Name: Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 firm apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), sliced into sticks; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 2 eggs, beaten; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs or crushed graham crackers; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Cooking spray or neutral oil (for air frying); Optional for serving: caramel sauce or vanilla yogurt

Crispy air fryer apple fries are a fun, sweet snack that gives me all the comfort of warm apple pie in a light, finger-food form. Coated in cinnamon-sugar and air-fried to golden perfection, they’re soft on the inside with just the right crunch on the outside. Whether I’m serving them as a dessert or midday treat, they’re always a hit.

Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, easy, and made with just a handful of simple ingredients. There’s no deep frying, no heavy batter—just fresh apples, a crispy coating, and a blast of warm cinnamon flavor. The air fryer gives them that perfect crisp without all the oil, and they’re just as good for kids as they are for adults.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apples (firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
All-purpose flour
Eggs (beaten)
Panko breadcrumbs or crushed graham crackers
Granulated sugar
Cinnamon
Cooking spray or oil (for air frying)
Optional: caramel sauce or vanilla yogurt for dipping

Directions

I start by peeling (optional) and slicing the apples into fry-like sticks—about ½ inch thick.
In three shallow bowls, I set up a coating station: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of panko, cinnamon, and sugar.
I dip each apple stick first in flour, then egg, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar panko until well coated.
I preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and lightly spray the basket with oil.
I place the coated apple fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray the tops lightly with oil.
I air fry them for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
I let them cool for a minute or two, then serve warm with a dipping sauce of choice.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 15 minutes to prep and 8–10 minutes to cook, so I can have crispy apple fries on the table in under 30 minutes.

Variations

I’ve used crushed graham crackers instead of panko for a pie-like flavor.
For a gluten-free version, I use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
A dash of nutmeg or apple pie spice adds extra warmth.
I sometimes drizzle them with melted chocolate or caramel sauce for dessert flair.

Storage/Reheating

These fries are best eaten fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. To re-crisp, I pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes. I avoid the microwave—it softens the coating.

FAQs

What apples work best?

I like to use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—they hold their shape and balance the sweetness nicely.

Can I make these ahead of time?

I recommend prepping the apples and coating station in advance, but I wait to air fry until I’m ready to serve for the crispiest texture.

Can I bake these instead?

Yes! I bake them at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping once. They’re not quite as crispy as the air fryer version, but still tasty.

Can I skip the egg?

You can substitute with milk or a dairy-free alternative, but the egg helps the coating stick best.

Are these healthy?

They’re definitely a lighter treat—air fried with minimal oil and made from fresh apples, they’re a fun way to satisfy my sweet tooth without going overboard.

Conclusion

Crispy air fryer apple fries are a sweet, spiced twist on classic comfort food that I love making year-round. They’re easy, quick, and totally satisfying—especially when dipped in something creamy or sticky-sweet. Whether I’m entertaining guests or just treating myself, these apple fries always hit the spot.