There’s something about the warm, comforting taste of apples that always brings me back to my childhood. I remember watching my grandmother slice apples straight from her garden, sprinkle them with cinnamon, and turn them into the most fragrant, cozy treats. Inspired by those memories, I wanted to create a snack that captures that nostalgic flavor—but with a modern twist. That’s how I came up with these crispy air fryer apple fries. They’re warm, spiced, golden, and crunchy on the outside, yet soft and tender inside—exactly how apple treats should be. And the best part? They come together quickly, with little mess, and without turning on the oven.
You’ll absolutely love this recipe for a few simple reasons. First, it’s a healthy twist on a classic fried snack. Rather than deep-frying, we rely on the air fryer to achieve the perfect crisp without excess oil. Second, the flavor is unbeatable—cinnamon, a touch of brown sugar, and that natural apple sweetness combine beautifully. These fries are perfect for kids, adults, gatherings, or just a quiet moment on the couch. They also pair wonderfully with yogurt, caramel dip, or even a bit of whipped cream if you’re feeling indulgent.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can swap the spices, add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist, or experiment with different types of apples for sweet or tart variations. Whether you like Gala, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith, the air fryer brings out the best in every variety.
Another reason I come back to this recipe often is that it’s affordable. Apples are accessible year-round and usually budget-friendly, and the rest of the ingredients—like cinnamon, flour, and breadcrumbs—are pantry staples. That makes it a great last-minute treat when I want something delicious without running to the store.
Let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious air fryer apple fries:
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2 large apples (firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs
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1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko for extra crispiness)
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¼ cup brown sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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Pinch of salt
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Cooking spray (for coating the air fryer basket)
How to Prepare Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
Preparing these air fryer apple fries is a quick and satisfying process. It only takes a few minutes to get everything ready, and once they’re in the air fryer, the magic happens fast. The result? A warm, crunchy, cinnamon-spiced snack you’ll find hard to resist. Whether you’re preparing them as a dessert, after-school snack, or party treat, these apple fries always impress.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Begin by washing and drying your apples. You don’t need to peel them, as the skin helps them hold their shape while cooking. Slice each apple into thin wedges or sticks—think French fry shape. Aim for uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Set Up the Dredging Station
Next, prepare three shallow bowls for coating.
– In the first bowl, add ½ cup all-purpose flour.
– In the second bowl, beat 2 eggs until smooth.
– In the third bowl, mix 1 cup breadcrumbs with ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Step 3: Dredge the Apple Slices
One by one, dip each apple slice into the flour. Coat it evenly, then shake off the excess.
Then dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated.
Finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture, patting gently so it sticks well.
Step 4: Preheat and Prep the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for about 3 minutes. While it’s heating, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Cook the Apple Fries
Place the coated apple fries in a single layer inside the basket. Avoid overlapping them, as this prevents even cooking.
Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. The coating should be slightly browned, and the apples should be tender inside.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the apple fries from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm, plain or with your favorite dip—caramel sauce, yogurt, or cinnamon whipped cream all work wonderfully.
Quick and Easy
This recipe is ideal when you’re short on time but want to whip up something delicious. It takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, with only a handful of steps. The air fryer does all the heavy lifting, and cleanup is minimal.
Customizable
You can easily adjust this recipe to fit your preferences. Want more sweetness? Add a bit of maple sugar to the breadcrumb mix. Prefer a crunchier texture? Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular. You could even drizzle the finished fries with a honey glaze or dust them with powdered sugar for a dessert-like touch.
For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. For a vegan version, swap the eggs for a plant-based alternative like aquafaba or flax eggs.
Popular with Many People
These apple fries are always a hit. I’ve served them at brunches, family get-togethers, and even holiday dinners. Everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—enjoys them. They’re sweet but not too sugary, crisp yet tender, and light enough to enjoy without guilt.
They’re also perfect for picky eaters. The fun shape and cinnamon-sugar coating make them appealing to kids, while the air fryer method makes them healthier for adults. It’s one of those recipes that everyone asks for—and once you try it, you’ll see why.
PrintCrispy Air Fryer Apple Fries You’ll Love
These crispy air fryer apple fries are the perfect sweet snack when you’re craving something warm, comforting, and healthier than traditional fried treats. With a golden, crunchy coating and a soft, tender apple center, they’re ideal for both kids and adults. Quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 8
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 3 1x
Ingredients
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup plain or panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Wash and slice the apples. Dry them well and cut each one into uniform fry-like sticks. Do not peel unless desired.
- Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls:
– Bowl 1: Add ½ cup flour
– Bowl 2: Beat 2 eggs
– Bowl 3: Combine 1 cup breadcrumbs, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt - Coat each apple stick:
– Dip in flour and shake off excess
– Dip in beaten egg
– Press into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated - Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 3 minutes. Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray.
- Place the coated apple fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping for even cooking.
- Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Remove and serve warm with your favorite dip such as caramel sauce, yogurt, or whipped cream.
Notes
Use firmer apples to prevent sogginess.
To make them gluten-free, substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
You can adjust the sweetness by adding or reducing the brown sugar.
Always cook in a single layer to ensure even crisping.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
Yes, but for best results, choose firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. They hold their shape well during cooking and provide the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
Do I need to peel the apples first?
No, peeling is optional. The skin helps keep the apple slices firm, and it adds extra texture and nutrients. If you prefer peeled apples, feel free to do so—it won’t affect the recipe’s outcome.
Can I make these apple fries ahead of time?
These are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer while they’re still warm and crispy. However, you can slice and coat the apples in advance, then store them in the fridge for up to 4 hours before air frying.
What dipping sauces go well with apple fries?
They pair beautifully with caramel sauce, vanilla yogurt, honey, or even a cinnamon cream cheese dip. You can also serve them with whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra-special treat.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes, if you don’t have an air fryer, bake them on a parchment-lined tray at 200°C (400°F) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture won’t be quite as crispy, but they’ll still taste great.
How do I store leftovers?
Place any leftover apple fries in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 180°C (350°F) to bring back the crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as they’ll turn soft.
Can I freeze apple fries?
Freezing is not recommended. The texture of the apples changes once thawed, and they can become mushy. It’s better to make and enjoy them fresh.
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
For an egg-free version, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, set for 5 minutes) or aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas) as a binder.