Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries

Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are a fun, healthier twist on traditional fries, made with fresh apple slices coated in a crispy cinnamon-sugar coating. These sweet, crunchy apple fries are air-fried to perfection, making them a light and delicious snack or dessert. They’re easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but light. Serve them with a drizzle of caramel sauce or vanilla yogurt for an extra treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are a delightful combination of sweetness, crunch, and warm spices, all with far less oil than traditional deep-fried desserts. The apples stay juicy on the inside while the outside crisps up beautifully in the air fryer, creating a satisfying texture that’s both crispy and tender. The cinnamon-sugar coating adds just the right amount of sweetness without being overwhelming. Plus, these apple fries are quick to make and customizable with your favorite dipping sauces. It’s a fun and healthier dessert or snack option the whole family will love!

Ingredients

• 2 large apples (such as Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp), cored and sliced into 1/4-inch fries

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)

• 1 egg, beaten

• 2 tablespoons sugar (for coating)

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for coating)

For Dipping (optional):

• Caramel sauce or vanilla yogurt for dipping

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Apple Fries:

1. Slice the Apples: Core the apples and cut them into fries, about 1/4-inch thick. You can peel the apples if you prefer, but keeping the skin on adds extra fiber and texture.

2. Set Up a Breading Station: In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. In another bowl, add the beaten egg. In a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.

Coat the Apple Fries:

3. Coat the Apple Slices: Dip each apple fry into the flour mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated. Then, dip it into the egg, and finally coat it with the breadcrumbs. Press lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well. Repeat with all the apple slices.

Air Fry the Apple Fries:

4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.

5. Arrange the Fries: Place the coated apple fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

6. Air Fry the Fries: Spray the apple fries lightly with cooking spray to ensure a crispy texture. Air fry the apple fries at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside but tender on the inside.

Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

7. Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: While the apple fries are air frying, combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Once the fries are done, immediately toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a sweet, flavorful coating.

Serve:

8. Serve: Serve the apple fries warm with a side of caramel sauce or vanilla yogurt for dipping. Enjoy your crispy, sweet treat!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2-4 (depending on serving size)

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 8-10 minutes (per batch)

• Total time: 20-25 minutes (depending on your air fryer and batch size)

Variations

• Add Chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate over the apple fries for an indulgent twist.

• Coconut-Coated Fries: Add shredded coconut to the breadcrumb mixture for a tropical twist.

• Caramel Apple Fries: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple fries after they’ve been coated with cinnamon-sugar for extra sweetness.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a sweet and spicy contrast.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover apple fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until crispy again. You can also microwave them, but they will be less crispy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use any apple variety you prefer, but tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet apples like Fuji and Honeycrisp work best for a balanced flavor.

Can I make these apple fries ahead of time?

It’s best to enjoy these apple fries fresh from the air fryer for the crispiness, but you can prep them ahead of time by breading the apple slices and refrigerating them until ready to cook.

Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake these apple fries in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy.

Are these apple fries gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for the coating.

Can I freeze these apple fries?

Yes, you can freeze the breaded apple fries before cooking. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, air fry them directly from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion

Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are a light, delicious, and fun way to enjoy apples in a healthier way than traditional fried treats. With a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating and a satisfying crunch, these apple fries are the perfect snack or dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. They’re quick to make, customizable with your favorite toppings or dips, and a great way to enjoy apples in a whole new way. Try this recipe today and enjoy a tasty, crispy treat that’s sure to please!