Crispy, sweet, and just a little bit tart—Air Fryer Apple Fries are my go-to snack when I want something fun, fast, and a little nostalgic.
They come out perfectly golden, with a cinnamon-sugar coating that makes them taste like mini apple pies.
You don’t need a deep fryer or a pile of oil—just your air fryer and a few simple ingredients you probably already have. These apple fries are also great for sharing, and honestly, they disappear fast every time I make them.
Why I Love This Recipe
I first made these on a random rainy afternoon when I wanted something sweet but didn’t feel like baking a whole dessert. I had apples, my air fryer, and not much else. What came out was this crunchy, cozy treat that hit all the right notes. Since then, it’s become a weekend snack staple.
- Tastes like a mini fried apple pie
- No deep frying or mess
- You can eat them warm in minutes
- Uses pantry ingredients
- Great for parties or just a snack attack
Servings & Cook Time
Servings: 3–4
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
What You’ll Need
- 2 large apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled and sliced into fry-shaped sticks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Cooking spray or oil spray
- Optional: caramel sauce for dipping
Substitutions and Variations
- Use coconut sugar instead of white sugar
- Try pumpkin spice instead of just cinnamon
- Dip in chocolate sauce instead of caramel
- Make savory by skipping the cinnamon sugar and adding Parmesan
Make Ahead Tips
You can slice and coat the apples, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. When ready, just air fry straight from frozen—add 2–3 extra minutes.
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Peel and slice 2 large Honeycrisp apples into fry-like sticks. Try to make them even so they cook the same.
Step 2: Set Up Breading Station
Set up 3 shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Bowl 2: 2 large eggs, beaten
- Bowl 3: 1 cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon
Step 3: Bread the Apple Sticks
Coat each apple stick first in flour, then dip into the beaten egg, then coat fully with the cinnamon-panko mix. Place them on a plate in a single layer.
Step 4: Preheat Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 3 minutes.
Step 5: Air Fry the Apples
Spray the basket with cooking spray. Add the coated apple fries in a single layer (do 2 batches if needed). Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray. Air fry at 380°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While they’re hot, toss the cooked apple fries in a mix of 1 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 cup sugar.
Step 7: Serve
Place the cinnamon sugar apple fries in a bowl and serve warm with a side of caramel sauce if you like.
Leftovers and Storage
Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to bring back the crunch.
Macros Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 36g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 18g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Air frying uses rapid hot air circulation to create crispiness without oil. The panko breadcrumbs give extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs. The flour helps the egg stick to the apple, and the egg helps the panko hold on tight. Apples have natural sugars that lightly caramelize in the air fryer, giving them that golden color and sweet flavor.
Common Mistakes
- Using wet apples: Pat your apple sticks dry or the coating won’t stick well.
- Skipping flour: Flour is key to help the egg stick.
- Overcrowding the air fryer: Space them out so they get crispy.
- Using regular breadcrumbs: Panko makes them crunchy—don’t skip it!
- Slicing apples too thick: Thin, fry-like sticks cook evenly and crisp up better.
What to Serve With
- Warm caramel or dulce de leche for dipping
- Vanilla Greek yogurt
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar
- A hot chai latte or apple cider
FAQ
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs.
Do I need to peel the apples?
It’s best if you do. The skin can get chewy and mess with the texture.
How long do they stay crispy?
They’re best fresh, but you can pop them back in the air fryer for a quick reheat.
Can I use other apples?
Sure! Just pick firm ones like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Pink Lady.
Wrap-Up
I hope you love these Air Fryer Apple Fries as much as I do. They’re simple, fun, and seriously addictive. If you try this recipe, drop a comment below and tell me how it went—or ask a question if you get stuck anywhere!