When I first tried air fryer apple fries, I didn’t expect they’d become a staple in my kitchen. But wow, these little sticks of apple coated in cinnamon sugar deliver such a satisfying crunch and warmth, they remind me of my favorite apple pie—but faster and less fuss. What I love most is how easy they are to make and how the air fryer brings out this golden, crunchy texture without deep frying.
Whether you’re looking for a snack to keep the kids happy or a quick treat after dinner, air fryer apple fries hit the spot every time. Plus, there’s something about the balance of tender, juicy apple with that sweet cinnamon coating that feels just right. I’m excited to share my approach, tips, and everything you need to know to make these air fryer apple fries your new go-to snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Air Fryer Apple Fries
Here’s exactly what I gather before starting. Each ingredient comes together simply, but it’s important to use fresh apples and measure the coatings right for the best crunch and flavor:
- Apples: 2 large apples, peeled and sliced into uniform sticks about 1/2 inch thick. I prefer crisp varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith depending on if you want tart or sweet.
- Cinnamon sugar: Mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. This gives the perfect sweet-spicy coating. Use fresh cinnamon for best flavor.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter to coat the apples lightly, helping the cinnamon sugar stick and crisp up.
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to toss with apple sticks before coating. It keeps the apples from browning and adds a slight tang.
Simple pantry items, no special ingredients needed. Make sure to slice apples evenly so they cook consistently. If the pieces are uneven, some parts can get too soft or won’t crisp right.
PrintAir Fryer Apple Fries That Deliver 5 Irresistible Flavors
Air Fryer Apple Fries bring 5 mouthwatering flavors that satisfy your sweet cravings with a healthy twist youll love
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Air fryer apple fries offer a fast, easy, and healthier alternative to traditional fried apple snacks. Coated with cinnamon sugar and lightly buttered, these apple sticks are perfectly crisp outside and tender inside. Great as a snack or quick dessert.
How to Prepare Air Fryer Apple Fries: Step-By-Step
Getting these crisp apple fries right is all about timing and attention to detail. I follow this order to make sure I don’t miss a beat and each stick comes out perfectly crisp outside and tender inside.
- Prep your apples: Peel and slice the apples into sticks about half an inch thick. Toss the apple sticks in fresh lemon juice right away so they don’t brown while you prepare the coating.
- Make cinnamon sugar: Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Keep it close for easy tossing.
- Coat the apples: Drizzle the melted butter over the apple sticks, then toss gently to coat evenly. Next, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar on, and toss again so the sticks get a nice even layer of sugar and cinnamon.
- Preheat your air fryer: Set it to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up for about 3 minutes. This step is crucial for crispness.
- Arrange apple fries in air fryer basket: Lay them out in a single layer, leaving space between sticks for air circulation. Avoid overcrowding or they’ll steam instead of crisp.
- Cook in batches: Air fry for about 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to make sure apples cook evenly on all sides.
- Serve immediately: These fries taste best warm and fresh. They crisp up as they cool but lose some of that fresh crunch.
If you want a little extra indulgence, a side of vanilla yogurt or caramel dip is a lovely pairing. Just be sure not to overload the basket or the fries won’t crisp as well.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Apple Fries
- Quick to prepare and cook in under 15 minutes.
- Less messy than traditional deep-fried apple snacks.
- Customizable sweetness and spice levels.
- Perfectly crisp outside, tender inside.
- Great for a healthy snack or dessert that feels like a treat.
- Keeps well for a few hours, so you can snack later.
From my experience, this recipe works great any time you want a sweet and quick bite without turning on the oven or fryer for too long.
Tips for Making Perfect Air Fryer Apple Fries Every Time
- Choose firm, crisp apples to hold their shape and avoid mushiness.
- Peel the apples to get a smooth coating and crunch.
- Slicing uniformly ensures even cooking and crispness.
- Don’t skip preheating the air fryer—you’ll get a better crunch.
- Cook in a single layer, shaking halfway for even browning.
- Use melted butter instead of oil for a rich flavor and better cinnamon sugar adhesion.
- Serve right away for the crispiest texture.
I tested these tips multiple times and they really make a difference. Trust me on this one—it’s worth the little extra effort.
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Leftover Apple Fries
If you’re unlucky enough to have leftover apple fries, here’s how I bring them back to life:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. This revives the crispness without drying them out.
- Avoid microwaving—they get soggy quickly.
Though these fries are best fresh, reheating in the air fryer works well if you want to enjoy them next day.
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutrition for air fryer apple fries varies based on apple type, butter amount, and sugar used. Exact nutritional data isn’t provided here but keep in mind this is a treat with natural sugars and some added fat from butter. For accurate info, check labels of your specific ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Apple Fries
What types of apples work best for air fryer apple fries?
I like firmer apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith. They hold their shape better during cooking and stay crisp but tender. Softer apples can turn mushy quickly.
Can I skip the butter or use a substitute?
Butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds flavor, but you can use a neutral oil like coconut or vegetable oil instead. The flavor won’t be quite the same but it still works.
How long do I cook apple fries in an air fryer?
Generally, 8 to 10 minutes at 375°F is perfect. Check halfway and shake the basket for even cooking. Cooking times may vary slightly by air fryer model.
Are air fryer apple fries healthy?
They can be a healthier alternative to fried apple snacks since they use less fat and no deep frying. But keep in mind the sugar coating adds calories. They’re a great occasional treat.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, swap butter for a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Just use the same amount to get the coating right.
