Description
This air fryer candy apple recipe gives you a perfectly glossy, hard-crack sugar coating that shatters cleanly on the first bite. Ready in 30 minutes, these classic homemade candy apples bring back every carnival and Halloween memory.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 medium apples, firm variety — Granny Smith (tart) or Fuji (sweet) strongly 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 (gel gives deeper color than liquid)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon extract or flavoring oil (optional)
- 6 wooden candy apple sticks or sturdy lollipop sticks
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Instructions
- Set up your workspace before you start: line a baking sheet with parchment paper and coat lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Have your sticked apples ready and within reach.
- Remove all wax from your apples by dipping each in boiling water for 5 seconds, then scrub dry. Insert a stick firmly into the stem end of each apple.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently until the sugar is moistened, then clip a candy thermometer to the pan.
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a full rolling boil without stirring. Use a wet pastry brush to wipe down any sugar crystals clinging to the sides.
- Continue boiling until the thermometer reads between 300°F and 310°F. This takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Watch closely during the last 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat at 300°F and stir in gel food coloring and cinnamon extract if using. Wait for 1 to 2 minutes for bubbles to subside.
- Tilt the saucepan and dip each apple to coat completely, letting excess drip back. Place on the prepared baking sheet stick-side up and let cool completely for at least 20 minutes.
Notes
- Ensure the syrup reaches 300°F for a hard coating.
- Wait until bubbles settle before dipping apples.
- Remove wax from apples for better coating adhesion.
- Store candy apples at room temperature, uncovered or loosely wrapped.
Nutrition
- Calories: 271
- Sugar: 65
- Sodium: 3
- Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 71
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 0
Keywords: airfryer recipes, candy apple recipe, homemade candy apples, easy candy apple recipe, Halloween candy apples, candy apple without corn syrup, hard crack candy apples