Why You’ll Love Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe
These apple fries are quick to make and require no deep frying, making them a lighter alternative to traditional fried desserts. They are kid-friendly, customizable with different coatings and spices, and perfect for serving as a snack, party treat, or simple dessert. The air fryer creates a crisp texture without excess oil, while the natural sweetness of apples shines through.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
apples
all-purpose flour
eggs
milk
breadcrumbs or panko
granulated sugar
ground cinnamon
cooking spray
Directions
Start by washing, peeling, and coring the apples. Cut them into evenly sized fry-shaped slices.
Prepare three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, sugar, and cinnamon.
Dip each apple slice into the flour, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat well with the breadcrumb mixture.
Preheat the air fryer. Arrange the coated apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
Air fry until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through cooking. Remove and repeat with remaining apple slices. Serve warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 to 12 minutes
Total time: about 25 to 30 minutes
Variations
For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Add nutmeg or apple pie spice to the coating for deeper flavor.
Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
Serve with caramel sauce, vanilla yogurt, or cream cheese dip for a different twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover apple fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soft.
FAQs
What type of apples work best for apple fries?
Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best because they hold their shape during cooking.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the peel on if you prefer extra fiber.
Can I make these without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the eggs with milk, plant-based milk, or a light batter made from flour and water.
Are apple fries healthy?
They are a lighter option compared to deep-fried desserts, especially since they are cooked in the air fryer with minimal oil.
Can I use an oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven, though they may not be as crispy as in the air fryer.
Why aren’t my apple fries crispy?
Overcrowding the air fryer basket or skipping the cooking spray can prevent proper crisping.
Can I prepare apple fries ahead of time?
They are best served fresh, but you can bread the apples in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook.
What dipping sauces go well with apple fries?
Caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, vanilla icing, or yogurt-based dips pair well with apple fries.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor to the coating.
How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Make sure to pat the apples dry and firmly press the breadcrumb mixture onto each slice.
Conclusion
Crispy air fryer apple fries are an easy, crowd-pleasing treat that transforms simple apples into something special. With minimal ingredients and quick cooking time, this recipe is perfect for satisfying sweet cravings while keeping things light and homemade.
