 400°F before you start. Making sure it's hot enough is key to getting apple fries that are golden outside and soft inside.

Cut Up Your Apples:

Take the skin off completely and cut the apples into fry shapes about 1/4 inch thick. Try to make them all the same size so they'll cook the same. Coat them right away with lemon juice to keep them from turning brown and add a bit of fresh flavor.

Mix Your Dry Stuff:

Mix flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Stir it well so the spices spread out evenly. This simple mix will turn into a tasty crispy coating once cooked.

Cover The Apple Pieces:

Work with just a few apple pieces at a time, rolling them in the flour mixture until they're fully covered. Tap off any extra coating since too much can stop them from getting crispy. You just want a thin layer for that perfect crunch.

Put Them In The Air Fryer:

Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray and lay out the coated apple pieces in one layer with some space between them. Don't crowd them or they won't get crispy all over.

Cook Them Just Right:

Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning them over halfway through. Keep an eye on them since they can go from perfect to burnt pretty fast depending on your air fryer and how juicy your apples are.

Make The Dip:

While the apples cook, mix caramel sauce, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Stir until it's smooth and creamy. You can serve it warm or cool, whatever you like best.

Time To Eat:

Put the hot apple fries on a plate and serve right away with the caramel cream dip. They taste best when they're fresh and crispy from the air fryer.

Save Pin

The cinnamon sugar coating really makes these special. The first time I made them for our family get-together, my grandma, who usually skips dessert, had three helpings and wanted to know how to make them. It's amazing how something as simple as an apple can turn into something that feels like a treat but isn't bad for you.

Picking The Right Apple

The type of apple you pick makes a big difference in how your fries turn out. Granny Smiths give you a nice sour kick against the sweet coating and don't fall apart when cooked. Honeycrisps have that perfect mix of sweet and firm, and keep a nice texture when heated. Don't use softer kinds like McIntosh or Red Delicious as they'll just turn to mush in the air fryer. You want apples that stay firm when cooked so you get that satisfying bite.

Save Pin

Storage and Reheating

These apple fries taste best right after cooking, but if you have some left over, you can keep them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They won't be as crispy after storing, but you can bring some of that crunch back by heating them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F. The dip stays good in the fridge for up to 5 days in a covered container. Let it warm up to room temp before using it with reheated fries, or warm it briefly in the microwave for 15-20 seconds and give it a good stir before serving.

Seasonal Variations

Change up this recipe throughout the year with different spices to match the season. In fall, try adding a bit of nutmeg and allspice to the coating for a harvest flavor. During winter holidays, put in some ground cloves and ginger for a festive touch. For spring, go lighter with some cardamom and orange zest in the coating. Summer gatherings might feature lemon zest and a bit of vanilla sugar. These small changes keep the basic recipe exciting all year long.

Dietary Modifications

You can easily adjust this recipe for different diets without losing flavor or texture. If you can't have gluten, swap the regular flour for a one-to-one gluten free blend or rice flour, which will still give you that crispy coating. For vegans, use dairy-free cream cheese in the dip and make sure your caramel sauce is plant-based. If you need less sugar, try monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar in the coating, and use sugar-free caramel sauce with stevia-sweetened powdered sugar for the dip. With these changes, almost anyone can enjoy this treat no matter their dietary needs.

Common Questions

→ Can I use other types of apples?

Sure thing, any hard apple will work, though Granny Smith and Honeycrisp give you the best crunch and tangy flavor.

→ How do I prevent the apples from turning brown?

Just mix your apple slices with some lemon juice before you add the coating mix and they won't turn brown.

→ Can I make these without an air fryer?

You bet. Just pop your coated apple pieces in a 400°F oven until they turn golden and get crispy. Don't forget to flip them halfway.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep your apple fries and dip in different containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you want them again, warm the fries in your air fryer for the best taste.

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

You can definitely make the dip 1-2 days before and keep it in your fridge. Just give it a good stir before you serve it.