Ingredients:

  • 2 large Granny Smith apples (approx. 1 lb / 450g), peeled and cut into sticks
  • 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp (3g) ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp (1.5g) salt
  • 1 large egg (approx. 50g), beaten
  • 1 cup (60g) Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) neutral oil spray
  • 1/2 cup (115g) salted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
  • 1/4 tsp (1.2g) salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
  2. Slice the apples into uniform sticks (standard french fry size) and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess surface moisture.
  3. Set up a breading station with three bowls: the first with flour, cinnamon, and 1.5g salt whisked together; the second with the beaten egg; the third with Panko breadcrumbs.
  4. Dredge each apple stick in the flour mixture (shaking off excess), dip into the beaten egg, and press firmly into the Panko until fully coated.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with neutral oil. Arrange the coated fries in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch; cook in batches if they do not fit in one layer.
  6. Spray the tops of the fries with neutral oil. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until mahogany-colored and firm.
  7. While fries cook, combine melted butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until bubbly, then whisk in heavy cream and 1.2g salt.
  8. Simmer the dip for 2 minutes until thickened and velvety, then remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.