Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Recreate the cozy, home-cooked flavor of Cracker Barrel with this easy Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe! Perfect as a side for breakfast, brunch, dinner, or a warm dessert, these air-fried apples deliver a sweet, cinnamon-spiced touch that’s sure to please.

Inspired by my son’s favorite snack at Cracker Barrel, Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are outstanding!

These fried apples, are better-than-Cracker Barrel Fried Apples! They are so good!

Looking for more Air Fryer Dessert recipes? Check out my favorites, such as my Hack for Making Air Fryer Pillsbury Chocolate Chip Cookies or my Grandmother’s Recipe for Homemade Italian Cookies.

You need only a few ingredients to make these delicious air-fried fried apple fries. The coating is excellent, and you can switch it out for regular all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour, although the almond flour works so much better in the air fryer.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Irresistible Flavor: The perfect balance of sweet and spiced, these fried apples evoke a comforting, home-cooked taste that pairs beautifully with any meal.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Serving Options: Whether enjoyed as a side dish for breakfast, a sweet addition to brunch, or a warm dessert, these fried apples fit seamlessly into any meal.
• Classic Comfort Food: This recipe captures the essence of Southern hospitality, bringing a nostalgic touch that reminds you of family gatherings and cozy diners.

Ingredients

• Apples: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for a balance of sweetness and acidity that mimics the Cracker Barrel classic.
• Almond Flour: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and helps to create a slightly crispy exterior on the apples when air-fried, offering a nice contrast to their soft interior.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth, enhancing the natural flavors of the apples and sugar.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to coat the apples, caramelizing slightly when air-fried to create a delightful glaze.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright note to balance the sweetness.
• Cooking Spray: Used to coat the apples lightly before air-frying; this ensures that the almond flour and seasoning mixture sticks to the apples and helps achieve a golden, crispy finish.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Step One: Start by peeling the apples.

Step Two: Slice your apple into wedges.

Step Three: Give them a quick soak in the lemon juice. Coat your apple wedges with almond flour on both sides. Use your hands to press it down so it sticks.

Step Four: Spray your basket with cooking spray, then place your coated apples on top. Spray the coating GENEROUSLY with cooking spray. This will help them crisp up. Set the air fryer temperature to 350 degrees F, and set cook time for 4-5 minutes, air fryer setting.

Step Five: In a small bowl, mix the ground cinnamon and sugar and mix well. Roll the fried apples into the mixture.

Recipe For Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Tips

• Choose the Right Apples: Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
• Uniform Slices: Slice your apples evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
• Prevent Browning: Toss sliced apples in lemon juice not just for flavor but also to prevent them from browning.
• Do Not Overcrowd: Air fry the apples in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the basket.
• Shake or Toss Mid-Cooking: Halfway through cooking, gently shake the basket or use tongs to toss the apple slices.
• Adjust Sweetness and Spices: Taste your apples before air frying and adjust the amount of sugar and cinnamon based on their natural sweetness and your personal preference.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve your fried apples warm for the best flavor.
• Reheating Leftover Cracker Barrel Apple Fries: If you have leftovers, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to refresh their texture.
• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with additional spices like nutmeg, allspice, or ginger to create a more complex flavor profile.
• Cooking Spray is Your Friend: A light spray of cooking oil on the apple slices before air frying can help the cinnamon and sugar stick better and promote an even more caramelized exterior.

Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe Faqs

What type of apples should I use for Air Fryer Fried Apples? Firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal as they hold up well during cooking and offer a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.

Can I use pre-sliced apples to save time? Yes, pre-sliced apples can be used for convenience.

Do I need to peel the apples? Peeling the apples is recommended for a texture closest to Cracker Barrel’s fried apples.

How do I prevent the apples from turning brown after slicing? Toss the sliced apples in lemon juice immediately after cutting.

Can I make these fried apples ahead of time? These fried apples are best enjoyed fresh, but you can cook them ahead of time and reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to refresh their texture before serving.

What if my air fryer basket is small? Cook the apples in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Can I use a different sweetener? Absolutely. Substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup for different flavor profiles.

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to maintain the best texture.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken
• Air Fryer Chinese Buff Crab Casserole
• How To Reheat Apple Pie In Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Sushi Bowl
• Air Fryer Chines Spare Ribs

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