Name: Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 medium firm apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady); 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 to 2 teaspoons neutral oil or melted butter; Pinch of salt; For the Sweet Cinnamon Dip: 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese; 1 1/2 tablespoons honey; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

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Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries saved my snack time more times than I can count. If you’ve ever craved something sweet, warm, and just a little indulgent without dealing with hot oil, this recipe is your new best friend. I love how quick it is, how kid friendly it can be, and honestly, how it makes my kitchen smell like a fall bakery. We’re talking crispy edges, tender middles, and a creamy dip that tastes like cinnamon toast in a bowl. Stick with me and I’ll show you exactly how to nail the texture and keep every fry from going soggy.

What are apple fries made of?

Apple fries are basically apple slices cut into fry shapes, lightly coated so they crisp up, then air fried until golden. The coating is simple and pantry friendly, and the results are fantastic. They taste like a warm apple pie, but they’re faster, lighter, and a little playful.

Here’s what I use when I make them at home.

Apples: Firm and crisp varieties are best. I’ll share my favorites below.
Light coating: A mix of cornstarch and cinnamon gives you that crispy, caramel kissed finish.
Sweetness: Just a touch of brown sugar or maple sugar. I keep it light because the dip brings extra sweetness.
Fat: A little neutral oil or melted butter so the coating turns golden in the air fryer.
Pinch of salt: It wakes up the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Dip: A quick Sweet Cinnamon Dip made with Greek yogurt, cream cheese, honey, vanilla, and more cinnamon.

Tools I grab:

Air fryer with a basket or tray
Sharp knife and cutting board
Two bowls: one for coating, one for dip
Tongs or a spatula

Quick glance for searchers: timing, temp, and key ingredients are summarized here for easy reference.

If you’re wondering about the name, yes, they’re called fries because of the shape. No potatoes, just fruit magic and a bit of patience. They’re great for game day, movie night, or after school snacks that still feel special.

What type of apple is best?

If you can bite it and it crunches, you can turn it into fries. But some apples perform better in high heat and keep a nice snap. My top choices:

Honeycrisp is fantastic for sweet, juicy fries that hold their structure. Granny Smith gives a tart kick that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon sugar. Pink Lady is another winner if you want a balanced flavor and sturdy texture. Fuji works too, though it’s a touch softer once cooked. Avoid apples that feel mealy or very soft since they’ll slump instead of crisp.

One more thing: the fresher the apple, the better the crunch. If your apples have been hanging around the fruit bowl for weeks, save them for applesauce and grab a fresh batch for fries. You’ll taste the difference.

How to Cut Apples to Look Like Fries

This part is quick and oddly satisfying. You want sticks that resemble thin steak fries. The goal is consistent size so everything cooks evenly and crisps up at the same pace.

Start by washing and drying your apples. You can peel them if you like, but I usually don’t. The skins help them hold their shape, plus there’s a little color pop.

Slice off both sides around the core, creating four flat panels. Lay each panel flat side down and cut into planks about 1/2 inch thick. Stack the planks and slice into fry sticks the same width. If any ends are uneven, trim them and snack on the trimmings while you work.

Pro tip: If you’re not cooking right away, toss the sticks with a tiny squeeze of lemon juice to slow down browning. Pat them dry before coating. Dry apples crisp better every time.

How to Make Air Fryer Apple Fries

Ready to cook? This is where the crispy magic happens. It’s simple, but a few small steps make a big difference in texture and flavor. I’ve included both the fries and the Sweet Cinnamon Dip. It all comes together in under 20 minutes.

Before you start

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F or 193°C. I know some folks skip preheating, but for consistent results, I recommend it. Line the basket with a perforated parchment sheet if you have one. It helps prevent sticking without blocking airflow.

Cut 3 medium apples into fry sticks. Then set up two bowls: one for the dry coating and one to hold the apples.

Step by step

Make the coating: In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a small pinch of salt.
Lightly oil the apples: Drizzle the apple sticks with 1 to 2 teaspoons of neutral oil or melted butter. Toss to coat. They should look shiny, not drenched.
Coat the fries: Sprinkle the dry mix over the apples and toss gently. Shake off any extra powder.
Air fry in batches: Spread fries in a single layer. Do not crowd the basket. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once at the halfway point. Edges should look golden and slightly crisp.
While they cook, make the dip: In a small bowl, stir 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese, 1 1/2 tablespoons honey, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Add a pinch of salt. Whisk until creamy. Taste and adjust honey or cinnamon as you like.
Finish with a sprinkle: As each batch comes out, dust with a tiny pinch of cinnamon sugar if you want that extra sparkle.

You’ll know your batch is perfect when the outside feels lightly crisp and the inside still has a bit of bite. If your fries look pale, add 1 to 2 minutes. If your air fryer runs hot, shave off a minute next time.

Two common mistakes I see: too much oil or too many apples in the basket. A heavy hand with oil can soften the coating, and overcrowding traps steam. Keep it light and spread out. That’s the path to truly crispy fries.

My kids devoured a full plate in six minutes, and I had to make a second batch. I’m not proud to say I hid a few in the back of the kitchen so I could have my own. This one’s a keeper.

Dipping Sauces for Apple Fries

I love the classic Sweet Cinnamon Dip because it’s creamy, fluffy, and not overly sweet. It tastes like a cinnamon roll glaze met a bowl of yogurt and decided to be helpful. But you have options if you want to switch things up.

Easy alternatives to the Sweet Cinnamon Dip

If dairy free is your jam, swap in coconut yogurt and a little maple syrup. For something richer, mix warm caramel sauce with a splash of cream and a pinch of sea salt. A quick peanut butter yogurt dip is also amazing: 1/4 cup peanut butter, 1/2 cup yogurt, honey to taste, and a splash of vanilla. And if you want a fruit forward vibe, stir cinnamon into applesauce and add a squeeze of lemon to brighten it up.

For grown up nights, try a maple mascarpone dip with a sprinkle of orange zest. It tastes fancy with almost no effort. And if you’re hosting, set out two or three dips so everyone can find a favorite.

Common Questions

Do I need to peel the apples?
Nope. The peel helps with structure and color. If you prefer them peeled, it still works, but keep the sticks a little thicker so they hold up.

Can I make these ahead?
They’re best fresh, but you can air fry, cool, and stash them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat at 360°F for 3 to 5 minutes to bring back some crisp.

Are these gluten free?
Yes, as written they are. Just make sure your cornstarch and spices are labeled gluten free if cross contamination is a concern.

Can I bake them in the oven?
Yes. Bake at 425°F on a parchment lined sheet for about 12 to 15 minutes, flipping once. They will be a bit less crisp than the air fryer version.

How do I stop them from getting soggy?
Pat the apples dry before coating, don’t crowd the basket, and go easy on the oil. Serve right away for the best crunch.

Why these fries work for weeknights

There’s a lot to love about this recipe. It’s budget friendly, fast, and works year round. Apples are easy to find, and the air fryer keeps the mess minimal. My favorite part is that you can whip up a small batch just for you or scale it up for a crowd without losing quality.

And yes, this is one of those recipes that makes it look like you planned ahead, even when you didn’t. Set the dip out first, fry up a hot batch, and watch the plate disappear. I’ve taken these to casual dinners and they always get a reaction. You’ll hear the crunch with the first bite, then the cinnamon hits, and that’s it. People lean in.

If you’re into making fun food with simple ingredients, keep this one in your pocket. It’s cozy, it’s quick, and it makes your kitchen smell amazing.

A Sweet Little Wrap Up

If you’re new to air frying, this is an easy and confidence building recipe. You’ll get golden edges, tender centers, and the simple joy of dipping something warm into something creamy. Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries are crowd pleasers for a reason, and that Sweet Cinnamon Dip only makes them better.

Grab a couple of crisp apples, preheat the air fryer, and give it a go. The first batch will win you over, and the second will seal the deal. If you try these Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries, come back and tell me how it went. I’m betting they’ll be your new favorite quick treat.