If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for fun, easy treats that feel just a little bit special but don’t have you spending hours in the kitchen. That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share these Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries with you today! They’re sweet, lightly spiced, crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and ridiculously easy to whip up. Plus, thanks to the magic of the air fryer, they’re lighter than traditional fried desserts but still packed with flavor and texture.

I first made these on a chilly fall afternoon when I had a couple of apples sitting around and a craving for something cozy. Honestly, the air fryer had already become my go-to for quick snacks, but I wasn’t prepared for just how good these would turn out. One bite, and I knew they were going to be a staple snack in my house! And the best part? You can customize them to your heart’s content with different dipping sauces and apple varieties.

Whether you’re looking for a playful party appetizer, a fun after-school snack, or a light dessert to pair with your favorite cozy beverage, these apple fries check every box. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.

Let’s jump into it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your favorite variety)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
2 teaspoons cinnamon

2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Cooking spray

For the Dipping Sauce:

1/2 cup caramel sauce (optional)
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt (optional for a lighter option)

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by getting your apples ready. You can peel them if you like, but it’s totally fine to leave the skin on for a little extra texture and fiber. Slice the apples into wedges about 1/2 inch thick, and make sure to remove the core and seeds. Once you’ve got your slices ready, mix together the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl and set it aside—you’re going to want this ready to go for both the coating and the final sprinkle!

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

Now it’s time to get your breading station organized. Grab three shallow bowls:

Put the flour in one.
Beat the eggs in the second.
In the third, mix the panko breadcrumbs with half of your cinnamon-sugar mixture.

This setup keeps everything neat and makes the coating process super easy.

Step 3: Coat the Apple Slices

Take each apple slice and give it a quick dredge in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten egg, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s nicely covered all over. It might feel a little messy, but that’s half the fun! Repeat the process until all your apple slices are ready for the fryer.

How to Finish and Perfect Your Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries

Alright, now that your apple slices are all coated and ready, it’s time for the really fun part—air frying them to crispy, golden perfection. This is where the magic happens, and honestly, watching them crisp up is almost as satisfying as eating them. Almost.

This next part comes together quickly, so make sure your dipping sauces are standing by and that your kitchen smells amazing, because once these apple fries are ready, they won’t last long!

Let’s keep going!

Steps to Air Fry and Serve Your Apple Fries

Step 4: Preheat and Arrange

Before you start cooking, go ahead and preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Preheating is important because it helps the apple fries start crisping up right away instead of sitting there warming up slowly.

Once your air fryer is ready, arrange the breaded apple slices in a single layer in the basket. You might have to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer—you don’t want to overcrowd them because that can lead to soggy fries instead of crispy ones.

Lightly spray the tops of the apple slices with cooking spray. This helps the breadcrumbs crisp up beautifully without needing a ton of oil.

Step 5: Air Fry Until Crispy

Now, cook the apple fries at 375°F for about 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Keep an eye on them after the 8-minute mark—you’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown color and a crunchy exterior.

Depending on your air fryer model, you might need a little less or a little more time. Every machine is a little different, so it’s always a good idea to check a few minutes early to prevent over-browning.

Step 6: Sprinkle and Serve

Once the apple fries are out of the air fryer and still hot, give them a generous sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture. It melts just a little on the warm fries and makes every bite extra delicious.

Then, transfer them to a plate and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces. Caramel sauce is a total classic and adds that rich, buttery sweetness. If you want something a little lighter or tangier, vanilla yogurt is a fantastic choice, too. Honestly, you can’t go wrong either way.

Helpful Tips and Easy Variations

Choosing Apples: Granny Smith apples are my favorite because their tartness balances out the sweet coating. If you love a sweeter bite, go for Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give you that ultra-crispy texture, but regular breadcrumbs will work if that’s what you have on hand. You can even mix in a little finely shredded coconut with the panko for a tropical twist.
Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives and you’re good to go.
Fun Dips: Beyond caramel and yogurt, try chocolate sauce, dulce de leche, whipped cream, or even peanut butter for dipping.
Storing and Reheating: These apple fries are best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers (lucky you!), pop them back into the air fryer for a couple of minutes to crisp them up again.

FAQ About Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries

Before we wrap things up, let’s quickly go through a few questions you might have about making these Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries. Whether you’re wondering about apple types, storage tips, or how to get that perfect crunch, I’ve got you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

These apple fries are definitely best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer when they’re warm and crispy. However, if you need to prep ahead, you can bread the apple slices and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before air frying. Just be sure to fry them right before serving for the best texture.

What’s the best apple to use?

Granny Smith apples are a top choice because their tartness balances the sweet coating beautifully, and they hold up well during air frying. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala are great if you prefer a sweeter and slightly softer fry.

Do I have to peel the apples?

Nope! It’s totally up to you. If you like a little extra texture and don’t mind the peel, leave it on. If you prefer a softer, smoother fry, go ahead and peel them.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Absolutely. Panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, crispier texture, but regular breadcrumbs will still give you a delicious, crunchy coating. Use whatever you have on hand.

How do I store leftovers?

If you somehow have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 4 minutes to bring back that crispiness.

What other dips can I serve with these?

Besides caramel sauce and vanilla yogurt, chocolate sauce, dulce de leche, peanut butter sauce, or even whipped cream make fantastic dipping options. Get creative and find your favorite combo.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free breadcrumbs. They’ll turn out just as crispy and delicious without the gluten.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love These Apple Fries

There’s just something about the combination of crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated apples and a sweet, creamy dip that feels like a little bite of pure happiness. These Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are quick, easy, and a perfect way to turn simple ingredients into something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

They’re the kind of treat that works for so many occasions—after-school snacks, party appetizers, casual desserts, or just because you want something a little sweet and satisfying. Plus, since they’re made in the air fryer with a light spray of oil, you can enjoy that indulgent feeling without going overboard.

If you make these apple fries, I’d love to hear how they turn out for you! Let me know if you tried any fun variations or creative dips. And don’t be surprised if these disappear faster than you expect—they’re seriously that good.

Happy snacking!

Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries