There is something undeniably magical about the aroma of warm cinnamon filling the kitchen. When I first made these air fryer apple fries, I was instantly transported back to cool autumn evenings spent at the county fair.

My grandmother always said that the best desserts are the ones you can hold in your hand. She usually made elaborate pies, but sometimes we wanted that nostalgic flavor without the hours of baking and cooling.

That is exactly why I adore this recipe; it captures the essence of a classic apple pie in a fun, dippable format. It is the perfect solution for when you want a sweet treat that feels special yet comes together in minutes.

The crunchy graham cracker coating combined with the tender, warm fruit inside creates a texture that is simply addictive. You get all the satisfaction of a fried treat without the heavy oil or mess of deep frying.

Whether you are hosting a casual get-together or just need a quick dessert for the family, these wedges are a crowd-pleaser. If you are planning a full party spread, they offer a sweet counterpoint to savory snacks like my [corn black bean guacamole](https://cookreel.com/corn-black-bean-guacamole/).

Why you’ll love this Cinnamon Crusted Air Fryer Apple Fries

These treats come together in just 25 minutes, making them an ideal last-minute dessert option.
The air fryer apple fries method uses significantly less oil than traditional frying while still achieving a satisfying crunch.
They are incredibly versatile and can be dipped in caramel, whipped cream, or even chocolate sauce.
Granny Smith apples provide a tart flavor profile that perfectly balances the sweet graham cracker crust.
This is a fun, hands-on recipe that kids can easily help with in the kitchen.

Ingredients

2 large Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Non-stick cooking spray (coconut or vegetable oil)
Caramel sauce, for dipping
Whipped cream (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Air fryer apple fries makes every moment feel energetic. Start by preparing your apples for slicing. Peel the apples if you prefer a softer texture, though leaving the skin on adds nice color and nutrients. Core them and slice into wedges about 1/2 inch thick so they resemble thick-cut fries.

Step 2

Set up a dredging station using three separate shallow bowls to keep things organized. Place the all-purpose flour in the first bowl and the beaten eggs in the second bowl. In the third bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.

Step 3

Take an apple slice and toss it in the flour to coat it lightly, shaking off any excess powder. Dip the floured slice into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully moistened. Finally, press it firmly into the graham cracker mixture to ensure a thick, even coating sticks to the fruit.

Step 4

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot enough to crisp the coating immediately. Place the coated apple fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they do not touch each other to allow proper air circulation, working in batches if necessary.

Step 5

Spray the apple fries generously with your chosen cooking spray to help the crust brown. Air fry for 5 minutes, then carefully flip the fries over. Spray the other side and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the coating is golden brown and crispy.

Step 6

Remove the fries from the air fryer carefully as they will be very hot and slightly soft. Let them cool on a wire rack for 2-3 minutes, which allows the crust to crisp up further. Serve them warm with caramel sauce or whipped cream for dipping.

Variations, pairings, and serving ideas

Variations

You can easily customize this recipe by changing up the spice blend in the crumb mixture. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a deeper, warmer flavor profile during the fall season.

For a different texture, consider using panko breadcrumbs mixed with sugar and cinnamon instead of graham crackers. This creates an even crunchier exterior that stands up well to thick dips.

If you prefer a different fruit, firm pears work wonderfully with this method as well. Just ensure you choose a variety that is not too ripe, so they hold their shape during the cooking process.

Pairings

These fries are delicious on their own, but they really shine when paired with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast between the hot, spiced apples and the cold, creamy ice cream is irresistible.

For a cozy drink pairing, serve these alongside a hot mug of apple cider or a vanilla latte. The coffee notes balance the sweetness of the graham cracker crust beautifully.

If you are serving these at a brunch, they go great with yogurt dips. Mix some honey and cinnamon into Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-rich dipping sauce.

Serving ideas

Serve these fries in paper cones for a fun, retro presentation that mimics traditional french fries. This works especially well for parties or movie nights where handheld snacks are preferred.

Create a dessert charcuterie board by placing the fries in the center surrounded by various dips. Include small bowls of caramel, chocolate sauce, and marshmallow fluff for guests to choose from.

For a more elegant plated dessert, stack the fries log-cabin style on a plate. Drizzle them with caramel sauce and dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Storage and make-ahead tips

Storage

These apple fries are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The coating may soften over time due to the moisture in the apples.

To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. This helps to revive the crispiness of the crust much better than a microwave would.

Freezing is not recommended for this recipe. The texture of the apple tends to become mushy upon thawing, and the graham cracker crust will likely become soggy.

Make-ahead

You can mix the dry ingredients for the dredging station ahead of time and store them in a jar. However, you should not slice the apples until you are ready to cook to prevent them from browning.

If you must prep the apples early, soak the slices in salt water or lemon water briefly. Pat them completely dry before beginning the dredging process to ensure the coating sticks.

You can also pre-crush your graham crackers if you are not buying them pre-crumbed. Keep them in a sealed bag so they stay crisp until you are ready to assemble the fries.

Common mistakes when making Cinnamon Crusted Air Fryer Apple Fries

Overcrowding the basket is a major issue that leads to soggy, unevenly cooked fries.
Forgetting to spray the coating with oil will result in dry, floury patches instead of a golden crust.
Slicing the apples too thin causes them to fall apart, while slicing them too thick leaves the center raw.
Not pressing the crumbs firmly enough into the egg wash causes the coating to fall off during the flip.
Skipping the cooling period prevents the crust from hardening properly before you eat them.

Final notes

Making these air fryer apple fries is a wonderful way to bring the taste of autumn into your home any time of year. They are simple enough for a weeknight treat yet special enough for company.

Remember that the type of apple you choose will determine the final sweetness and texture. Do not be afraid to experiment with different varieties to find your personal favorite.

I hope this recipe brings a little bit of joy and nostalgia to your kitchen table. Enjoy the process of dipping and crunching on these delightful sweet wedges.

Perfect Crispy Air Fryer Apple Fries With Caramel Sauce

Why you’ll love this Cinnamon Crusted Air Fryer Apple Fries

Ingredients

Directions

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Variations, pairings, and serving ideas

Variations

Pairings

Serving ideas

Storage and make-ahead tips

Storage

Make-ahead

Common mistakes when making Cinnamon Crusted Air Fryer Apple Fries

Final notes

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Cinnamon Crusted Air Fryer Apple Fries

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

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