Description
Delicious candy apples made in the air fryer with a glossy, hard-crack coating that shatters perfectly with each bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 medium apples, firm variety — Granny Smith or Fuji recommended
- 2 cups (400g) granulated white sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) light corn syrup
- 3/4 cup (180ml) water
- 1/2 teaspoon red gel food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon extract (optional)
- 6 wooden candy apple sticks
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Instructions
- Prepare your air fryer basket by lining it with parchment paper and spraying lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
- Remove the wax from the apples by dipping them in boiling water for 5 seconds, then scrub dry with a rough towel. Insert candy sticks into the stem end of each apple.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently until moistened and bring to a boil without stirring.
- Using a candy thermometer, monitor the temperature until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage). This should take about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Once at temperature, remove from heat, stir in food coloring and optional cinnamon extract, and wait for bubbles to settle for 1-2 minutes.
- Tilt the saucepan and dip each apple into the syrup, coating fully and allowing excess to drip back into the pan.
- Place each coated apple upright in the air fryer basket and cook at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes until the coating hardens.
Notes
- Ensure the syrup reaches 300°F for a hard coating.
- Let bubbles settle before dipping to avoid a textured finish.
- Store candy apples at room temperature, uncovered, for best texture.
Nutrition
- Calories: 271
- Sugar: 65
- Sodium: 3
- Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 71
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 0
Keywords: air fryer recipes, candy apple recipe, homemade candy apples, easy candy apple recipe, Halloween candy apples, candy apples from scratch, fall candy apple recipe