Description
These air fryer candy apples are a delicious twist on a classic treat, featuring a glossy, hard-crack sugar coating that shatters perfectly with each bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 medium apples, firm variety — Granny Smith or Fuji recommended
- 2 cups granulated white sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon red gel food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon extract (optional)
- 6 wooden candy apple sticks or sturdy lollipop sticks
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and coat lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Have your sticked apples ready.
- Remove wax from apples by dipping them in boiling water for 5 seconds, then scrub dry with a towel. Insert a stick firmly into the stem end of each apple.
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir just until moistened. Clip a candy thermometer to the pan.
- Place over medium-high heat and bring to a full boil without stirring. Use a wet pastry brush to wipe down any sugar crystals from the sides.
- Continue boiling until the thermometer reads between 300°F and 310°F (149°C–154°C). This takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat at 300°F. Stir in food coloring and cinnamon extract if using. Wait for bubbles to settle (1 to 2 minutes).
- Tilt the pan to pool syrup and dip each apple one at a time, coating completely. Let excess drip back into the pan for 3 to 4 seconds.
- Place coated apples stick-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Do not touch until completely cool (about 20 minutes).
Notes
- Ensure syrup reaches 300°F for a hard coating.
- Wait 1 to 2 minutes after removing from heat for bubbles to settle.
- Remove wax from apples before dipping for better adhesion.
- Store at room temperature, uncovered or loosely wrapped, for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy apple
- Calories: 271
- Sugar: 65
- Sodium: 3
- Fat: 1
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 1
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 71
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 0
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