Introduction of Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
As a chef, few things excite me more than taking a classic flavor combination and giving it a fun twist. That is exactly what I love about crispy air fryer apple fries. Imagine the comforting taste of warm apples wrapped in a sweet cinnamon coating, only this time they are transformed into golden sticks with a light, crunchy finish. It is a snack that feels both playful and indulgent while still being surprisingly simple to prepare.
Table of Contents
Air fryers have changed the way many of us approach desserts. Instead of heavy frying in oil, this method delivers the same satisfying crisp with far less fuss. The apples hold their natural juiciness while the coating develops into a beautifully textured crust. Every bite has that irresistible mix of tender fruit on the inside and cinnamon sugar crunch on the outside.
This recipe is designed for anyone who loves a cozy treat without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you want a quick dessert after dinner, a wholesome snack for the kids, or something to share during a fall gathering, these air fryer apple fries hit the mark. In just a short time, you can serve a dish that tastes nostalgic yet feels fresh and modern. That balance of ease, flavor, and comfort is what makes this recipe so special.

Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries 7 Irresistible Treats
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Apple Peeler
- Mixing bowls
- Large Lidded Container
- Slotted Spoon
Ingredients
Apples
- 2 large Honeycrisp apples peeled and cut into 1/2-inch wedges
Coating
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp apple pie spice
- 4 tbsp ground cinnamon reserve 1 tbsp for sugar topping
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon combine with brown sugar
To Cook
- olive oil nonstick spray for basket and tops of fries
Instructions
- Peel apples and cut into halves, then into 1/2-inch wedges; uniform size ensures even cooking.
- Whisk flour, apple pie spice, and 3 tbsp of the cinnamon in a medium bowl until evenly combined.
- Transfer the dry mix to a large container with a tight lid. Add apple wedges, seal, and shake vigorously to coat every surface.
- Lift apples out with a slotted spoon, shaking off excess. Keep the remaining flour mixture in the container for a second coat.
- In a clean bowl, whisk eggs with vanilla until smooth to make an egg wash that helps the crust adhere.
- Dip a few apple wedges at a time into the egg wash, return to the container with the flour mixture, reseal, and shake to apply a second coating for extra crunch.
- Stir brown sugar with the reserved 1 tbsp cinnamon to make the cinnamon-sugar topping; set aside.
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil nonstick spray. Arrange coated apples in a single layer, leaving space for air circulation; cook in batches if needed.
- Spray tops of apples, sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar over them, and air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6 minutes until lightly golden.
- Flip apples, spray again, sprinkle remaining cinnamon sugar, and air fry 6 minutes more until crisp outside and tender inside.
- Serve warm with caramel sauce or a simple powdered sugar glaze.
Notes
More Favorites from My Kitchen:
Apple Butter Snickerdoodles Cookies 5 Powerful Secrets for Perfect Chewy Cookies
Pumpkin Pie Cookies 5 Incredible Tricks for Perfect Results
Or go to my Pinterest.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe “Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries”
- Quick to prepare: From start to finish, these crispy air fryer apple fries take only a few simple steps, making them perfect when you want a fast snack or dessert without waiting around.
- Simple ingredients: You do not need anything fancy to make this recipe. With apples, flour, eggs, cinnamon, and sugar, you already have most of what is required in your pantry.
- Sweet and savory balance: The warm spice of cinnamon and the natural tartness of apples create a flavor that feels both comforting and exciting. It is a perfect match for anyone who loves sweet treats that are not overwhelmingly rich.
- Family friendly: Kids adore these apple fries because they look fun and taste amazing. Parents love them because they are lighter than deep fried options and still deliver plenty of flavor.
- Crowd pleaser: Whether you are serving a Sunday snack, a fall gathering treat, or a quick dessert after dinner, these apple fries will always get attention and compliments.
What sets this recipe apart is the double coating technique. By dipping the apple slices twice, the crust becomes extra crunchy, holding onto that cinnamon sugar topping beautifully. It is not just about taste, it is also about creating a texture that feels irresistible. That small detail makes all the difference, and it is why this recipe consistently surprises guests with how delicious a simple apple can become.
Ingredients Needed for Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
Here is everything you will need to make crispy air fryer apple fries. I like to group the ingredients so it is easier to follow and prep.
For the apples
- 2 large Honeycrisp apples, peeled and sliced into wedges (other firm varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji also work well)
For the coating
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons apple pie spice blend
- 4 tablespoons ground cinnamon (reserving 1 tablespoon for the sugar topping)
For the egg wash
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the sweet finish
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (reserved from above, for mixing with the sugar)
Chef’s note: Using Honeycrisp apples provides a nice balance of tart and sweet, while the flour-spice coating and double dredge technique help lock in the crunch. Keeping the eggs at room temperature ensures the coating adheres more evenly.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
- Prepare the apples
Peel the apples with a peeler and cut them into halves. Slice each half into wedges about half an inch thick. Keeping the slices uniform helps them cook evenly. - Mix the coating
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, apple pie spice, and four tablespoons of cinnamon until well combined. This mixture will give the fries their warm and aromatic flavor. - First coating
Transfer the flour mixture to a large container with a tight-fitting lid. Add the apple wedges, close the lid, and shake vigorously until the wedges are evenly coated. This ensures every slice has a good base layer. - Remove excess flour
Using a slotted spoon, lift the coated apples from the container. Shake off any extra flour mixture and set them aside on a plate. Do not discard the flour mixture, you will use it again. - Prepare the egg wash
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with vanilla extract until smooth. This helps the coating stick firmly to the apples. - Dip and dredge
Working with a few wedges at a time, dip them into the egg wash. Place the dipped apples back into the container with the flour mixture and shake again to give them a second coating. This step creates the crisp outer layer once cooked. - Make the sugar topping
In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and the remaining tablespoon of cinnamon. Set aside for later. - Load the air fryer
Spray the basket with olive oil nonstick spray. Place the coated apple wedges in a single layer, leaving space between them so the hot air can circulate. You will likely need to cook in two batches. - First cook cycle
Spray the tops of the apple wedges generously with olive oil spray. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over them, then air fry at 350°F for six minutes. The coating should begin to turn golden. - Flip and finish
Open the basket, flip the apple wedges, spray again, and sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture. Cook for another six minutes until the coating is crisp and the apples are tender inside. - Serve
Enjoy the apple fries warm, straight from the air fryer. They pair beautifully with caramel sauce or a simple powdered sugar glaze.
Chef’s tip: Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leaving space between the wedges is key to achieving a crispy finish.

Serving and Storage Tips of Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
Serving Suggestions of Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
Crispy air fryer apple fries are best enjoyed warm while the coating is still crunchy and fragrant. For a fun presentation, serve them in small paper cones or ramekins, just like traditional fries. They taste amazing dipped into warm caramel sauce, drizzled with a simple powdered sugar glaze, or paired with whipped cream for an indulgent touch. For a lighter option, try them with a spiced yogurt dip or a drizzle of honey. These fries also make a wonderful addition to a fall dessert platter or a sweet brunch spread.
Storage of Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
If you have leftovers, place the cooled apple fries in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store them in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Reheating of Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
To bring back their crispness, reheat the apple fries in the air fryer at 325°F for two to three minutes. This method helps restore the crunchy texture far better than microwaving, which can make them soggy.
Chef’s note: For the best texture and flavor, enjoy these apple fries the same day you make them. However, knowing how to reheat them properly means you can still enjoy the leftovers without losing their irresistible crunch.
Helpful Notes of Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
- Apple varieties: Honeycrisp apples give a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, but Granny Smith adds a tangy bite that contrasts beautifully with the cinnamon sugar. Gala or Fuji are sweeter and yield a softer texture. Avoid Red Delicious, as they turn mushy when cooked.
- Air fryer tips: Always spray your basket with olive oil nonstick spray rather than aerosol cooking sprays that contain propellants. Olive oil spray prevents buildup and helps keep the fries from sticking.
- Batch cooking: Resist the urge to overcrowd the basket. Space between the apple wedges allows hot air to circulate, giving you that signature crispy crust.
- Coating trick: Double dredging (flour, egg, then flour again) is what creates a thicker crust that holds the cinnamon sugar topping better. Skipping this step will give you a lighter but less crunchy coating.
- Flavor variations: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the flour mixture for extra warmth. For a richer finish, swap the vanilla extract in the egg wash for almond extract.
- Serving ideas: Beyond caramel or powdered sugar glaze, these apple fries pair wonderfully with chocolate ganache, spiced yogurt dip, or even a cream cheese frosting dip for a birthday-style treat.
Conclusion of Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
There is something magical about taking a simple ingredient like apples and transforming them into an unforgettable treat. These crispy air fryer apple fries are proof that comfort food does not have to be complicated. With just a few everyday ingredients, you can create a warm, crunchy, and cinnamon-scented snack that feels both nostalgic and exciting at the same time. Every bite combines the natural sweetness of fresh apples with the comforting spice of cinnamon and the golden crunch of a double coating.
One of the reasons this recipe is such a winner is how versatile it is. Serve it as a fun dessert at family dinners, add it to a brunch table alongside pancakes and muffins, or make it on a cozy fall afternoon when you want something warm and homemade. It is also a wonderful recipe to prepare with kids since they will enjoy helping with the dipping and shaking steps. The process is easy, but the results taste like a treat from a bakery or fair.
Another benefit is how much lighter these fries feel compared to traditional fried desserts. Using the air fryer gives you all the crispness you crave without deep frying. That means less oil, easier cleanup, and a treat you can feel good about serving again and again. It is the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table, eager to grab a fry and dip it into caramel or glaze.
I would love to hear how these apple fries turned out for you. Did you stick with Honeycrisp apples, or did you experiment with another variety? Maybe you tried a different dipping sauce? Let me know in the comments, and if you enjoyed the recipe, please leave a star rating to help others find it too.
If you make these crispy air fryer apple fries, do not forget to share them on Pinterest or Facebook so your friends and family can try them as well. It is a recipe made to be shared and enjoyed together, and once you taste them, I am certain they will become a repeat favorite in your home. So grab your apples, fire up the air fryer, and treat yourself to this sweet, crunchy, and heartwarming dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
How long can I make apple crisp in an air fryer?
Apple crisp or apple fries are best made fresh, but you can prepare them ahead of time and cook within a few hours. If you want to make them earlier, keep the apple slices coated in flour in the refrigerator until you are ready to air fry. Once cooked, they are at their crispiest within the first few minutes, though you can reheat them later to refresh the texture.
How long to crisp fries in the air fryer?
For apple fries, it usually takes about 12 minutes total at 350°F. Cook them for 6 minutes, flip, then cook another 6 minutes. Timing can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, but you are aiming for a golden coating with tender apples inside.
Why didn’t my fries get crispy in the air fryer?
There are a few common reasons: the apples may have been too wet, the basket was overcrowded, or they did not get enough oil spray. Pat the apple wedges dry before coating, leave space between them in the basket, and make sure to spray both sides with olive oil for the crunch you want.
What happens if you put apples in the air fryer?
Apples soften and caramelize beautifully in the air fryer. When coated, they develop a crispy crust on the outside while staying juicy on the inside. Without coating, air fried apples turn into a warm, tender snack similar to baked apples.
What temperature should apple crisp be cooked at?
For apple fries, 350°F is the sweet spot. It allows the coating to brown without burning while giving the apples enough time to soften. If you are making a more traditional apple crisp with a crumb topping, 350°F also works well in most air fryers.
What is the best temperature to air fry?
The best temperature depends on what you are cooking, but for apple fries, 350°F ensures an even cook with a crispy finish. If you go much higher, the outside may burn before the apples soften. Lower temperatures may not give the same golden crust.