Hey y'all! Get ready to fall in love with a delightful snack or dessert that combines the irresistible sweetness of apples with a golden, crunchy coating—Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries! These treats are perfect for kids’ lunchboxes, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Quick to make, lighter than deep-fried versions, and totally addictive, they’ll be your new favorite way to enjoy apples. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe
- Healthy twist: No deep frying—these are air-fried for a lighter, guilt-free treat.
- Quick and easy: Ready in around 20 minutes, including prep time.
- Kid-approved: Sweet, crunchy, and perfect for little hands and picky eaters.
- All-season snack: Uses everyday ingredients and is great anytime apples are in season.
- Versatile: Enjoy as dessert, a party snack, or even a fun breakfast side!
Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
- 2 large firm apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray (avocado or canola oil preferred)
- Optional: caramel sauce or vanilla yogurt for dipping
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep the Apples
- Peel apples if desired, then core and slice into thick, fry-shaped sticks (about ½-inch wide).
Step 2: Set Up the Dredging Station
- Place flour in one shallow bowl.
- Beat eggs in a second shallow bowl.
- In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 3: Coat the Apple Fries
- Dip each apple stick into flour, shaking off excess, then dip in beaten egg, and finally roll in the panko-cinnamon mixture.
- Repeat until all apple sticks are coated.
Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
- Spray air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray.
- Arrange coated apple sticks in a single layer, leaving a little space between each.
- Spray tops with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip halfway through for even browning.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Let apple fries cool for 2 minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dip!
Notes for the Best Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
- For extra crispiness, chill apple sticks in the fridge for 10 minutes after prepping them and before coating.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—work in batches if needed.
- Learn more about the benefits of air frying for healthier snacks!
Variations on Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
- Gluten-Free: Swap regular flour and panko for gluten-free alternatives.
- Spiced Up: Add nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the breadcrumb mixture for fall flavors.
- Sweet & Savory: Sprinkle finished fries with flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty combo.
Equipment Needed for Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
- Air fryer (basket-style preferred)
- Three shallow bowls
- Sharp knife and apple corer
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions for Air Fryer Apple Fries
Store leftover Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness. They do not freeze well due to the apple’s moisture content.
Pairings & Serving Recommendations for Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
- Dunk in caramel sauce, vanilla yogurt, or chocolate sauce.
- Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for dessert.
- Enjoy as a topping for pancakes or French toast at brunch!
Pro Tips for the Crispiest Air Fryer Apple Fries
- Choose firm apples—softer varieties don’t hold their shape during air frying.
- Coat apples right before air frying to prevent the breading from getting soggy.
- For extra crunch, use Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs when coating.
FAQ: Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
- Can I use any type of apple?
- Firm, tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work best for apple fries because they hold their shape and provide the best texture.
- Do I need to peel the apples?
- No, peeling is optional; keeping the peel can add extra fiber and color, though the coating sticks better to peeled apples.
- Can I bake these instead of air frying?
- Yes! Arrange coated apple fries on a lined baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake at 400°F (204°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Learn more about air fryer vs oven results here.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 8 minutes | Total Time: 18 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced into fries
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray
Instructions
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1Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
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2Set up three separate bowls: one with flour and salt, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, cinnamon, and sugar.
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3Dip each apple fry first into the flour, then into the egg, and finally coat with the cinnamon-sugar breadcrumb mixture.
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4Arrange the coated apple fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
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5Air fry for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
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6Serve warm with caramel sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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