Craving something warm, sweet, and crunchy—without firing up the oven? These Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are the ultimate snack-meets-dessert. Think apple pie, but handheld and air-fried in under 15 minutes. It’s everything you want when that sweet tooth hits now.
These air-fried apple fries are quick, easy, and ridiculously good. Whether you're whipping them up for a snack board, a last-minute dessert, or a fun after-school treat, they check every box—crispy outside, soft inside, and made with pantry staples.
Want more fun snacks? Try my Air Fryer French Toast With Blueberries or balance things out with Air Fryer Crab Cakes.
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Crispy without the deep fry – All crunch, no oil bath.
- Done in under 15 minutes – Dessert doesn’t have to be complicated.
- Totally dippable and kid-approved – Pair with caramel, chocolate, or yogurt.
- Easy to switch up – Use different crumbs, spices, or coatings.
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Apples – I go for firm ones like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith—they hold their shape and don’t go floppy.
- Eggs – The key to locking in that crispy coating. No slipping, no sliding.
- Cookie Crumbs + Sugar – Crushed grahams, wafers, or gingersnaps bring the crunch and sweet.
- Flour – A light dusting first makes the magic stick.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
- Vegan – Use a flax egg and plant-based cookie crumbs.
- Gluten-Free – Swap in a GF flour blend and gluten-free cookies.
- Spicy-Sweet – Add a tiny pinch of cayenne to the crumb mix for sweet heat.
- Cinnamon Pop – Stir cinnamon into the sugar for extra flavor.
- Kid Favorite – Crushed cinnamon cereal makes these next-level snackable.
Want more fun fruity recipes? Try my Blueberry Chia Pudding or stack them with Buckwheat Pancakes for a sweet brunch moment.
🍎 Crumb Showdown: Which Coating Wins?
I tested a few crumb combos to find the best texture and flavor for these crispy apple fries—and here’s the rundown:
- Graham Crackers – Sweet, golden, and easy to crisp. They’re my go-to for that classic apple-pie vibe, and they brown up beautifully in the air fryer.
- Gingersnaps – Spicy and bold with a deeper crunch. Great if you want a cozy twist, but they can brown a little faster, so keep an eye on them.
- Cinnamon Cereal – This one’s for the kids (and, let’s be honest, me too). It adds a sweet, toasty finish and is super fun for dipping.
💡Pro tip: Graham crackers are still my fave for everyday apple fries—they're reliable, toasty, and perfectly sweet. But if you're feeling adventurous, swap in gingersnaps or cereal for a fun remix.
🔪 How To Make Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
- Step 1: Start by thoroughly washing your apples, then slice them into even wedges, removing the core from each piece.
- Step 2: Lightly coat each apple wedge with flour, ensuring they are completely covered. This helps the subsequent layers adhere better.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, beat together eggs with a splash of water until well combined. Dip the flour-coated apple wedges into this egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Step 4: Combine cookie crumbs and sugar in a separate bowl. Roll the egg-dipped apple wedges in the crumb mixture until they are evenly coated on all sides. (Double coat for extra crunch).
- Step 5: Arrange the coated apple wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch for even cooking. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 7-8 minutes or until the coating is golden and crispy.
- Step 6: Serve your air fryer fried apples warm, accompanied by a side of caramel sauce for dipping. Enjoy the sweet and crunchy treat!
💡 Hint: Getting soggy fries? Flip halfway, don’t overcrowd, and give them a quick 2-minute reheat blast to revive the crunch!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Freeze Before Frying: Pop the coated apple wedges in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before air frying for an extra crispy coating.
- Add Spices: Mix a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the crumb mixture for a cozy flavor boost.
- Spray for Crispiness: Lightly spray the apple wedges with cooking oil before air frying to get that perfect golden crunch.
- Kid-Tested Win: Let your kids dip these in chocolate sauce, maple syrup, or even whipped cream. Sylvia once used chocolate milk—and honestly, she might be onto something.
💭 FAQs
Slice your apples about ¼-inch thick—thin enough to crisp, but thick enough to stay juicy inside. Too thin and they’ll shrivel; too thick and they won’t cook through evenly.
Granny Smith stays firm and tart, Honeycrisp is the juiciest, and Fuji gives the sweetest bite. I prefer Honeycrisp—they crisp up without drying out.
Totally up to you! Leaving the skin on adds texture, but peeled apples give a smoother bite.
Use a flax or chia egg and go with plant-based cookie crumbs. Easy!
Pat apple fries dry before coating and don’t overcrowd the basket. Give them space to crisp.
💖 Creative Leftover Uses
Got a few extra apple fries? Don’t let them go to waste—these sweet, crispy bites are snackable gold even the next day. Here’s how to repurpose them like a pro:
- Apple Oatmeal Topper – Chop and stir into a bowl of warm oatmeal for a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Parfait Perfection – Layer into a yogurt parfait with granola and a drizzle of honey. Instant breakfast win.
- Pancake Upgrade – Warm them up and pile onto pancakes with a splash of maple syrup.
- Lunchbox Treat – Pop a few into your kid’s lunchbox with a little dip container—bonus points for yogurt or peanut butter.
- Ice Cream Sundae Hero – Reheat and toss onto vanilla ice cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a dreamy dessert.
💡Hint: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to bring back that crunch.
🍽 More Apple Recipes To Try
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Crispy Air Fryer Apples Fries
Ingredients
- 2 Apples
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Cup Graham Cookie Crumbs
- 2 tablespoon Sugar
- 1 Cup Flour
- 1 tablespoon Water
Instructions
- Start by thoroughly washing your apples, then slice them into even wedges, removing the core from each piece.
- Lightly coat each apple wedge with flour, ensuring they are completely covered. This helps the subsequent layers adhere better.
- In a small bowl, beat together eggs with a splash of water until well combined. Dip the flour-coated apple wedges into this egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Combine cookie crumbs and sugar in a separate bowl. Roll the egg-dipped apple wedges in the crumb mixture until they are evenly coated on all sides. (Double coat for extra crunch if you prefer).
- Arrange the coated apple wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch for even cooking. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 7-8 minutes or until the coating is golden and crispy.
- Serve the crispy air fryer apple wedges warm, accompanied by a side of caramel sauce for dipping. Enjoy the sweet and crunchy treat!
I tested this recipe with Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Granny Smith apples, and while they all worked great, Honeycrisp was the sweet spot—literally! Juicy enough to stay tender inside but still crisp up like a dream in the air fryer.