This Air Fryer Apple Fries recipe comes together in about 20 minutes and is made right in your air fryer for a quick and easy treat that your family will love! Switch up the types of apples or even change up the spices to suit your taste. It’s an ideal way to use up those apples you’ve got lying around or as a “clean out the fridge” way to use odds and ends, talk about versatile!
Let’s Talk Ingredients
Before we dive into the how-to of these tasty treats, let’s break down what you’ll need:
Apples : Using 2 large apples (I prefer Honeycrisp or Granny Smith here!), gives you that sweet-tart flavor we all crave. Honeycrisps are juicy and a little sweet, which makes them perfect for baking plus, their texture holds up beautifully in the air fryer. If you don’t have those on hand, any variety will work, but steer clear of mealy ones! (You can always use pears if you want an equally delicious change.)
All-Purpose Flour : ½ cup all-purpose flour acts as a base in the coating process, giving you that crunchy exterior we all love. You can substitute with gluten-free flour if you’re avoiding gluten or almond flour for a nutty twist!
Egg : One large egg is vital for binding the coatings to the apples. If you prefer, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan approach.
Milk : Just 2 tablespoons of milk helps the egg mixture come together. You can swap in any milk you have around, whether it’s almond milk, oat milk, or soy trust me, it will still work perfectly!
Panko Breadcrumbs : Using 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs here provides that delightful crunch. I love panko over regular breadcrumbs because they’re lighter and crispier. You might even consider seasoned panko for an extra flavor boost!
Granulated Sugar : 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar gives a touch of sweetness that complements the apple’s natural sugar. You could replace it with coconut sugar or leave it out entirely if you prefer a lower sugar option.
Ground Cinnamon : 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon brings warmth and spice that pairs so well with apples. It’s comforting and just… delicious. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a mix of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a seasonal flare.
Nonstick Cooking Spray : You’ll want a light spray of nonstick cooking spray to help these fries get that perfect golden-brown crispiness without excess oil. If you prefer, you can use olive oil mister instead for a little extra flavor!
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Fries
Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive into this simple step-by-step guide!
1. Prep the Apples (about 5 minutes)
First up, peel (optional) and cut the apples into fry-like sticks. I suggest getting them about ½-inch thick, they don’t need to be perfect, and after they’ve been air-fried, they’ll be hard to tell apart! Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, this step is crucial for extra crunch when air frying.
2. Set Up Your Coating Stations (about 5 minutes)
You’ll want three bowls for the coating process:
- Bowl 1: Add your flour.
- Bowl 2: Whisk together the egg and milk.
- Bowl 3: Combine your panko breadcrumbs, sugar, and cinnamon thoroughly.
3. Coat the Apple Sticks (about 5 minutes)
Now for the fun part! Dredge each apple stick in the flour, making sure to cover it well. Dip it into the egg mixture next, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat it generously with the breadcrumb mixture, do not skimp here! Make sure they’re all evenly covered; that’s what creates that amazing crunch.
4. Air Fry ‘Em (about 7-9 minutes)
Lightly spray your air fryer basket with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated apple fries in a single layer in the basket, leaving some room for air circulation (you may need to work in batches). Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 7-9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy!
5. Serve & Enjoy!
Once they’re golden, pull them out and watch your family’s eyes light up! Serve the Air Fryer Apple Fries warm with caramel dip, yogurt, or whipped cream. But honestly? Just munching on them plain is a huge win too!
My Personal Connection: Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I want to whip up something fun and comforting for my family. I mean, who doesn’t love fries, right? And they’re so customizable, you can throw in different fruits or spices based on what you have! Plus, I’m a real sucker for anything that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The best part is that you can shoo away those typical fried options and feel a bit better about serving these delicious apple fries!
If you loved this Air Fryer Apple Fries, be sure to check out my Air Fryer Pretzel Bites, my air fryer chicken & mozzarella wraps, or my Air Fryer Egg and Cheese Toast! You’ll find each recipe loaded with tons of flavor and perfect for busy weeknights!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
Comes together in under 20 minutes, you’ll be serving this delicious snack before you even wonder what’s for dessert!
Minimal Cleanup Required
Since everything is done in the air fryer, you’ll have less mess to deal with afterward. And we all know clean-up isn’t the favorite part of cooking. Yay!
Kid-Friendly
Your family will love jumping into air-fried apple fries as a fun snack or even dessert! It makes for a great treat, especially during those chilly fall evenings.
Customizable
Use whatever ingredients you have on hand. Swap in different apples, try out different spices, or add nuts for an even more exciting texture!
Budget-Friendly
These are made with affordable ingredients that you likely already have in your home, making it a win-win, no doubt!
Serving and Storage Tips
What to Serve With This
They’re divine on their own but would pair splendidly with:
- Caramel sauce for a sweet dip
- Greek yogurt for a tangy contrast
- Whipped cream for added sweetness
Storage Tips
These Air Fryer Apple Fries are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat Instructions
To bring back some of that crispiness, I recommend reheating them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-4 minutes. You could also pop them in a regular oven, but the air fryer does the best job at keeping that crunch!
Freezer Friendly
They may not have the same texture if frozen, but you can freeze uncooked coated apple fries! Just make sure to freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag once frozen. They can be cooked straight from frozen, just add an extra few minutes to the cook time!
So there you have it a delicious, quick-and-easy recipe for Air Fryer Apple Fries that’ll surely become a family favorite and a go-to for your busy weeknights. Enjoy every last bite and remember, cooking should be all about fun, flavor, and family! Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Air Fryer Apple Fries
Ingredients
Method
- Peel (optional) and cut the apples into fry-like sticks about ½-inch thick. Pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Set up three bowls: In the first bowl, add flour; in the second bowl, whisk together the egg and milk; in the third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Dredge each apple stick in the flour, dip in the egg mixture, then coat generously with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Lightly spray your air fryer basket with nonstick spray and place the coated apple fries in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 7-9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Serve warm with caramel dip, yogurt, or whipped cream, or enjoy them plain.