Home → Recipes → Appetizers → Air Fryer Apple Fries

Air Fryer Apple Fries

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: January 7, 2021

Jump to recipe

Indulge in a delightful twist on traditional apple desserts with Air Fryer Apple Fries.

These air-fried apple fries are crispy and lightly sweet treats that offer all the flavors of apple pie in a convenient, finger-friendly form. This recipe is easy and fun for both adults and kids! After all, who doesn’t love an easy recipe for a delicious snack?

Whether you’re craving a snack, dessert, or a fun side dish, fried apple sticks are a delightful way to enjoy the classic combination of apples and cinnamon, all with the bonus of being air-fried for a healthier and crunchier experience. Get ready to savor the taste of warm, cinnamon-infused apples enveloped in a perfectly crispy exterior.

This recipe can easily be adapted to a gluten-free recipe.

What Are Apple Fries?

They are a delectable snack or dessert made from sliced apples that are coated, seasoned, and then cooked until crispy, often using methods like deep frying or air frying. They offer a fun and delightful way to enjoy the natural sweetness of apples with a crispy and sometimes spiced outer layer. While they don’t contain traditional potato-based fries, the name “apple fries” is a playful reference to their shape and texture, resembling french fries. These apple treats can be served with dipping sauces or toppings, making them a versatile and satisfying snack or dessert option.

Apple fries are extremely popular at Burger King and Cracker Barrel, but today, with your air fryer, you can make a delicious batch of apple fries in minutes! These healthy snacks will soon become one of your favorite easy desserts!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

You’ll love this recipe because it combines the best of both worlds: the wholesome goodness of apples and the irresistible crunch of fries. Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:

Healthy Indulgence: Unlike traditional deep-fried snacks, these fries are air-fried, reducing the need for excessive oil while maintaining a satisfying crunch. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a snack or dessert.
Natural Sweetness: Apples bring their natural sweetness to the forefront, ensuring that your taste buds are treated with fruity flavor with every bite.
Cinnamon-Spiced Delight: Adding a cinnamon sugar mixture infuses the flavor with a warm, comforting spice that perfectly matches its sweetness. It’s like having a mini apple pie in every fry.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward to prepare and takes just a short time to cook. It’s a hassle-free way to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and crispy.
Kid-Friendly and Fun: Children and adults alike will enjoy the playful concept! It’s a delightful way to encourage kids to eat more fruit while enjoying a snack that feels like a treat.
Versatile: You can customize this recipe with various dipping sauces or toppings, allowing you to tailor the flavor profile to your liking. Whether you prefer caramel sauce, yogurt, or a dusting of powdered sugar, the possibilities are endless.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re looking for a midday snack, a dessert after dinner, or a fun party treat,
Nostalgic Comfort: The aroma of cinnamon and warm apples evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort, making these fries perfect for cozy evenings or special moments with loved ones.
Healthier Alternative: Instead of choosing sugary and calorie-laden desserts, these provide a healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise taste.

If you are looking for other great and easy air fryer apple recipes, my favorites are Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple, Air Fryer Brown Sugar Grapefruit, or Air Fried Apples.

Ingredients Needed

Here are the ingredients you will need:

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Apples (Sweet or Tart): Apples are the star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and a crisp texture. You can choose sweet apples like Honeycrisp for a milder flavor or tart apples like Granny Smith for a zesty kick.
Eggs: Eggs create an egg wash that helps the cinnamon sugar and cornstarch coating adhere to the apple slices, ensuring a crispy exterior when air-fried.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: Graham cracker crumbs add a delightful hint of graham flavor and an extra layer of crispiness, making them even more delicious.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is combined with ground cinnamon to create a sweet and aromatic coating.
Olive Oil Spray: Olive oil spray greases the air fryer basket lightly.

How To Make Apple Fries In Air Fryer

Here are the step-by-step instructions for fried apple fries:

Step One: Cut and Peel The Apples

Spray your air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray. Start by peeling the apples with an apple peeler and then cutting them into apple wedges or apple slices.

If you have an apple wedger, cut apples into 1-inch wedges with a sharp knife, trying to slice apples into similar-sized pieces.

Step Two: Prepare The Coating

Mix the graham crackers and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Beat the eggs in a separate mixing bowl.

Step Three: Coat the Apples

Use a paper towel to dry the apples. Place apples into the egg mixture and the graham cracker mixture. (Shake after each dip to remove any excess)

Step Three: Air Fry Your Apple Fries

Place apple fries in the air fryer basket. Spray them generously with olive oil–this will help you get a plate of crispy coating. Set the temperature to 380 degrees F and the cook time to 8-10 minutes. Use tongs to flip them halfway through the cooking process. After you flip them, liberally spray with olive oil or brush with vegetable oil or canola oil.

Step Four: Serving

Once the apple sticks are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. For easy removal, use a large slotted spoon or tongs.

Serve with caramel sauce or a cinnamon sugar coating on top. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for dipping. It adds an extra layer of indulgence to this delicious dessert.

Recipe Variations

Caramel Drizzle: After air frying, drizzle with warm caramel sauce for an indulgent twist. This classic combination takes them to the next level.
Nutty Crunch: After coating them in cinnamon sugar, immediately sprinkle and add a crunchy element by tossing them with finely chopped nuts, such as toasted almonds or pecans.
Apple Pie Spice Blend: Instead of just ground cinnamon, create an apple pie spice blend by combining cinnamon with a pinch of nutmeg, brown sugar, cloves, and allspice. This will give your fries a more complex and spiced flavor.
Maple Glaze: Drizzle your with pure maple syrup after air frying for a sweet and slightly earthy flavor. Top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Savory Option: If you prefer a savory twist, skip the sugar and cinnamon. Instead, season it with a pinch of salt and a light dusting of paprika or cayenne pepper for a unique and unexpected flavor profile.
Chocolate Dip: Melt some dark chocolate as a dipping sauce. The combination of sweet apples and rich chocolate is heavenly.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Warm some peanut butter and drizzle it over your —the nutty flavor pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the apples.
Almond Joy Inspired: After air frying, coat with shredded coconut and chopped almonds. Drizzle with chocolate and coconut milk for an Almond Joy-inspired treat.
Cranberry-Apple Fusion: Toss dried cranberries into the mix along with your apple slices. The tartness of the cranberries complements the sweet apples beautifully.
Breakfast Apple Fries:– Sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar, then serve them with a side of yogurt or Greek yogurt for a breakfast-friendly twist.

Pro Tips

Fresh Apples: Opt for crisp, slightly tart apple varieties. The best options for apple fry are Granny Smith Apples or Honeycrisp apples. Their texture holds up well during air frying, and their natural tartness complements the sweet cinnamon coating.
Uniform Slicing: Slice the apples to a uniform thickness to ensure they are even when cooking. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for consistent results.
Prevent Browning: To prevent browning, toss the apple slices in lemon juice immediately after cutting them. This adds a zesty brightness to the flavor.
Coat Evenly: When coating the apple slices with cinnamon sugar and cornstarch, make sure each slice is evenly covered. This helps achieve a uniform crispiness.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat ensures they start cooking immediately, resulting in a crisper texture.
To avoid overcrowding, arrange them in a single layer, ensuring space between them. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results.
Spray with Cooking Oil: Lightly spray with cooking oil or use a spritzer. This helps them achieve a golden-brown and crispy exterior without excessive oil.
Flip Halfway Through: Flip halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides are evenly crispy. This step is essential for achieving uniform texture.
Monitor Carefully: Keep a close eye on them as they cook, especially toward the end of cooking time. Temperatures can vary, and you want to prevent overcooking, leading to a tough texture.
Serve Immediately: They are best when served fresh and warm. Enjoy them right after air frying for the crispiest experience.
Dipping Sauces:– Serve with dipping sauces, such as caramel sauce, caramel dip, caramel cream dip, cream cheese, vanilla yogurt (mixed with brown sugar) or even a drizzle of honey, to enhance the flavor and add extra enjoyment. Sprinkle with apple pie spice right before serving for added flavor.

Faq’s

Can I leave the skin on the apples? Yes, you can leave the skin on if you prefer. Apple skin adds extra fiber and nutrients. Just make sure to wash and thoroughly scrub the apples before slicing.

Can I use other types of apples? While Granny Smith, Gala, Pink Lady, Honey Crisp, Red Delicious, and Honeycrisp apples are popular for their tartness and crisp texture, you can experiment with the type of apple to suit your taste preferences.

Can I make these in advance? While these are is best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness, you can prepare the apple slices and coat them in lemon juice ahead of time to prevent browning. Air-fry them just before serving them for the best results.

Can I reheat leftover apple fries? Reheating for a few minutes can help restore some crispiness, but they may not be as crispy as when freshly made. It’s best to enjoy them right after cooking.

What dipping sauces go well with apple fries? They pair well with dipping sauces, including homemade caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, vanilla yogurt, whipped cream, or even peanut butter. Feel free to get creative with your choices.

Can I use a different spice other than cinnamon? Yes, you can experiment with different spices to create unique flavor profiles. For a different twist, use nutmeg, brown sugar, apple pie spice, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, allspice, or pumpkin spice.

Are these apple fries healthy? They are a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks or desserts since they use less oil and retain the nutrients of the apples. However, the sugar and caramel sauce can add sweetness and calories, so enjoy them in moderation.

Can I make savory apple fries? Absolutely! You can skip the sugar and cinnamon, season with salt and spices like paprika or cayenne pepper, and serve them as a savory side dish.

How to store leftover apple fries: Let the crisp apple wedges cool to room temperature and place them in an airtight container. When stored in the refrigerator, the apples will last 2-3 days.

Can I freeze apple fries for later use? Freezing is not recommended, as they may lose their crispiness upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy them fresh.

Can I make these without an air fryer?– Yes, you can bake. Place them on a baking sheet in a conventional oven at around 375°F (190°C) until they are crispy and golden brown, flipping them halfway through

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Don’t Forget To Pin!

Share Your Creations! Are you active on Facebook? Join our Air Fryer Recipes Group, where hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer enthusiasts gather and share your photos! I’m always thrilled to see what you’ve made. For those on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @forktospoon – I can’t wait to admire your culinary adventures!