Ingredients:

  • 2 large Firm, Tart Apples (e.g., Granny Smith, Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced into batons
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted (or neutral oil)
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (Caster Sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (Cornflour)
  • 1/8 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 tablespoons Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup Icing Sugar (Powdered Sugar), sifted
  • 1–2 tablespoons Whole Milk or Cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Instructions:

  1. Prep Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into uniform batons, approximately 1/2-inch (1.2 cm) thick and 3 inches (7.5 cm) long. Consistency is key for even cooking.
  2. Apply Moisture: Immediately place the sliced apples into a bowl and toss gently with the lemon juice. Drizzle with melted butter (or oil) and toss again until lightly coated. This step helps the spice mixture adhere.
  3. Create the Coating Mix: In a separate, small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk briefly to ensure no cornstarch clumps remain.
  4. Coat the Fries: Add the dry coating mix to the bowl of apple batons. Toss thoroughly but gently until every fry is fully and evenly coated in the spice mix.
  5. Preheat (Optional but Recommended): Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
  6. Load the Basket: Transfer the coated apple fries to the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. You must cook in two or three batches to ensure maximum crispness.
  7. Initial Cook: Cook the first batch for 6 minutes.
  8. Toss and Finish: Open the basket, give the apples a good toss or shake, and cook for an additional 6–8 minutes, or until the fries are tender on the inside and beautifully golden-brown and crisp on the edges.
  9. Keep Warm: Remove the cooked fries and place them on a rack or plate while the second batch cooks.
  10. Whip the Glaze Base: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, icing sugar, and vanilla extract.
  11. Adjust Consistency: Gradually whisk in the milk or cream, a tablespoon at a time, until the glaze is smooth, pourable, but still thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  12. Serve: Transfer the apple fries to a serving vessel, dust lightly with any leftover cinnamon-sugar mix, and serve immediately with the Vanilla Glaze for dipping.