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Air Fryer Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Name: Air Fryer Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 3 large apples; 1/2 cup almond flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup lemon juice; cooking spray

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Air Fryer Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples- Every day, we crave fried apples’ sweet and tangy taste.

They’re a perfect complement to breakfast, lunch, or even dinner! It’s time to get your Air Fryer out and make these copycat crispy oven-baked Cracker Barrel Fried Apples! You won’t believe how easy they are to make in the air fryer without all the calories.

Inspired by my son’s favorite snack at Cracker Barrel, Air Fryer Fried Apple Fries are outstanding!

My family loved them, and they are a great snack to serve, along with an air fryer pork chop dinner, which I did. They also make a fantastic side dish or snack for the kids! Who doesn’t love a battered, deep-fried apple?

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.

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What Are Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Cracker Barrel Coated Fried Apples with Graham Crackers and Flour is a creative twist on the classic Cracker Barrel Fried Apples. In this variation, the apple slices are first coated in a flour mixture before being air-fried, adding a delightful crispy texture to the tender, sweet apples.

This innovative approach not only infuses the dish with the warm, honey-like flavor of the apples but also provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the cooked apples. Combining the coating with the cinnamon and sugar-spiced apples creates a unique and irresistible treat that bridges the gap between a comforting side dish and a decadent dessert. This version elevates the traditional fried apples to a new level of indulgence, making it a memorable addition to any meal.

Ingredients Needed To Make Air Fryer Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Making Air Fryer Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples easily brings the comfort of the popular restaurant dish to your home, using the air fryer for a healthier twist. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients needed and the role each plays in creating this delicious treat:

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Apples: The dish’s star, choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for a balance of sweetness and acidity that mimics the Cracker Barrel classic. These apples hold their shape well during cooking, providing a satisfying texture.
Almond Flour: A gluten-free alternative to traditional flour, 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: A key spice that offers 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 that complements the apples’ tartness and the cinnamon’s warmth.
Lemon Juice: The acidity of the lemon juice not only adds a bright note to balance the sweetness but also helps to prevent the apples from browning too quickly once they’re cut, keeping the dish looking and tasting fresh.
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 without the need for excess oil.

How to Make Air Fryer Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Making Air Fryer Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples is a simple and delightful way to recreate a restaurant favorite at home, with the added benefit of a healthier cooking method. Here’s a straightforward recipe to guide you through the process:

Start by peeling the apples.

Slice your apple into wedges.

Please 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.

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 temperature to 350 degrees F for 4-5 minutes, air fryer setting.

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

Recipe Variations

Exploring recipe variations for Air Fryer Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples can add an exciting and personalized touch to this comforting dish. Here are a few creative twists to try:

Cinnamon Sugar-Coated Fried Apples: Mix extra cinnamon and granulated sugar in a small bowl. After air frying, toss the warm apples in the cinnamon-sugar mix for a sweet and spicy added coating.
Brown Sugar Fried Apples: Substitute the granulated sugar with brown sugar and add a tablespoon of bourbon to the lemon juice before tossing it with the apples.
Apple Pie Spice Fried Apples: Replace the ground cinnamon with apple pie spice, a blend that typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, to give a more nuanced flavor profile reminiscent of apple pie.
Honey-Glazed Fried Apples: Swap out the granulated sugar for honey, adding it to the apples after they’ve been air-fried. A quick toss to coat the warm apples will give them a glossy, sticky finish.
Cranberry and Walnut Fried Apples: Add a handful of dried cranberries and chopped walnuts to the apple mixture before air frying. The cranberries’ tartness and the walnut’s crunch offer a festive twist.
Savory Thyme Fried Apples: For a savory twist, reduce the sugar by half and add a teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves to the almond flour mixture before coating the apples.
Chili Cinnamon Fried Apples: Add a pinch of chili powder to the cinnamon and sugar for a spicy kick.

Each of these variations on the Air Fryer Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe allows you to cater to different tastes and occasions, making this dish even more versatile and enjoyable.

Pro Tips

Creating the perfect batch of Air Fryer Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples involves more than just following a recipe. Here are some pro tips to elevate your dish, ensuring every bite is as delicious as the original, if not better:

Choose the Right Apples: Opt for firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These varieties maintain their texture and offer a nice balance of sweetness and acidity, enhancing the dish’s overall flavor.
Uniform Slices: Slice your apples evenly to ensure uniform cooking. Apples of the same thickness will cook at the same rate, preventing some slices from becoming too soft while others remain crunchy.
Prevent Browning: Toss sliced apples in lemon juice not just for flavor but also to prevent them from browning. This keeps your dish looking appetizing and fresh before entering the air fryer.
Do Not Overcrowd: Air fry the apples in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the basket. This ensures that hot air circulates evenly around each slice, resulting in a nicely caramelized exterior and tender interior.
Shake or Toss Mid-Cooking: Halfway through cooking, gently shake the basket or use tongs to toss the apple slices. This promotes even cooking and ensures all sides get a chance to crisp up.
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. Remember, you can always sprinkle extra cinnamon or sugar after cooking, but you can’t take it away.
Serving Suggestions: Serve your fried apples warm for the best flavor. They’re excellent on their own, or you can pair them with vanilla ice cream, pancakes, or even pork chops for a sweet and savory combination.
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. This method helps to maintain their crisp edges better than microwaving.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with additional spices like nutmeg, allspice, or ginger to create a more complex flavor profile. A splash of vanilla extract or bourbon can also add a deep, rich flavor to the apples.
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.

By incorporating these pro tips into your cooking process, you’ll be able to craft a dish of Air Fryer Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples that not only rivals the original in flavor but also suits your taste preferences perfectly.

Faq’s

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. However, Honeycrisp or Gala apples are good choices for a sweeter version.

Can I use pre-sliced apples to save time? Yes, pre-sliced apples can be used for convenience. Just ensure they are fresh and not too thin so they don’t become overly soft during air frying.

Do I need to peel the apples? Peeling the apples is recommended for a texture closest to Cracker Barrel’s fried apples. However, if you prefer extra fiber and texture, you can leave the skin on; ensure they are washed well.

How do I prevent the apples from turning brown after slicing? Toss the sliced apples in lemon juice immediately after cutting. The acidity in the lemon juice helps prevent oxidation, which causes the browning.

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. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying, preventing the apples from getting that desirable caramelization.

Can I use a different sweetener? Absolutely. Substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup for different flavor profiles. Adjust the quantity based on sweetness preference and the natural sweetness of your apples.

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.

Can I add nuts to this recipe? Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can provide a delightful crunch. Mix them with the apples before air frying or sprinkle on top after cooking for added texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe with frozen apples? While fresh apples are preferred for texture and flavor, you can use frozen apple slices in a pinch. Thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture, and be aware they may not hold their shape as firmly as fresh apples would after air frying.

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