Air Fryer Apple Fries

I’ll be honest. The first time I made air fryer apple fries, I didn’t expect much. Apples in an air fryer sounded fine, not exciting. Then I took that first bite. Warm, soft apples on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, coated in cinnamon sugar, and suddenly I was standing in my kitchen wondering why I hadn’t made these sooner. This is one of those recipes that surprises you in the best way.

A quick introduction to the recipe

Air fryer apple fries are sliced apples, lightly coated, and cooked until tender and golden in the air fryer. They look like fries, eat like a cozy dessert, and somehow still feel snack-worthy. You get all the comfort of baked apples without turning on the oven or waiting forever.

Why this recipe is special

What makes this recipe special is how simple it is while still feeling a little magical. I love that you only need basic ingredients, no deep frying, and no complicated steps. You get that warm apple pie vibe, but in a form you can eat with your fingers. And since you’re using the air fryer, the apples cook evenly and quickly, with just enough crispness to keep things interesting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’re going to come back to this recipe again and again, and here’s why.

• The flavor is cozy and comforting. Sweet apples, cinnamon, and a hint of caramelized goodness.
• It’s incredibly easy. If you can slice apples and toss them in a bowl, you’re already halfway there.
• It feels lighter than traditional desserts. No deep oil, no heavy batter.
• It’s fast. Perfect for when you want something sweet without a long wait.
• It works as a snack or a dessert. You decide how indulgent to make it.

Yield and Timing

• Yield. 2 servings
• Prep time. 10 minutes
• Cook time. 12 minutes
• Total time. About 22 minutes

Tools You’ll Need

• Air fryer
• This is the star of the show. It cooks the apple fries evenly and gives them a lightly crisp outside without oil splatter or fuss.
• Sharp knife
• You want clean, even slices so the apples cook at the same speed. A sharp knife makes this quick and safe.
• Cutting board
• Nothing fancy here. Just a stable surface to slice your apples comfortably.
• Mixing bowl
• This is where you’ll toss the apple slices with spices and coating. Bigger is better so nothing spills.
• Tongs or a spatula
• Helpful for flipping or removing the apple fries without breaking them.

Ingredients

• 2 medium apples, about 300 g
• I like Honeycrisp or Fuji because they’re naturally sweet and hold their shape well. You can use Granny Smith if you like a tart bite.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, about 8 g
• This helps create a light coating that crisps up in the air fryer.
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, about 12 g
• Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, about 2.5 g
• This gives that classic warm flavor. Feel free to adjust to taste.
• 1 tablespoon melted butter or neutral oil, about 14 g
• Just enough to help everything stick and brown nicely.
• Pinch of salt
• Don’t skip this. A little salt makes the sweetness pop.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Wash, core, and slice the apples
2. I like to leave the peel on for texture and color. Slice the apples into fry-shaped sticks, about the size of regular French fries. Try to keep them similar in thickness so they cook evenly. Don’t stress if they’re not perfect. Rustic is good here.
3. Toss the apples with the coating
4. Add the apple slices to a mixing bowl. Sprinkle in the cornstarch, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Drizzle the melted butter or oil over the top. Toss gently until every piece looks lightly coated. I usually use my hands for this. It’s faster and you can feel when everything is evenly covered.
5. Preheat the air fryer
6. Set your air fryer to 190°C or 375°F. If your air fryer doesn’t need preheating, you can skip this step. I still like to preheat because it helps the apples start cooking right away.
7. Arrange the apple fries
8. Place the apple slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. A little overlap is okay, but don’t overcrowd them. If needed, cook in batches. Trust me, crowded apples steam instead of crisp.
9. Air fry until tender and golden
10. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Around the 8-minute mark, peek inside. You’re looking for tender apples with lightly golden edges. If they look pale, give them another minute or two.
11. Cool slightly and taste
12. Let the apple fries cool for a minute before eating. They’ll firm up just a bit as they rest. This is also the moment I always sneak one and adjust expectations for everyone else.

Serving Ideas

You can keep it simple or dress these up, depending on your mood.

• Serve with vanilla yogurt or Greek yogurt for dipping.
• Drizzle with warm caramel sauce for a dessert feel.
• Dust lightly with powdered sugar just before serving.
• Pair with vanilla ice cream if you want full comfort dessert energy.

Variations and Customization Tips

• Make them extra spiced. Add a pinch of nutmeg or apple pie spice.
• Go refined sugar-free. Swap sugar for maple syrup or honey. Use a little less and toss gently.
• Add crunch. Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or granola on top after cooking.
• Make them kid-friendly. Skip extra spices and keep it simple with cinnamon and sugar.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These apple fries are best fresh, right out of the air fryer. That’s when they’re warm and slightly crisp. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 180°C or 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes. They won’t be exactly the same as fresh, but they’ll still taste great.

I don’t recommend freezing them. The texture changes too much once thawed.

Pro Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t slice the apples too thin. Thin slices turn soft too quickly and lose that fry-like feel.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket. This is the biggest mistake. Give the apples space so hot air can circulate.
• Taste your apples first. If they’re very sweet, you can reduce the sugar slightly.
• Shake gently. Apples are softer than potatoes, so be kind when tossing or shaking.
• Eat them warm. This is when the flavor and texture really shine.

Basic Nutrition Information Per Serving

• Calories. About 140 kcal
• Carbohydrates. 28 g
• Fiber. 4 g
• Protein. 1 g
• Fat. 3 g

Values are approximate and depend on apple size and toppings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cozy snack that feels homemade without a lot of effort, you need to try these air fryer apple fries. I make them when I want something sweet but not heavy, and every time, they disappear fast. Give them a try, play with the flavors, and make them your own. And if you do, I’d love to hear how you served them or what twists you added.