It's Wednesday, October 22nd, and the fall feeling has finally, truly settled over Austin. My local H-E-B is overflowing with every kind of apple imaginable, and my family is craving all the cozy, warm-spiced treats. While I love a good apple pie or fritter, I don't always love the time (or the deep-frying!). These Air Fryer Apple Fries are my new obsession. They are the perfect compromise-all the flavour of a churro or a fried apple pie, but made incredibly fast and so much healthier in the air fryer. They're crispy, crunchy, sweet, tart, and absolutely addictive! And if you're looking for more warm apple magic, these Easy Apple Cobbler with Crumble Topping are another weeknight-friendly favorite this time of year.
On apple-heavy weekends, I'll sometimes serve them with a mug of Easy Homemade Apple Cider and maybe a few Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars for the serious sweet tooths in the house. Or if we're mixing sweet and savory, these Crispy Baked Potato Slices make an easy, crowd-pleasing side.
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Tested in my Austin kitchen: The key to getting that perfect, shatteringly crisp crust is a firm, tart apple (like a Granny Smith). Softer apples (like a Red Delicious) tend to get mushy. Also, pressing the panko breadcrumbs on firmly (Step 3) is the secret to a coating that actually sticks!
The Perfect 25-Minute Fall Snack
This is the kind of recipe that makes you fall in love with your air fryer all over again. It perfectly transforms the apple slices into tender-crisp "fries" while creating a golden, crunchy panko crust. The apple gets soft, but not mushy, and the cinnamon-sugar coating-which you use both in the breading and sprinkled on after-creates an irresistible sweet-spiced shell. Paired with a simple caramel sauce or vanilla yogurt dip, these are a 10/10 snack for fall afternoons or a super-easy dessert.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Crispy: The panko breadcrumbs and the air fryer work together to create a super crunchy texture without deep frying.
- Fast & Easy: A simple 3-step breading process and a quick 10-minute cook time. Perfect for a last-minute snack!
- Healthier Treat: You get all the satisfaction of a fried dessert using just a light spray of cooking oil.
- Sweet & Tart: The Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples provide a perfect tart balance to the warm, sweet cinnamon-sugar coating.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need for this fast and easy snack. For the full list with precise measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post!
For the Apple Fries
- Apples: 2 large, firm apples. I insist on Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for a crisp, sweet-tart flavour.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the first step of our breading station; it helps the egg stick.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs, beaten.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: You must use Panko breadcrumbs (Japanese-style), not regular fine breadcrumbs. This is the secret to the light, crispy texture.
- Spices: A mix of ground cinnamon and granulated sugar.
- Cooking Spray: A light avocado oil spray or other neutral cooking spray is essential to help the panko turn golden and crisp.
For the Dipping Sauce (Optional)
- Caramel Sauce: A store-bought or homemade caramel sauce is the perfect decadent dip.
- Vanilla Yogurt: For a lighter, tangier option, I love dipping these in a thick vanilla bean Greek yogurt.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
This is a simple 3-stage breading process that comes together in minutes.
Step 1: Prepare the Apples and Breading Station
First, I peel the apples (this is optional, but I find the texture is better without the skin). I slice them into uniform ½-inch thick wedges ("fries") and remove the core and seeds.
Next, I set up my breading station in three shallow bowls or pie plates:
- Bowl 1: All-purpose flour.
- Bowl 2: The 2 large, beaten eggs.
- Bowl 3: The panko breadcrumbs.
In a separate small bowl, I mix the 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of sugar. I add half of this cinnamon-sugar mixture to the panko breadcrumbs and mix it well. I save the other half for topping the fries later.
Step 2: Bread the Apple Slices
Working with one apple slice at a time, I follow this 3-step dredge:
- Flour: Dredge the apple slice in the flour, making sure it's fully coated, then tap off any excess.
- Egg: Dip the floured slice into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off.
- Panko: Press the slice firmly into the panko-cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating it completely on all sides.
I place the breaded apple slices on a clean plate or baking sheet as I work.
Step 3: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
I preheat my air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
I arrange the breaded apple slices in a single, even layer in the air fryer basket. (You will need to work in 2-3 batches for this recipe). I spray the tops of the slices lightly with cooking spray-this is essential for browning!
I air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through the cooking time. They are done when the breading is a beautiful golden brown and perfectly crispy.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve Hot
While the apple fries are still hot, I transfer them to a serving bowl and immediately sprinkle them with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture, tossing gently to coat. I serve them hot with warm caramel sauce or vanilla yogurt for dipping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Basket: This is the #1 air fryer mistake. If you pile the apple fries on top of each other, they will steam instead of fry, resulting in a soggy, pale crust. You must cook them in a single layer.
- Skipping the Flour: The flour-dredge step seems skippable, but it's not. The dry flour gives the wet egg something to cling to. If you skip it, the egg and panko will slide right off the waxy apple.
- Forgetting the Oil Spray: Panko breadcrumbs have very little fat, so they won't brown or crisp up without a light spray of oil to "fry" them in the hot, circulating air.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Uniform Slices: Cut your apple "fries" to the same ½-inch thickness. This ensures they all cook at the same rate and are perfectly tender-crisp.
- Panko is Key: I cannot stress this enough. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter, flakier, and absorb less oil, making them infinitely crispier than fine, traditional breadcrumbs.
- Toss in Sugar While Hot: The final sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar will stick best to the apple fries when they are piping hot, right out of the air fryer.
- Firm Apples Only: Use a firm apple that will hold its shape. As the Washington Apple Commission often notes, varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady are all excellent choices for baking and air frying.
Variations
This recipe is a wonderful base for other flavours!
- Gluten-Free: This is an easy swap! Just use a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- Other Spices: Add a ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a warmer, more complex spice flavour.
- Different Dips: These are fantastic with a cream cheese frosting dip (8 oz cream cheese, 4 tablespoon butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 cup powdered sugar) or a healthy peanut butter yogurt dip (½ cup Greek yogurt + 2 tablespoon peanut butter).
How to Serve
These Air Fryer Apple Fries are the perfect fall snack, appetizer, or dessert.
- Serve them hot and fresh in a basket or bowl.
- They are a must-have with a side of warm, gooey caramel sauce for dipping.
- They make a fantastic, healthier after-school snack for kids.
- Serve them as a dessert "fries" alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: These are best made and eaten fresh. I do not recommend breading them in advance, as the moisture from the apple will make the panko soggy before it even hits the fryer.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days (though they will be soft).
- Reheating: The air fryer is your best friend for leftovers! Reheat them at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. This will bring back 90% of that original crispness. (Do not microwave them!).
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
After making these a few times, I've learned that the "double" cinnamon-sugar step is crucial. Mixing some into the panko seasons the crust itself. But that final toss in the cinnamon-sugar after they're cooked, while they're still hot, is what gives them that addictive, churro-like finish. Don't skip it!
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving (¼ of recipe, without dip): ~280 calories · 7g protein · 55g carbs · 4g fat (This is an approximation and can vary based on the exact size of your apples.)
Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- 3 Shallow bowls
- Small bowl
Ingredients
Group: Apple Fries
- 2 large apples (ie Granny Smith, Honeycrisp)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Cooking spray
Group: For the Dipping Sauce
- ½ cup caramel sauce optional
- ½ cup vanilla yogurt optional for a lighter option
Instructions
- Peel the apples if desired and slice them into wedges about ½ inch thick. Remove the core and seeds. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar and set aside.
- Place the flour in one bowl, the beaten eggs in another, and the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl. Add half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture to the breadcrumbs and mix well.
- Dredge each apple slice in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated. Press the slice into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it is evenly coated. Repeat the process for all apple slices.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Arrange the breaded apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the slices lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the apple fries are golden brown and crispy.
- While the apple fries are still hot, sprinkle them with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra sweetness. Serve immediately with caramel sauce or vanilla yogurt for dipping.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
Do I have to peel the apples?
I prefer to peel them for this recipe, as the skin can sometimes have a tough texture that contrasts with the tender apple and crispy breading. However, if you prefer the skin on, you can absolutely leave it-just wash the apple well!
Can I bake these in the oven?
Yes! While the air fryer gives the best "fried" texture, you can bake them. Place the breaded slices on a wire rack set over a parchment-lined baking sheet (this allows air to circulate underneath). Spray with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
You can, but I highly recommend seeking out panko. Regular breadcrumbs are fine and sandy; they will absorb more oil and create a denser, harder crust, rather than the light, shatteringly crisp crust you get from panko.
