Say hello to your new favorite way to eat apples: Air Fryer Apple Fries! These golden, cinnamon-sugary fries are crisp on the outside, warm and tender inside, and utterly irresistible with a side of warm caramel dipping sauce. You won’t believe how fast and easy they are to whip up—perfect for dessert, snacking, or a fun twist on fruit for the family!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, Warm Perfection: Each apple fry boasts a shatteringly crisp crust with a soft, juicy center—pure bliss in every bite.
- Fast and Family-Friendly: Air Fryer Apple Fries come together in under 30 minutes and are a massive hit with kids and grownups alike.
- Easy Ingredient List: You probably already have everything on hand—no fancy flours or special ingredients necessary!
- Dippable Dessert Fun: Serving with warm caramel sauce takes these apple fries totally over the top.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It only takes a handful of pantry staples and a trio of fresh apples to make these playful, crave-worthy treats. Each ingredient plays a starring role in creating that signature crispy crust, tender fruit, and a sweetness that sings with every bite!
- Gala apples: Firm, sweet, and slightly tart—these apples are the perfect choice for apple fries because they hold their shape and taste amazing once air fried.
- Flour: A light coating ensures the egg clings to every slice and helps build that perfect crust.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs work as an edible “glue,” binding the coating to the apples for maximum crunch.
- Graham cracker crumbs: They provide that familiar pie-like flavor and toast up golden and crunchy in the air fryer.
- Sugar: Adds just the right hint of sweetness to the crumb coating without going overboard.
- Caramel sauce: Dipping the apple fries in warm caramel is honestly the best part—don’t skip this!
Variations
One of the joys of Air Fryer Apple Fries is how easily you can put your own spin on the recipe. Whether you’re swapping ingredients to fit your taste, dietary needs, or just want a little fun with flavors, there’s lots of room to play.
- Spiced Apple Fries: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the crumb mix for a cozy, autumnal twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Simply swap in gluten-free flour and graham crackers—no one will know the difference!
- Crushed Cereal Coating: Try coating the apple wedges in crushed cornflakes or Rice Krispies for extra crunch and a playful flavor profile.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle your finished apple fries with melted chocolate instead of caramel—or go wild and use both!
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Fries
Step 1: Prep Your Apples
Begin by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into eighths. Uniform slices are key for even cooking and that classic “fry” look—plus, prep is a breeze with just three Gala apples. Place the pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet to keep things tidy while you work.
Step 2: Get Your Breading Stations Ready
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with your beaten eggs, and the third with a mix of graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Having everything ready before you start breading ensures the process is smooth, speedy, and mess-free.
Step 3: Bread the Apples
Dip each apple wedge first in flour (tap off the excess), then in the egg, and finally into the sugar–graham cracker mixture. Give each fry a gentle press to really help the coating stick—we’re building maximum crunch here!
Step 4: Air Fry to Crisp, Golden Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Lightly coat the basket with oil and add the apple fries in a single layer without overlapping. Mist the tops with a bit more oil, air fry for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for 2 minutes more. Work in batches for best results—overcrowding means less crunch!
Step 5: Serve With Warm Caramel Sauce
Spoon the caramel sauce into a microwave-safe bowl and heat until just warm and silky. Arrange your fresh-from-the-fryer apple fries on a plate and serve with the caramel for dipping—this is what dessert dreams are made of!
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Apple Fries
- The Right Apple Matters: Use crisp, sweet-tart apples like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp—they’ll keep their shape and deliver loads of flavor.
- Layering Is Key: Be generous with each layer of breading—especially when rolling in the graham crumbs—for that addictive golden crust.
- Don’t Crowd the Basket: Giving the fries a little room in the air fryer ensures they’ll crisp up nicely instead of steaming.
- Serve While Fresh: Air Fryer Apple Fries taste best hot and crisp, straight from the fryer, with plenty of warm caramel sauce for dipping!
How to Serve Air Fryer Apple Fries
Garnishes
Give your Air Fryer Apple Fries the star treatment with a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. A little sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce also adds visual flair and even more sweet spice!
Side Dishes
Pair these apple fries with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a show-stopping dessert, or serve alongside your favorite brunch items like pancakes or waffles for an extra fun twist. They even make a creative addition to a fruit platter for parties.
Creative Ways to Present
For an adorable party-ready vibe, serve your Air Fryer Apple Fries in mini fry baskets or paper cones, just like classic French fries. Or stack them on a platter with small bowls of caramel and chocolate sauce for an interactive, dip-your-own dessert bar!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover apple fries (which is rare!), cool them completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. This keeps them from turning soggy and preserves that craveable crunch as much as possible.
Freezing
You can freeze Air Fryer Apple Fries after cooking: arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. They’ll hold up best if reheated from frozen for that just-fried texture!
Reheating
To revive leftover apple fries, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until crisp and warmed through. This trick works for both refrigerated and frozen fries—deliciousness made easy!
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of apple for these Air Fryer Apple Fries?
Absolutely! While Gala apples are especially great for their texture and sweetness, varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith will all give you delicious results. Just be sure to pick apples that are firm and not mealy, so they hold up during cooking.
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How do I keep the coating from falling off during air frying?
The key is making sure each apple wedge is evenly coated at every breading stage. Pat them gently into the graham crumb mixture to help it stick, and avoid overcrowding in the air fryer so they crisp up perfectly.
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Can I make Air Fryer Apple Fries ahead of time?
You can prep the apple fries up to the breading step and refrigerate them for a few hours. Air fry them fresh just before serving for the crunchiest, tastiest treat!
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Do I need to peel the apples first?
Peeling is recommended for the best, most tender texture in every bite. The coating will adhere best to peeled apples, but you can leave the peels on for a bit of extra fiber and color if you prefer—they’ll just have a slightly different texture.
Final Thoughts
Sweet, crispy, and a total crowd-pleaser—Air Fryer Apple Fries will quickly become your new obsession! Grab some apples, turn on your air fryer, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a dessert that’s guaranteed to spark smiles. You’ll be amazed at just how fun—and delicious—homemade apple fries can be!
Print
Air Fryer Apple Fries Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Apple Fries are a delightful treat that captures the flavors of fall in a crispy, sweet snack. Served with a warm caramel dipping sauce, they are perfect for a cozy night in or as a fun party dessert.
Ingredients
Apple Fries Ingredients:
- 3 large Gala apples
- 1 cup flour
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
Caramel Dipping Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 container of caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 380 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Prep the apples: Peel, core, then cut the apples into 8 wedges.
- Add the flour into a medium-size bowl. Set aside.
- Beat the eggs, pour into a shallow dish.
- In a second shallow dish combine the crushed graham crackers and sugar. Stir to blend.
- Line the flour bowl first, second put the beaten eggs, and the crushed graham crackers, and sugar combination.
- Begin by tossing each wedge of apple in the flour.
- Dredge the floured apple pieces in the beaten eggs.
- Roll the apple pieces in the sugar/crushed graham cracker mixture.
- Put each prepared apple piece on the prepped cookie sheet.
- Coat the bottom of the air fryer basket with oil.
- Do not overlap the apple pieces in the air fryer. Air fry the apples in batches. Spray the apple pieces with a light coat of oil. Air fry at 380 degrees for 5 minutes, then turn the apple pieces over and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour the caramel sauce into a serving bowl. Transfer the bowl to a microwave. Heat until the caramel sauce is warm and ready to serve with the apple fries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
