Oh my gosh, you have to try these Air Fryer Apple Fries with Honey Drizzle! They’re the perfect little snack when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I discovered this recipe last fall when my niece came over begging for “something yummy” – 10 minutes later, we were dunking crispy, cinnamon-kissed apple fries in warm honey. The air fryer works magic here, turning simple apples into golden, slightly caramelized treats with zero fuss. As someone who’s tested dozens of air fryer recipes (some winners, some… not so much), this one’s become my go-to for quick, wholesome snacking that even picky eaters love.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Apple Fries
Trust me, these apple fries will become your new obsession—here’s why:
- Ready in 15 minutes flat—faster than running to the bakery when a sweet craving hits
- Naturally sweet with just a drizzle of honey (no refined sugar needed!)
- Crispy outside, tender inside—that air fryer magic gives them the perfect texture
- Kid-approved (my niece calls them “apple chips” and begs for seconds)
- Smells like autumn with cinnamon and nutmeg warming up your kitchen
Seriously, if you love easy snacks that taste indulgent but aren’t loaded with junk, these air fryer apple fries are your new best friend.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Apple Fries
Here’s all you need for these irresistible apple fries (measurements matter!):
- 2 medium apples – sliced into 1/4-inch thick “fries” (I’ll show you how below)
- 1 tbsp honey – for that golden drizzle
- 1 tsp cinnamon – the warm spice that makes these sing
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg – cinnamon’s best friend
- 1 tbsp melted butter (optional) – for extra crispiness and richness
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Apples: Firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith hold their shape best—soft apples turn mushy. Sweeteners: Maple syrup works if you’re out of honey. Butter: Coconut oil makes a great dairy-free swap. Pro tip: If your honey’s too thick, warm it slightly for easier drizzling!
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Fries with Honey Drizzle
Okay, let’s get to the fun part—turning those apples into crispy, golden fries! This method is foolproof if you follow these simple steps. I’ve made this dozens of times (sometimes at midnight when snack cravings hit), and it never fails to satisfy.
Step 1: Prep the Apples
First, grab your apples—no need to peel unless you prefer it (I love the extra texture and nutrients from the skin). Slice them into uniform 1/4-inch thick sticks, like thick-cut fries. Pro tip: Remove the core first by cutting the apple into quarters, then slicing each piece lengthwise. Uneven slices mean some will burn while others stay soggy, and nobody wants that!
Step 2: Season and Air Fry
Toss your apple sticks with cinnamon and nutmeg until they’re evenly coated—I use my hands to really massage those spices in. Now, here’s the key: arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket at 375°F (190°C). Overcrowding = steaming instead of crisping. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges start curling and turning golden brown.
Step 3: Drizzle and Serve
Transfer your crispy apple fries to a plate immediately—they’ll keep cooking if left in the hot basket. Warm your honey slightly (10 seconds in the microwave does the trick) for that perfect drizzle consistency. Serve warm while they’re at their crispiest, though I won’t judge if you eat them straight from the air fryer basket like I sometimes do!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Apple Fries
Want apple fries that are golden and crisp every time? Here are my hard-won secrets from countless test batches:
- Watch the clock: Like 30 seconds can turn “perfectly crisp” to “slightly burnt” – start checking at 8 minutes
- Give them space: Single layer only! Overcrowding makes them steam instead of crisp up
- The fork test: They’re done when a fork easily pierces them but still meets slight resistance
- Shake it up: That halfway shake isn’t just for show – it ensures even browning on all sides
Remember, air fryers vary – your perfect time might be 9 minutes while mine’s 8. Trust your nose when that cinnamon scent gets intense!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Apple Fries
These apple fries are delicious solo, but oh boy—they shine with simple pairings! My family loves dunking them in vanilla yogurt (Greek yogurt adds protein) or warm caramel sauce. For a fun twist, try a sprinkle of granola for crunch or a dollop of whipped cream when you’re feeling fancy. Kids go nuts for “apple fries and dip” – it turns snack time into a party!
Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Apple Fries
These treats are best fresh (who can resist?), but if you have leftovers (rare in my house!), pop them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To revive that crispy magic, give them just 2-3 minutes in the air fryer at 350°F—way better than soggy microwave results! Pro tip: Store undrizzled and add honey right before serving.
Air Fryer Apple Fries Nutrition
Here’s the scoop on what you’re biting into with these apple fries (per serving estimates, since apple sizes vary):
- 120 calories – guilt-free snacking at its finest
- 18g sugar – all natural from the apples and honey
- 3g fiber – thank you, apple skins!
- 0g added fat (unless you use that optional butter)
Remember, these numbers can shift slightly depending on your apple’s size and how generous you are with the honey drizzle—but they’ll always be way lighter than deep-fried treats! If you are interested in learning more about the nutritional benefits of apples, check out this resource on apples.
FAQs About Air Fryer Apple Fries
Got questions? I’ve got answers from all my trial-and-error sessions with this recipe:
Can I use frozen apples? Nope—fresh only! Frozen apples turn mushy in the air fryer (learned that the hard way). Best apples to use? Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are my go-tos—their firm texture holds up perfectly. Sweeteners: Maple syrup works if you’re out of honey, similar to how we use it in our air fryer honey garlic pork chops. Honey substitutes? Maple syrup or agave work great, though the flavor changes slightly (still delicious!).
Try this recipe and share your results in the comments! If you are looking for other great air fryer desserts, you might enjoy our recipe for air fryer cake donuts.
Print
15-Minute Air Fryer Apple Fries with Honey Drizzle – Irresistible!
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy apple fries made in the air fryer, lightly spiced and drizzled with honey for a sweet snack.
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples (sliced into fries)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp melted butter (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss apple slices with cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Place in air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Drizzle with honey and serve warm.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
- Adjust cooking time based on thickness of slices.
- Add melted butter for extra crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American