Air Fryer Apple Fries have totally bailed me out on so many snack emergencies. Ever have a sweet tooth that strikes right when you promised yourself to eat better? Yep… that was me last week. The crazy part? These golden little fries taste like a five-star fair treat, but you barely need any oil at all. If you’ve got apples, a bit of cinnamon, and an air fryer—it’s a done deal. Hello, new go-to snack!
About this Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe
Let’s get real for a sec. Sometimes I’m too impatient for complicated desserts. That’s why Air Fryer Apple Fries are my top pick. They come together fast and make your kitchen smell absolutely dreamy (cinnamon everywhere). The air fryer crisps up the outside, leaving the apples all warm and soft on the inside. And the best part? No deep frying drama, no waiting ages by the oven.
This recipe isn’t fussy. Just slice, dip, coat, and toss in the basket. My neighbor actually popped by while I made a batch—and now she’s making them for her whole family too. They work as a quick weeknight treat or for jazzing up a dull afternoon. And somehow, even my picky cousin will eat them. If you’re into air fryer hacks, check out these crispy air fryer avocado fries you’ll love to snack on for another jaw-dropper.
What are apple fries made of?
Apple fries are exactly what they sound like—just sliced apples jazzed up with flavor. But here’s the scoop, you don’t need anything too fancy. The main lineup is apples, a touch of flour, maybe cornstarch or breadcrumbs, and that all-important cinnamon-sugar coating. No, you don’t need to peel them unless you really want to. Ok, maybe you do if your eaters get weird about peels, but it’s up to you.
The dip is just as simple. I’m talking cream cheese, a smidge of vanilla, some sweetener, and more cinnamon. It feels almost illegal how easy it is. Together? They taste like pure nostalgia. I bet they’d totally steal the show at a potluck. If you want more snacking inspiration, see these crispy air fryer tortellini recipes—they never disappoint at parties. 
What type of apple is best?
Let’s not overthink it! Granny Smith apples are the real MVP for Air Fryer Apple Fries. They’re tart, crisp, and hold their shape when they cook. If you don’t have those—no sweat. Honeycrisp, Fujis, Pink Lady, or Gala apples totally work.
I experimented (and yes, tasted way too many apples). Honestly, the tart ones make a bigger flavor impact. They just don’t get soggy. Softer apples like Red Delicious? Skip them—they kinda turn to mush. Trust me, you want those fries to snap like real fries, not flop around. But hey, if all you’ve got is what’s in your crisper drawer, don’t let it stop you! And by the way, those leftover apples? Slice them up for deliciously easy air fryer beets you’ll love to make next time.
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How to Cut Apples to Look Like Fries
You want those apples to look like fries, right? It’s not rocket science (I promised simple!), but there’s a trick. First, slice off the sides—avoid the core. Then just slice the cheeks into thick sticks, like chunky fast-food fries. Try to keep ‘em similar thickness, but if you’re a little uneven, it won’t ruin your day.
Too skinny and they’ll shrivel to nothing. Too chubby and they won’t get that happy outside crunch. Somewhere down the middle is the sweet spot. Shoot, you can even use a crinkle cutter if you want that diner look. No fancy knife needed. It actually became a fun after-school task for my niece—she likes to outdo me with “fancy” crinkle fries now.
If you’re already on an air fryer binge, crispy sides like crispy air fryer mushrooms recipes go great with the apple fries for a quirky snack lineup.
Dipping Sauces for Apple Fries
Let’s talk dips because that’s half the fun. My top pick—hands down—is a sweet cinnamon cream cheese dip. It’s like dessert in a bowl. Making it is laughably easy: whip up cream cheese with a splash of milk, cinnamon, and sugar. I sometimes add a few drops of vanilla or maple syrup if I want to get real extra.
But hold on, you could totally:
- Dunk fries in caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade—nobody’s judging!)
- Mix Greek yogurt with honey for a tangy, lighter option
- Even go wild with a chocolate hazelnut spread, if you ask the kids
Seriously, you could set out a couple of dips and call it a party. Keeps things interesting. Oh, and if you really want to go wild… leftover dip works ridiculously well on deliciously easy air fryer churros recipes. Now you’ve got choices!
Common Questions
Q: Can I make Air Fryer Apple Fries ahead of time?
A: They’re at their best hot and fresh. If you must, reheat for just a couple minutes in the air fryer so they crisp back up.
Q: Can I skip the cinnamon?
A: You totally can, but I think it makes the snack magical. Maybe try a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice instead?
Q: Do you need to coat the apples in oil?
A: Nope! If you want a golden crust, the tiniest spritz of spray oil does the job. But really, the air fryer gets them crispy without much fuss.
Q: How long does it take to cook them?
A: Most batches take 6-8 minutes at about 380°F. Shuffle them halfway for even browning.
Q: What’s the best way to serve these?
A: Pile on a plate, slap that dip in the center, and let everyone go wild. Or just eat them straight outta the fryer like I do sometimes.
Ready to Air Fry? Your Sweet Snack Awaits!
If you’re needing a wickedly easy, kid-approved snack, Air Fryer Apple Fries completely deliver. They’re a fun way to sneak in more fruit (like anyone will notice), no deep frying required. Plus, you can get creative with seasonings or dips—it’s way more fun than another apple pie. If you’re in the mood to mix it up, try crispy air fryer fish sticks quick tasty recipe or swing by this air fryer recipe collection for even more crispy, guilt-free ideas.
And if you need even more inspiration, check out trusted blogs like Air Fryer Apple Fries – The Country Cook for another friendly take. Promise you, once you try these Air Fryer Apple Fries, you’ll be the hero of the snack game. Cheers to your air fryer adventures!
Air Fryer Apple Fries
Ingredients
Apple Fries
- 4 pieces apples, preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp Tart apples hold their shape better.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour For coating.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch Optional alternative to flour for crispiness.
- 1/2 cup cinnamon-sugar For coating apples.
Dipping Sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese Softened for easy mixing.
- 2 tbsp milk Adjust for desired consistency.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Optional for added flavor.
- 1 tbsp sugar Sweeten to taste.
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon For added flavor in the dip.
Instructions
Preparation and Coating
- Slice the apples into thick sticks, avoiding the core.
- In a bowl, combine flour and cornstarch.
- Toss apple slices in the flour and cornstarch mixture until well coated.
- Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar over coated apple slices and toss to coat evenly.
Cooking
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Place coated apple slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping.
Serving
- Serve hot with the sweet cinnamon cream cheese dip or other preferred dips.
