Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries: A Fun, Healthy Dessert You’ll Make on Repeat

Apple fries are one of those magical treats that make everyone light up with excitement kids, adults, and anyone who loves a sweet snack with a crispy twist. I first stumbled on apple fries at a fall festival years ago, and instantly knew I needed to make a healthier, everyday version at home. Enter the Air Fryer: suddenly, you get the same golden, crispy outside and tender inside, without the heavy oil or fuss. Coated in cinnamon sugar and ready in minutes, these air fryer apple fries have become a staple for movie nights, after-school snacks, and cozy fall cravings. If you’re looking for a delicious dessert or a sneaky way to get more fruit into your day, this recipe is pure gold!

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What Are Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries?

Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are apple slices cut into fry shapes, coated in a light layer of cinnamon sugar (sometimes with a touch of flour or cornstarch for extra crunch), and cooked in the air fryer until golden and crispy. The result is a sweet, crunchy “fry” with a warm, tender apple center like the best part of apple pie, but handheld and dippable. They’re a lighter, faster twist on deep-fried fairground apple fries, and they make for an addictively good snack or dessert, especially with a side of caramel or whipped cream for dipping.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

There’s a lot to love about air fryer apple fries, but here’s why you’ll want to make them again and again:

• Crispy and Sweet: The air fryer makes the outside golden and crunchy, with a soft apple inside.
• No Deep Frying: All the fun of a fairground snack, but way healthier and easier.
• Ready in Minutes: 15 minutes start to finish, with minimal ingredients and mess.
• Kid-Friendly: Perfect for after-school snacks, lunchboxes, or family dessert night.
• Customizable: Adjust the spices or coating to suit your taste.
• Gluten-Free Option: Can be made with gluten-free flour or cornstarch.

How Do Air Fryer Apple Fries Taste?

Air fryer apple fries are the perfect blend of textures and flavors. The exterior is crisp and sweet with a cinnamon-sugar crunch, while the inside is warm and juicy with that unmistakable fresh apple taste. They’re lightly caramelized on the edges and utterly addictive—especially when you serve them with a creamy dip, caramel sauce, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Each bite tastes like apple pie meets French fry, and you’ll find it hard to stop at just one handful!

Health & Ingredient Benefits

These apple fries aren’t just fun—they’re good for you, too:

• Apples: High in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants—naturally sweet and low in calories.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and sweetness, helps balance blood sugar.
• Minimal Oil: Just a spritz or brush, making this a heart-healthy treat.
• No Artificial Ingredients: Just real fruit and pantry staples.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make a generous batch of crispy apple fries, you’ll need:

• 2 large apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour/cornstarch)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Cooking spray or a little melted butter/oil (for crisping)
• Optional: powdered sugar, caramel sauce, whipped cream for serving

Tools You’ll Need

You probably already have everything you need:

• Air fryer
• Knife and cutting board
• Shallow bowls for dredging
• Tongs or a spatula
• Mixing bowl

Optional Substitutions & Additions

Make these fries your own with fun swaps:

• Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour.
• Extra Crunch: Add a tablespoon of crushed graham crackers or panko to the coating.
• Sugar-Free: Substitute coconut sugar, monk fruit, or skip the sugar for a tart bite.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice to the cinnamon.
• Savory Twist: Skip the sugar and toss with smoked paprika for a fun snack.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries

1. Prep Apples: Wash, core, and peel apples if desired. Cut apples into fry-like sticks, about 1/2-inch thick.
2. Make Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Dredge: Toss apple fries in the flour mixture, coating evenly. Tap off excess.
4. Air Fry: Arrange fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray or brush with oil or melted butter.
5. Cook: Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping halfway, until golden and crisp on the edges.
6. Serve: Sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar if desired. Serve warm, with dips like caramel sauce or whipped cream.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Apple Fries

These fries are perfect on their own, but here are some favorite pairings:

• Warm caramel sauce for dipping
• Vanilla or cinnamon whipped cream
• Greek yogurt and honey
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Dusting of powdered sugar
• Peanut butter or Nutella

Tips for Success

• Cut Evenly: Uniform fries cook and crisp better.
• Single Layer: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer for maximum crunch.
• Watch Closely: Different air fryers vary—check early to prevent burning.
• Best Served Fresh: Apple fries are crispiest right after cooking.
• Pat Dry: If apples are extra juicy, pat with a paper towel before dredging.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Basket: Fries will steam and not crisp up—cook in batches if needed.
• Skipping the Oil: Even a little spray or brush helps get a golden, crunchy finish.
• Too-Thin or Too-Thick Slices: Too thin and they’ll burn; too thick and they’ll be mushy.
• Letting Them Sit: Serve immediately for best texture—fries will soften as they cool.

How to Store & Reheat

• Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but they will lose some crispness.
• Reheat: Pop back in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to re-crisp before serving.
• Freeze: Not recommended, as apples will get mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any kind of apple?
Yes! Sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji, or tart Granny Smith for contrast.

Can I make them ahead?
Best served fresh, but you can prep apples and coating ahead and fry just before serving.

Can I bake these in the oven?
Yes spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F (218°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Do I have to peel the apples?
Nope! The skin adds extra fiber and color, but you can peel for a softer bite.

Can I skip the sugar?
Absolutely just toss in cinnamon for a healthy, naturally sweet snack.

Nutritional Info (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 110
• Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Sugar: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 1g
• Sodium: 18mg

(Values are estimates and will vary with type of apple and coating.)

Conclusion

Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are a fun, guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth with a crispy, cinnamon-sugar twist. Ready in minutes, endlessly customizable, and bursting with cozy fall flavor, they’re guaranteed to become a snack-time favorite in your home. Make a batch today and watch them disappear no deep fryer (or festival ticket) required!

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August 4, 2025 by Melissa