Get ready to fall head over heels for Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries! This playful treat transforms humble apples into crunchy, golden “fries” with a sweet cinnamon-sugar twist. Whether you’re looking for a healthier dessert, an after-school snack, or a fun party platter, these fries deliver big flavor and irresistible texture without a drop of oil. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll never look at apples the same way again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Main Ingredients
- 2 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Nonstick cooking spray
Optional for Serving
- Caramel sauce
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla yogurt
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Start by peeling your apples if you like them without skins (totally up to you!) and then slice them into thin, fry-shaped sticks. The more uniform your slices, the more evenly they’ll cook. Pat each piece dry with a paper towel — this little step helps the breading stick and keeps your fries ultra crisp.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
It’s assembly line time! Grab three shallow bowls: one for flour, one for your beaten eggs, and the last for a mix of panko breadcrumbs, cinnamon, and sugar. This trio is the magic behind the Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries’ crunchy, flavorful coating. Dredge each apple stick in flour first, then dip into the egg, and finally give it a generous roll in the cinnamon-sugar panko mixture until fully coated.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about three minutes. A quick spritz of nonstick spray in the basket prevents sticking and helps the fries turn gorgeously golden. Lay the coated apple fries in a single layer, making sure they’re not crowded—this is how you get them crispy, not soggy! You may need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Step 4: Air Fry Until Perfectly Crispy
Now for the magic! Air fry your apple fries for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through so they crisp up on both sides. When they’re golden brown and crunchy, they’re ready! Serve them warm and watch them disappear faster than you can say “Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries.”
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
Garnishes
The right garnish can take your Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries from delicious to downright irresistible. Dust them with a little extra cinnamon-sugar, drizzle with caramel sauce, or pile on a dollop of whipped cream. For a lighter touch, vanilla yogurt makes a creamy, tangy dip that pairs beautifully with the warm spices.
Side Dishes
While these apple fries are a star on their own, they play well with others! Serve them alongside a platter of fresh berries, a cheese board for contrast, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate sweet treat. They’re a fun, unexpected addition to brunch spreads and dessert tables alike.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your imagination run wild! Stack Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries in a tall glass for a “fries and dip” effect, or tuck them into mini paper cones for a street-food vibe. If you’re serving a crowd, arrange them on a big platter with a variety of dips so everyone can choose their favorite. Kids and adults alike will love the playful presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (a rare occurrence!), store your Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. They’ll soften a bit, but don’t worry — you can easily bring back their crunch.
Freezing
While these fries are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any extras. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to one month — perfect for a quick sweet snack.
Reheating
To re-crisp, pop the fries back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes. They’ll come out warm and crunchy, almost as good as new! Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free panko for a version that’s just as crispy and delicious. The texture and flavor of your Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries will still shine.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is completely optional. Leaving the skins on adds color and a bit more fiber, while peeling gives a softer, more classic fry texture. Both ways are delicious, so choose what you love!
What type Snack, Dessert
Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji are ideal. They hold their shape during air frying and provide a great balance of tart and sweet in every bite of your Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries.
Can I bake these in the oven instead?
Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the breaded apple fries on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once. They won’t get quite as crispy, but they’re still completely crave-worthy.
What dips pair best with these fries?
Caramel sauce is a classic, but don’t stop there! Try whipped cream, vanilla yogurt, chocolate sauce, or even a tangy cream cheese dip. The possibilities are endless — and every dip makes the Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries even more fun.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a snack or dessert that’s both fun and a little bit magical, give Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries a whirl. They’re easy, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to disappear in a flash. Grab some apples and your air fryer, and let the deliciousness begin!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a healthier twist on a classic treat with these Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries. Made with thinly sliced apples coated in a cinnamon-sugar panko crust and air fried to golden perfection, they make a delicious and guilt-free snack or dessert that’s quick to prepare and irresistibly crispy.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Nonstick cooking spray
Optional for Serving
- Caramel sauce
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla yogurt
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Peel the apples if desired, then slice them into thin fry-shaped sticks. Use a paper towel to pat the slices dry and remove any excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better and results in a crispier texture.
- Set up breading stations: Arrange three shallow bowls—one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar. This setup will allow you to evenly coat each apple slice.
- Coat the apple fries: Dredge each apple slice first in the flour to create a base, then dip into the beaten eggs to act as a binder, and finally coat thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar panko mixture for a flavorful and crunchy crust.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F and let it preheat for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange and air fry: Place the coated apple fries in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Lightly spray the tops of the fries with cooking spray to enhance browning and crispiness.
- Cook the fries: Air fry the apple slices at 375°F for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking and a golden brown finish.
- Serve: Remove the apple fries once crispy and golden. Serve warm alongside optional dips such as caramel sauce, whipped cream, or vanilla yogurt for a delightful treat.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure all fries get crispy.
- Enjoy the fries fresh for optimal crunch; reheat leftovers in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
