Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries take everything you love about cinnamon-sugar doughnuts, churros, and warm baked apples, then turn it into dippable “fries” that cook in just minutes. Fresh apple wedges get coated in a simple breading, air fried until golden and crunchy on the outside and tender inside, then tossed in cinnamon sugar and served with caramel or vanilla dip. They’re a cozy fall dessert or snack that feels indulgent but uses a fraction of the oil of deep frying.
Equipment You Will Need
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls (2–3 shallow bowls)
- Whisk or fork
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Peeler (optional, for peeling apples)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or fork for turning fries
Ingredients List
For the apple fries
- 3 medium firm apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs or fine breadcrumbs
For the cinnamon sugar coating
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For serving (optional)
- Warm caramel sauce
- Vanilla yogurt or whipped cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 375–380°F (about 190°C) for a few minutes while you prepare the apples. Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to help prevent sticking. In a small bowl, stir together the ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for the final coating and set aside.
Peel the apples if you prefer them without skins, or leave the skins on for more texture and color. Core the apples and slice them into fry-shaped wedges, about ½ inch thick. Try to keep them similar in size so they cook evenly. If you’re working slowly, you can toss the slices with a little lemon juice to keep them from browning.
Set up a breading station. In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt and whisk to blend. In a second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, place the graham cracker crumbs or breadcrumbs.
Working with a few apple wedges at a time, dredge each piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Dip the floured apple into the beaten egg, letting the extra drip back into the bowl. Finally, roll the apple in the graham crumbs or breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so the coating adheres on all sides. Place the coated wedges on a plate or tray while you finish the rest.
Arrange the breaded apple fries in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each for air circulation. You will likely need to cook them in batches. Lightly spray the tops with oil; this helps the coating crisp and brown.
Air fry the apple fries for about 5–7 minutes, then carefully flip them with tongs, spray again lightly, and cook for another 3–5 minutes. Total time will depend on your air fryer and the thickness of the apples. They’re done when the outside is golden and crisp and the apples are tender but not mushy when pierced with a fork.
As soon as the fries come out of the air fryer, toss them gently in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they’re still hot so it sticks well. If you prefer, you can sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over them on a plate instead of tossing. Repeat the cooking and coating process with remaining apple wedges.
Serve the Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries warm with small bowls of warm caramel sauce, vanilla yogurt, or whipped cream for dipping. They’re best enjoyed right away, while the coating is at its crispiest and the centers are still warm and soft.
Expert Tips for Success
Choose firm, crisp apples that hold their shape when baked or cooked—varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady work especially well. Softer apples can turn mushy before the coating has time to crisp. Cutting the apples into uniform “fries” helps them cook evenly and finish at the same time.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; too many fries at once will steam rather than crisp, leaving the coating soft. Cook in batches and keep finished fries warm in a low oven if needed. Lightly spraying the coated apples with oil before cooking is key to getting that golden, crunchy exterior.
Keep an eye on timing. Air fryers vary, and because apples have natural sugars, the coating can brown quickly. If your first batch gets dark too fast, lower the temperature slightly or shorten the cook time by a minute or two.
Variations and Substitutions
You can easily tweak these apple fries to suit your taste or dietary needs. Use crushed vanilla wafers, Biscoff cookies, or cornflakes instead of graham crackers for different flavor and crunch. For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats pulsed into crumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of graham crackers and swap in a gluten-free flour blend.
Play with spices: add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or apple pie spice to the flour or cinnamon sugar for extra warmth. For less sweetness, reduce the sugar in the final coating or skip it and dust the fries lightly with powdered sugar just before serving.
If you want to skip the egg, you can dip floured apples in milk or a plant-based milk before coating in crumbs; they may not hold as thick a crust but will still get some crunch. A light drizzle of honey or maple syrup over the finished fries gives a different kind of sweetness without extra granulated sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are fantastic as a snack or dessert on their own, but dips take them to the next level. Serve with warm caramel sauce, cream cheese dip, vanilla yogurt, chocolate sauce, or even a simple powdered sugar glaze. For a sundae-style treat, pile fries next to a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel and a sprinkle of nuts.
They’re also fun on a dessert board with other finger-food sweets like brownies, cookies, and chocolate-covered pretzels. For brunch, pair them with pancakes or waffles as a playful side instead of hashbrowns, especially in the fall when apples are at their best.
Storage and Reheating
These fries are best enjoyed fresh, when the coating is crisp and the apples are warm. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The coating will soften, but you can re-crisp them somewhat by popping them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, checking often.
Because of the moisture in the apples, they don’t freeze well once cooked; the texture tends to become too soft when thawed. If you want to prep ahead, you can cut and bread the apples, then refrigerate them for a short time before cooking. Air fry just before serving to keep that crunchy exterior and tender, just-cooked interior.