If you love the idea of a sweet, crispy treat that’s light on oil and big on flavor, you are going to adore this Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe. These apple fries transform juicy apple wedges into golden, crunchy bites coated with cinnamon and sugar, perfect for satisfying dessert cravings without the guilt of deep frying. They come together quickly, need just a handful of pantry staples, and emerge from the air fryer with an irresistible crisp that makes you want to dive right in. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or looking for a shareable snack to wow your friends, this recipe is a total winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect crispy apple fries depends on simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in flavor, texture, and that beautiful golden finish you’re aiming for.
- 2 large apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp: These varieties give both tartness and sweetness plus firm texture to hold up well through cooking.
- 65 grams all-purpose flour: Provides the first dry layer that helps the egg and crumbs stick, and creates a light coating.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Acts as the “glue” for the breadcrumb crust, ensuring an even, crunchy coat.
- 60 grams panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs: Panko gives extra crunch, but traditional breadcrumbs work too; both give that desirable crisp edge.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice that perfectly complements the sweet apples.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens the coating just right for a balanced bite.
- Cooking spray: A light mist helps the fries brown and crisp beautifully in the air fryer with minimal oil.
- 120 milliliters caramel sauce (optional): For a decadent dip that ups the indulgence factor.
- 120 grams vanilla yogurt (optional): A lighter, tangy dipping option that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon spice.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Apples
Start by peeling your apples if you prefer a smoother texture, then slice them into 1.25-centimeter thick wedges. Make sure to discard the cores and seeds to keep every bite easy and enjoyable. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar – this will later add that signature sweet spice kick that makes these fries unforgettable.
Step 2: Organize Your Breading Station
Set yourself up for success by organizing three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with half of the cinnamon-sugar blend. This system keeps your workflow smooth and ensures each apple wedge gets perfectly coated.
Step 3: Bread the Apple Wedges
Dip each apple wedge first in the flour, shaking off any extra to avoid clumps, then into the egg bath, fully coating it. Finally, press the wedge into the cinnamon-sugar breadcrumb mix to build that crunchy crust. Repeat until all wedges are coated with love and care.
Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 190°C for about 3 minutes. Arrange the breaded apple wedges in a single layer inside the basket, avoiding overcrowding so each fry crisps evenly. Lightly spray them with cooking spray to encourage a golden finish. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once halfway through so every side gets beautifully crisp.
Step 5: Finish and Serve Your Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe
Right as the apple fries come out hot and golden, sprinkle over the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture for that extra burst of sweetness and spice. Serve immediately with caramel sauce or vanilla yogurt on the side—you’ll want to dive in without delay!
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a delicate visual touch and a hint of extra sweetness, making your apple fries look as good as they taste. For a fresh burst of color, a few mint leaves scattered on top brighten up the plate and complement the warm cinnamon notes perfectly.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a dessert on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream can take the experience to another level of indulgence. Alternatively, serving alongside a cup of hot cider or spiced tea creates a cozy, seasonal vibe that’s perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe in small paper cones or mini baskets for a fun, shareable appetizer at parties. You can also arrange them fan-style on a platter around a bowl of your favorite dipping sauce to make a beautiful centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keeping them crisp can be tricky, but reheating them properly helps restore some of that fresh-out-of-the-air-fryer magic.
Freezing
You can freeze the breaded, uncooked apple wedges on a parchment-lined baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. This lets you have a handy batch ready to air fry whenever the craving hits—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when frozen.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftover apple fries is to pop them back into the air fryer at 180°C for 3 to 5 minutes. This method revives their signature crispness much better than microwaving, keeping them close to freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal for their firmness and balance of tart and sweet flavors, other crisp apples like Fuji or Pink Lady can work fine. Just choose apples that won’t turn mushy when cooked.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is optional! Leaving the skin on adds texture and color, plus extra nutrients. If you prefer a smoother eating experience, peeling makes the fries a bit more tender.
Can I make these apple fries without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them in a conventional oven at 200°C on a greased baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy but will still be delicious.
What are good dipping sauces besides caramel and vanilla yogurt?
Try cream cheese frosting, maple syrup, or even a drizzle of melted peanut butter for creative twists. A sprinkle of sea salt can also bring out their sweetness beautifully.
How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Make sure to thoroughly coat each apple wedge in flour first, then egg, then breadcrumbs to help the layers stick well. Pressing the breadcrumbs firmly on and not overcrowding the air fryer basket ensures even cooking and a lasting crust.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so gratifying about that first bite into a Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe: the crunch, the warmth, the cinnamon-sugar sweetness mingling with fresh apple juice. This recipe brings a homemade touch to a simple pleasure, made easier and healthier with the magic of the air fryer. I encourage you to try it out soon — it might just become your new favorite snack or dessert that you reach for time and again.
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are a delightful and healthier twist on traditional fries, featuring tender apple wedges coated in a cinnamon-sugar spiced breadcrumb crust. Perfect as a snack or dessert, they offer a satisfying crunch and a touch of sweetness, served with optional caramel sauce or vanilla yogurt for dipping.
Ingredients
Apple Fries
- 2 large apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
- 65 grams all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 60 grams panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Cooking spray
Optional Dipping Sauces
- 120 milliliters caramel sauce
- 120 grams vanilla yogurt (for a lighter accompaniment)
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Peel the apples if preferred, then cut them into wedges about 1.25 centimeters thick. Discard the cores and seeds to ensure clean apple slices.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar thoroughly. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Organize Breading Station: Set up three separate bowls: one with all-purpose flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with panko breadcrumbs. Mix half of the cinnamon-sugar blend into the breadcrumbs until well distributed.
- Bread the Apple Wedges: Coat each apple wedge in the flour first, shaking off any excess. Then dip it completely into the beaten eggs, followed by pressing gently into the cinnamon-sugar breadcrumb mixture to cover evenly. Repeat this process with all apple wedges.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (374°F) for about 3 minutes to ensure an even cooking temperature.
- Air Fry the Apple Wedges: Arrange the coated apple wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overlap for proper crisping. Lightly spray them with cooking spray to help with browning. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning the wedges once halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Finish and Serve: Immediately after air frying, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the hot apple fries for extra flavor. Serve them promptly alongside the optional caramel sauce or vanilla yogurt for dipping and enjoy the warm, crispy treat.
Notes
- Peeling the apples is optional; leaving the skin on can add extra texture and nutrients.
- Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crispier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute the vanilla yogurt with a plant-based alternative or skip the dipping sauces entirely.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, these can also be baked in a conventional oven at 190°C (375°F) on a greased baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture as the fries tend to soften if left to sit.
