Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are a fun and tasty twist on regular fries, using sweet apples instead of potatoes! They’re perfectly crispy on the outside with a tender, juicy bite inside, and they get a touch of cinnamon and sugar that feels like a little treat every time. It’s such a simple snack or dessert that feels a bit special without any fuss.
I love making these because they’re quick and pretty much foolproof in the air fryer. I usually slice the apples just right so they don’t get mushy, then sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar before air frying to get that perfect crunchy coating. Plus, making them means the whole kitchen smells amazing, like fresh baked cinnamon apples.
My favorite way to eat them is with a little dip—sometimes it’s vanilla yogurt, other times a bit of caramel sauce if I’m feeling fancy. They’re great for kids and adults alike, and they make a neat little snack that feels a bit healthier but still sweet enough to satisfy a craving. Whenever I have guests or just want something cozy, these apple fries come to the rescue!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are great choices because they hold up well when cooked. Honeycrisp is sweeter, while Granny Smith adds a nice tartness. If those aren’t available, try Fuji or Pink Lady apples.
Panko Breadcrumbs: They add a fantastic crunch. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can work but the texture will be a bit less crispy.
Cinnamon & Sugar: This combo gives the fries a warm, sweet flavor. You can adjust the sugar to be less or more to fit your taste or swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice in fall for a seasonal twist.
Mayonnaise in Sauce: Provides creaminess and richness. For a lighter dip, try Greek yogurt instead. You can also swap honey with maple syrup if you want a different kind of sweetness.
How Do You Keep Apple Fries Crispy in the Air Fryer?
Getting a crispy coating on soft apples can be tricky! Here’s how to nail it:
- Use firm apple varieties to prevent sogginess.
- Slice apples evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Coat them in flour first; it helps the egg mixture stick better.
- Press the breadcrumb mixture onto the apples firmly but gently.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket — give each fry space for hot air circulation.
- Lightly spray the fries with cooking spray before and during cooking for that golden texture.
- Flip halfway through cooking to get an even crisp on both sides.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I like it because it cooks the apple fries evenly and gets them crispy without extra oil.
- Sharp knife – helpful for slicing the apples into even sticks that cook uniformly.
- Small bowls – for mixing the flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb coating; they make coating easier.
- Cooking spray – keeps the fries crispy without sticking in the air fryer.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate cinnamon and sugar amounts and dipping sauce ingredients.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use walnuts, pecans, or coconut flakes mixed into the breadcrumb coating for added crunch and flavor.
- Try different spices like pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, or ginger to add more warmth.
- Swap the dipping sauce with caramel, chocolate sauce, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top after cooking for a pretty presentation and extra sweetness.
Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Fries:
- 2 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Cooking spray (for air fryer)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Plus, a few minutes to mix the dipping sauce while the apple fries cook. So, you’ll have a tasty snack ready in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apples:
Wash and core the apples. Slice them into sticks about 1/2 inch wide and 3 inches long, just like traditional fries.
2. Make the Coating:
In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs with cinnamon and sugar. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with water. Place the flour in a separate shallow bowl.
3. Coat the Apple Fries:
Take each apple stick and first coat it in the flour, shaking off any extra. Then dip it into the egg mixture. Finally, press it into the cinnamon-sugar breadcrumb mix to coat fully. Repeat for all apple slices.
4. Air Fry the Apple Fries:
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated apple fries in a single layer so they aren’t crowded (you may need to cook in batches). Lightly spray the top of the fries with cooking spray.
Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
5. Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
While the fries cook, mix together mayonnaise, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the apple fries are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer. Serve warm with the honey-cinnamon dipping sauce. Enjoy your sweet and crunchy treat!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for These Fries?
It’s best to use fresh apples for this recipe because frozen apples can release too much moisture and become soggy. If you only have frozen, thaw them completely and pat dry before coating.
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Fries?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness.
Can I Make the Dipping Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! The dipping sauce can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before serving.
What Other Dips Work Well with Apple Fries?
Try caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or even vanilla yogurt as tasty alternatives to the honey-cinnamon mayo dip.
