There’s something magical about apples and cinnamon coming together in a warm, crispy bite. These Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries take that classic flavor combination and turn it into an easy, irresistible treat. With a crunchy coating, a hint of cinnamon sugar, and a soft, warm center, these apple fries are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth—without the guilt of deep frying.
One of the best parts? They’re super simple to make! Whether you need a quick dessert, an after-school snack, or a fun way to use up extra apples, this recipe has you covered. Plus, they pair perfectly with caramel sauce or vanilla yogurt for dipping.
Let’s get started on making these delicious apple fries right in your air fryer!
Why You’ll Love These Apple Fries
- Crispy & Crunchy – Thanks to panko breadcrumbs, every bite has the perfect amount of crunch.
- Healthier Alternative – No deep frying needed, just a light spritz of cooking spray.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes!
- Kid-Friendly – A great way to get kids to enjoy fruit in a fun way.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve them as a snack, dessert, or party treat.
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by selecting two large apples—Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great options because they hold up well during cooking, but any firm variety will do.
- Peel (Optional) and Slice: If you prefer a smoother texture, peel the apples first. Then, cut them into ½-inch thick wedges, making sure to remove the core and seeds.
- Mix the Cinnamon-Sugar: In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Set aside for later—this mix is going to add the perfect touch of sweetness.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
A good breading is what gives these apple fries their signature crunch. To set up your breading station, you’ll need three shallow bowls:
- Flour Bowl: Add ½ cup of all-purpose flour. This helps the egg stick to the apples.
- Egg Bowl: Beat two large eggs in a separate bowl. This acts as the glue for the breadcrumbs.
- Breadcrumb Bowl: Mix 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture you made earlier. The panko gives these apple fries an extra crisp texture, but regular breadcrumbs work too!
Now that everything is prepped, let’s move on to coating and air frying!
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries – Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we’ve prepped the apples and set up our breading station, it’s time for the fun part—coating and air frying! This step ensures that every apple fry turns out crispy, golden, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor.
If you’ve ever struggled with getting a good breading to stick, don’t worry—I’ll walk you through the process to make sure these fries come out perfect every time.
Step 3: Coat the Apple Slices
To get that signature crunchy coating, follow these steps:
- Dredge in Flour – Take each apple slice and lightly coat it in the flour, shaking off any excess. This helps the egg stick properly.
- Dip in Egg – Next, fully submerge the slice into the beaten eggs. Make sure it’s completely coated so the breadcrumbs will adhere.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs – Finally, press the apple slice into the breadcrumb and cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring all sides are evenly coated. Lightly press the coating onto the apple so it sticks well.
Repeat these steps for all the apple slices before moving on to air frying.
Step 4: Air Fry the Apple Fries
Once your apple slices are fully coated, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer!
Air Frying Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer – Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. Preheating helps get that crispy texture right from the start.
- Arrange the Apple Slices – Place the coated apple fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this can prevent them from crisping up evenly.
- Lightly Spray with Cooking Spray – A quick spritz of cooking spray over the top will help the coating turn golden brown.
- Air Fry for 8–10 Minutes – Cook the apple fries for 4–5 minutes, then carefully flip them over and continue cooking for another 4–5 minutes until they’re crispy and golden.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
As soon as the apple fries come out of the air fryer, sprinkle them with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture for an extra touch of sweetness. Serve them immediately while they’re warm and crispy!
Best Dipping Sauces for Apple Fries
These fries are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a tasty dip! Here are some great options:
- Caramel Sauce – The classic pairing that makes them taste like caramel apples.
- Vanilla Yogurt – A lighter, tangy option that balances the sweetness.
- Chocolate Sauce – Because chocolate makes everything better.
- Whipped Cream – For an extra indulgent touch.
Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries – FAQs & Final Tips
By now, you have a batch of golden, crunchy apple fries ready to enjoy. But before you dive in, let’s go over some common questions and helpful tips to make sure your apple fries turn out perfect every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best apples to use for apple fries?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are the best choices because they hold their shape well and offer a great balance of sweetness and tartness. However, Fuji or Pink Lady apples also work well.
2. Can I make these apple fries gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free cereal instead of regular breadcrumbs.
3. How do I keep the coating from falling off?
Make sure to fully coat each slice in flour before dipping it in the egg. Press the breadcrumbs onto the apple slices firmly so they stick well. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer, as this can cause the coating to loosen.
4. Can I store and reheat leftover apple fries?
Apple fries are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes until warm and crispy again.
5. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes! Panko breadcrumbs provide extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs will still work. For an even sweeter twist, try using crushed graham crackers instead.
6. Can I make these apple fries without an air fryer?
Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. While they won’t be quite as crispy as the air-fried version, they’ll still be delicious.
Final Thoughts & Serving Ideas
These Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are a must-try for anyone who loves warm, cinnamon-spiced treats. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion—whether you’re making a fun dessert for the family or a unique snack to impress guests.
For the best experience, enjoy them fresh out of the air fryer with your favorite dipping sauce. If you’re feeling creative, try serving them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out! If you have any fun variations or serving ideas, share them in the comments—I’d love to hear what you come up with!
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Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
Description
These crispy air fryer apple fries are a delicious, lightly sweet treat with a crunchy coating and warm cinnamon flavor. Perfect for dipping in caramel or yogurt!
Ingredients
For the Apple Fries:
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your favorite variety)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Cooking spray
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (optional)
- 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt (optional for a lighter option)
Instructions
Prepare the Apples
Peel the apples (optional) and slice them into wedges about 1/2 inch thick. Remove the core and seeds. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar. Set aside.
Set Up the Breading Station
Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs in a third. Add half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture to the breadcrumbs and mix well.
Coat the Apple Slices
Dredge each apple slice in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the egg, ensuring it’s fully coated, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly. Repeat for all apple slices.
Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Arrange the breaded apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Serve
Sprinkle the hot apple fries with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra sweetness. Serve immediately with caramel sauce or vanilla yogurt for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crunch, use crushed graham crackers instead of breadcrumbs.
- Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes.
