Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Fries (15 Minutes)
Crisp-edged apple fries tossed in cinnamon sugar and air fried until caramelised — a 15-minute autumn snack with a warm, cosy crunch.
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- Core the apples and cut them into 1/2-inch sticks, leaving the skin on.
- Toss the apple sticks with the melted butter until every piece is lightly coated, then sprinkle over the cornstarch and toss again until no dry patches remain.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon, sugar and salt over the sticks and toss one final time.
- Spread the sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between them.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until the edges are golden and caramelised.
- Serve warm, with a dipping sauce if you like.
Crisp-edged apple fries tossed in cinnamon sugar and air fried until caramelised — a 15-minute autumn snack with a warm, cosy crunch.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 140 kcal
- Protein
- 0.5 g
- Carbs
- 32 g
- Fat
- 4 g
- Fibre
- 3.5 g
- Sugar
- 24 g
- Sodium
- 40 mg
Values are estimates based on USDA FoodData Central and vary with brands and portioning.
Chef notes
The cornstarch is what makes them crisp, not the sugar. Coat the apple sticks in melted butter first so the starch actually sticks, and keep them in a single layer with space between — crowding steams them instead of crisping. Granny Smith holds its shape best; sweeter apples go softer.
Substitutions
- Butter — melted coconut oil for dairy-free, or neutral oil
- Granulated sugar — brown sugar for deeper caramel flavour, or coconut sugar
- Cornstarch — potato starch or rice flour
- Granny Smith — Honeycrisp, Braeburn or any firm apple that holds its shape
Serving suggestions
Serve warm in a paper cone or small bowl with caramel dip, peanut butter, or honey-sweetened yogurt. A dusting of extra cinnamon over the top goes a long way.
Storage
Best eaten fresh. Leftovers keep 1 day in the fridge in an airtight container, though they soften.
Reheating
Recrisp in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 2 to 3 minutes. The microwave will make them soft — avoid it.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Large bowl
- Knife and cutting board
Variations
- Pumpkin spice: swap the cinnamon for 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- Churro style: double the sugar and add 1/4 teaspoon vanilla to the butter
- Savory: skip the sugar and cinnamon; toss with 1 teaspoon garlic powder and a pinch of salt instead
Why it works
Hot air fryer heat evaporates surface moisture fast while the cornstarch forms a thin, crisp shell. The sugar on the outside caramelises in the hot air, giving the fries a candy-crisp edge around the soft, sweet apple inside — like a funnel-cake version of an apple.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my apple fries come out soft instead of crispy?
They were crowded or undercoated. Keep them in a single layer with space between each fry, and make sure the butter goes on before the cornstarch so it sticks evenly.
Can I cut the apples ahead of time?
Yes. Cut the apples just before coating — a squeeze of lemon juice on the sticks keeps them bright while you work.
What do I serve apple fries with?
A warm caramel dip, peanut butter, or a thick yogurt sweetened with honey. They are best eaten within 20 minutes of the air fryer.
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