One of my favorite fall treats are these air fryer apple fries! Fresh apple slices are breaded and air fried for a crispy shell hiding juicy fruit inside – great for a sweet dessert or snack. I like to serve mine with an easy salted caramel dipping sauce for the perfect combination!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Meets Sweet: You get the perfect combo of a lightly crisp, golden coating on the outside and tender, warm apple on the inside, like dessert french fries!
- Healthier Treat Option: They use little to no oil thanks to the air fryer, making them a lighter alternative to traditional deep-fried desserts
- Fast and Easy: Apple fries cook up in minutes, making them a quick go-to treat for kids, guests, or yourself
- Customizable: Whether you toss them in cinnamon sugar, dip them in caramel, or drizzle with chocolate, the topping options are endless!
- Fall Flavor Vibes Anytime: They deliver cozy autumn flavor without needing to bake a pie
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Ingredients Needed
- 2 large apples (see notes for variety suggestions)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp apple pie spice
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste – you may want more if not serving with a salted caramel sauce)
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Olive oil spray (or similar)
For the Salted Caramel Sauce
- 4 Tbsp butter
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Instead of apple pie spice, you can use just cinnamon, or a mix of other warm spices, like nutmeg, allspice, ginger, or cloves
- The sugar on the apples can be varied for personal tastes and based on the sweetness of your chosen apples (see below for good varieties)
- For a gluten free option, you can substitute almond flour instead
- Dark brown sugar is better for the dipping sauce, but you can use light as well
Choosing the Right Apples
When choosing apples for air fryer apple fries, go for varieties that hold their shape well during cooking and offer a good balance of sweetness and tartness. Here are some of my top picks:
- Granny Smith – Crisp, tart, and perfect if you want a contrast to sweet toppings like caramel or cinnamon sugar!
- Honeycrisp – Naturally sweet and super crunchy, these hold up beautifully in the air fryer
- Fuji or Gala – Milder and sweeter, great for a softer, dessert-like result (I use Fuji!)
- Pink Lady – Offers a sweet-tart flavor and firm texture that resists turning mushy
Avoid mealy apples like Red Delicious; they tend to break down during air frying.
Step By Step Instructions
- Peel, core, and cut the apples into approximately ½” thick wedges
- In a zippered bag (or similar), combine the flour, salt, and apple pie spice, and mix well. In a separate bowl whisk the eggs with the vanilla extract
- Toss the apple slices in the flour mixture (I just pop them all in the bag and shake them). Then, dip them into the egg mixture to coat, and return them to the flour mixture and coat again. Shake off any excess flour
- Spray your air fryer’s basket with nonstick cooking spray, place the breaded apple slices into your air fryer basket or rack in a single layer, then spray the tops with oil spray until they’re just coated. Don’t overcrowd or you’ll end up with soggy spots, cook in batches if needed
- Cook on the air fry setting at 350°F for 5 minutes, then flip, apply the oil again, and cook an additional 5 minutes until browned and crisp. While the apples are cooking, mix the cinnamon and the brown sugar together in a small bowl, and prepare the salted caramel dipping sauce (see below)
- Once apples are done, toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they’re still hot to coat well, and serve immediately with salted caramel dipping sauce on the side if desired
How to Make Salted Caramel Sauce
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream
- Microwave on high for 1 minute, stir, and then cook in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until the mixture is browned and bubbling. Time can vary between different microwave wattages; mine is 1000W and I usually cook 2 ½ – 3 minutes total
- Remove from the microwave, then stir in the vanilla and sea salt, and whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust by adding more salt if desired
It will thicken slightly as it sits, but this is a dipping sauce, not candy style caramel so it won’t be super thick. You can also make this sauce in advance, store in the refrigerator, and reheat for about 30 seconds just before serving!
Pairing Suggestions
Dips & Sauces
- Caramel Sauce – Classic and irresistible!
- Vanilla or Maple Greek Yogurt – A creamy, tangy contrast
- Peanut Butter or Almond Butter – For a protein-packed pairing
- Chocolate Ganache or Nutella – For a rich dessert vibe!
Drinks
- Hot Apple Cider – Warm and cozy for fall. My Caramel Apple Hard Cider is perfect for the adults
- Chai Tea or Spiced Lattes – Matches the cinnamon notes beautifully. You can also try one of my Chai Cocktails for a boozy option!
- Sparkling Water with Apple or Cinnamon Essence – Refreshing without overpowering!
Other Foods
- Cheddar Cheese Cubes – Sweet-and-savory perfection!
- Pulled Pork Sliders – Serve the fries on the side for a Southern-style combo
- Pumpkin or Sweet Potato Dishes – Great for fall-themed meals or snacks!
Recipe FAQs
Are Apples Good In The Air Fryer?
Yes, apples turn tender on the inside and lightly crisp on the outside when cooked in the air fryer. It enhances their natural sweetness and makes for a quick fruit-based treat with minimal oil.
What Is In Apple Pie Spice?
Apple pie spice typically includes a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Some variations also add ginger or cloves for extra warmth and complexity.
What Are Apple French Fries?
Apple french fries are apple slices cut into fry-like sticks or wedges, breaded and seasoned, then air-fried (or deep fried) until golden and slightly crisp. They’re a fun dessert or snack that mimics the look of traditional fries with a sweet twist.
Tips For the Best Apple Fries
- If desired, you can toss the cut apples in lemon juice to prevent browning. I don’t since I’m just breading them anyway, but you certainly can if preferred
- Times were written based on testing with my Ninja Dual Zone air fryer (I do not preheat). Other air fryers may vary slightly, so adjust as needed for your particular setup
Storage and Reheating
Storage Tips
- Cool First: Let the apple fries cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Place parchment or wax paper between layers to keep them from sticking together
Reheating Tips
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to restore crispness
- Oven: Alternatively, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes
- Avoid Microwave: Microwaving will make the apples soft and lose that delicious crisp texture (though it’s perfect for the dipping sauce – 20-30 seconds on high)!
- Caramel Apple Scones
- Apple Cobbler Egg Rolls
Final Thoughts
These air fryer apple fries are a perfect fall treat! Seasonal fresh apples get a crispy coating that cooks to perfection in just 10 minutes in your air fryer.
Pair them with a delicious homemade salted caramel dipping sauce for the perfect combination. I like to serve apple fries as a dessert option, but they’re also great as a snack option when you want something a little sweet!
Looking for more great recipes to use your fall harvest? Check out all my delicious Air Fryer Apple Recipes for more ideas!
Air Fryer Apple Fries (With Salted Caramel Dipping Sauce)
Servings: 4
Air fryer apple fries come out crispy outside and tender inside for a perfect snack or dessert. Pair them with homemade salted caramel dipping sauce for the ultimate combo!
Equipment
- Ziploc bag (or similar)
- Mixing bowls (or similar)
Ingredients
- 2 large apples (such as Fuji)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp apple pie spice
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste – you may want more if not serving with a salted caramel sauce)
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Olive oil spray (or similar)
For the Salted Caramel Sauce
- 4 Tbsp butter
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Peel, core, and cut the apples into approximately ½” thick wedges2 large apples
- In a zippered bag (or similar), combine the flour, salt, and apple pie spice, and mix well. In a separate bowl whisk the eggs with the vanilla extract2 large eggs, 1 cup all purpose flour, 1 Tbsp apple pie spice, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Toss the apple slices in the flour mixture (I just pop them all in the bag and shake them). Then, dip them into the egg mixture to coat, and return them to the flour mixture and coat again. Shake off any excess flour
- Spray your air fryer’s basket with a mist of olive oil (or similar), place the breaded apple slices into your air fryer basket or rack in a single layer, then spray the tops with oil spray until they’re just coated. Don’t overcrowd or you’ll end up with soggy spots, cook in batches if neededOlive oil spray
- Cook on the air fry setting at 350°F for 5 minutes, then flip, apply the oil again, and cook an additional 5 minutes until browned and crisp. While the apples are cooking, mix the cinnamon and the brown sugar together in a small bowl, and prepare the salted caramel dipping sauce (see below)2 Tbsp brown sugar, ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Once apples are done, toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they’re still hot to coat well, and serve immediately with salted caramel dipping sauce on the side
How to Make Salted Caramel Sauce
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream4 Tbsp butter, ½ cup heavy whipping cream, 1 cup brown sugar
- Microwave on high for 1 minute, stir, and then cook in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until the mixture is browned and bubbling. Time can vary between different microwave wattages; mine is 1000W and I usually cook 2 ½ – 3 minutes total
- Remove from the microwave, then stir in the vanilla and sea salt, and whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust by adding more salt if desired½ tsp sea salt, ½ tsp vanilla extract
Notes
- Instead of apple pie spice, you can use just cinnamon, or a mix of other warm spices, like nutmeg, allspice, ginger, or cloves
- The sugar on the apples can be varied for personal tastes and based on the sweetness of your chosen apples (see my full article above for recommendations on varieties)
- For a gluten free option, you can substitute almond flour instead
- Dark brown sugar is better for the dipping sauce, but you can use light as well
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand, size, and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, assumes the use of 100% of breading and sauce (which won’t be the case), and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
Serving: 225g | Calories: 555kcal | Carbohydrates: 78g | Protein: 7.4g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 157mg | Sodium: 677mg | Potassium: 196mg | Fiber: 2.2g | Sugar: 50g | Vitamin A: 869.3IU | Vitamin C: 3.4mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 2.3mg
