Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries

If you’ve never had apple fries before, you’re in for a real treat. These crispy air fryer apple fries are warm, sweet, slightly tart, and coated in a cinnamon-sugar crunch that tastes just like a cozy fall fair—without all the deep-fried guilt.

 I created this recipe after trying a version at a local festival and knew I had to recreate them at home. And the air fryer made it so much easier (and healthier)!

These apple fries are perfect for kids, parties, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and satisfying without reaching for packaged snacks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy outside, tender inside – The air fryer gives you that perfect golden crunch with soft apple centers.
  
• Quick and easy – Just slice, coat, air fry, and dip!
  
• Lighter than fried versions – No oil splatters, no deep fryer required.
  
• Naturally sweet – The apples do most of the work.
  
• Kid-friendly – Serve with caramel or yogurt dip for a snack everyone will love.
  

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Apple Fries:

• 2 large firm apples (I like Honeycrisp or Fuji for their sweetness and crunch)
  
• ½ cup almond flour (or all-purpose flour if not keto/gluten-free)
  
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes (for extra crunch)
  
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  
• ¼ cup sugar (or monk fruit/stevia for a low-carb option)
  
• 2 eggs, beaten
  
• Optional: a tiny pinch of salt to balance the sweetness
  

For Dipping (Optional but Recommended):

• Warm caramel sauce (see quick recipe below)
  
• Vanilla yogurt dip (also included below)
  
• Whipped cream or marshmallow fluff
  

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries

Step 1: Slice the Apples

Peel the apples if you prefer (I usually leave the skin on for color and fiber), then slice them into thin fry-like strips—think shoestring or matchstick fries.

Tip: Keep the slices uniform in thickness so they cook evenly. Too thick and they stay mushy; too thin and they might burn.

Step 2: Prep the Breading Station

In one bowl, whisk the eggs.
In a second bowl, combine almond flour, panko, cinnamon, sugar, and salt.

Mistake I made once: I used regular breadcrumbs only, and they turned soggy. A mix of almond flour and panko keeps them crispy and flavorful.

Step 3: Coat the Apple Fries

Dip each apple slice into the egg, then coat it in the cinnamon-sugar crumb mix. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks well.

Pro Tip: Work in small batches so the crumbs don’t get too wet and clumpy.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with oil.
Add the apple fries in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Don’t overcrowd the basket—they’ll steam instead of crisp. Cook in batches if needed.

How to Serve

These apple fries are best enjoyed warm, right out of the air fryer. They’re delicious on their own, but even better when paired with a simple dip. Here are two of my go-to options that take just minutes to whip up:

Quick Warm Caramel Sauce

• ¼ cup brown sugar
  
• 2 tablespoons butter
  
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  
• Pinch of salt
  

In a small saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat until bubbly. Stir in heavy cream and a pinch of salt. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened. Serve warm.

Shortcut: You can also melt store-bought soft caramels with a splash of milk in the microwave for 30–60 seconds.

Easy Vanilla Yogurt Dip

• ½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt
  
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl until smooth. Chill until ready to serve. This dip adds a creamy, tangy balance to the sweet, crispy fries.

Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use almond flour and gluten-free panko or crushed nuts.
  
• Low Sugar: Swap regular sugar for a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol.
  
• Add spice: Mix in nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.
  
• No air fryer? Bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, flipping once.
  

Tips for the Best Apple Fries

• Use firm, crisp apples that won’t fall apart during cooking.
  
• Don’t skip the egg wash—it helps the coating stick.
  
• Serve immediately for the best texture (they lose their crispiness after a few hours).
  
• Want even more crunch? Double-coat them by dipping in egg and crumbs twice.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

They’re best fresh, but you can prep the apple slices and coating separately, then assemble and air fry when ready.

What apples work best for this?

Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples hold their shape and balance sweetness with a little tartness.

Can I freeze them?

I don’t recommend it. The coating tends to get soggy after thawing.

How do I store leftovers?

If you must, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. Reheat in the air fryer to try and restore crispiness.

A Sweet Ending

These crispy air fryer apple fries are proof that you can enjoy fun, snackable treats without loads of oil or sugar. They’re crunchy, warm, and perfect for dipping into something sweet like caramel or creamy like yogurt. 

Whether it’s fall, a weekday afternoon, or you just want something new to try, this easy air fryer recipe is a must. Give it a go—and don’t be surprised if they disappear in minutes!