Golden, sweet, and irresistibly crunchy, these Crispy Caramelized Apple Fries turn simple apples into a playful dessert that tastes like a cross between apple pie and cinnamon-sugar churros. With tender apple centers and a crisp caramelized coating, they’re perfect for dessert, brunch, or anytime you want a cozy homemade treat that feels special without being complicated.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These apple fries are easy to make with everyday ingredients and can be cooked three different ways to suit your preference. They deliver a wonderful balance of textures—soft apples inside and crunchy coating outside—along with warm cinnamon flavor. They’re fun to serve, great for sharing, and customizable with dips and toppings everyone loves.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the apple fries
2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
¼ cup white granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
1 pinch salt
2 large eggs
For cooking
2 cups neutral oil for frying
or
2 tablespoons oil or melted butter for baking or air frying
Optional caramel finish
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon butter
Peel the apples, core them, and cut into fry-shaped sticks about ¼-inch thick. Pat the apple sticks dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Prepare three bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour and salt. In the second bowl, add the beaten eggs. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Dip each apple stick into the flour, then into the egg, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.
Choose one cooking method.
For frying, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the apple sticks in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
For baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Arrange apple fries in a single layer, spray or brush lightly with oil, and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway.
For air frying, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange apple fries in the basket in a single layer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking halfway.
For extra caramel flavor, melt the butter with brown sugar in a small pan and lightly toss the warm apple fries before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 to 22 minutes depending on method
Total time: about 30 minutes
Variations
Use pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon for a seasonal twist.
Replace breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes for extra crunch.
Add a touch of maple sugar to the coating for deeper sweetness.
Make them gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar after cooking for a dessert-style finish.
Storage/Reheating
Apple fries are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it will soften the coating.
FAQs
What type of apples work best for apple fries?
Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best because they hold their shape and balance sweetness and tartness.
Can I make these without frying?
Yes, baking and air frying both work very well and create a crisp coating with less oil.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for the best texture, but you can leave the peel on if you prefer a more rustic result.
Can I prepare the apple fries ahead of time?
You can slice and coat the apples a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until ready to cook.
How do I keep the coating from falling off?
Make sure the apples are dry before coating and press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto each piece.
Are these very sweet?
They are lightly sweet with warm spice, and you can adjust sweetness by adding or reducing sugar.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes, simply use oil instead of butter and choose dairy-free dips.
What dips go best with apple fries?
Caramel sauce, vanilla glaze, chocolate sauce, or a lightly sweetened cream cheese dip are all great options.
Can I freeze apple fries?
Freezing is not recommended, as the apples release moisture and lose their crisp texture.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Use panko breadcrumbs and choose frying or air frying for maximum crunch.
Conclusion
Crispy Caramelized Apple Fries are a delightful way to transform everyday apples into a comforting, crowd-pleasing treat. With their warm cinnamon aroma, crunchy coating, and soft apple center, they’re simple to make and impossible to resist. Whether served plain or dipped into something sweet, this recipe is sure to become a favorite you’ll come back to again and again.
Crispy Caramelized Apple Fries are sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple sticks coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust. Fried, baked, or air-fried to golden perfection, these fun apple fries are an easy dessert or snack that’s perfect for dipping in caramel or chocolate sauce.
Ingredients
2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
¼ cup white sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Pinch of salt
2 large eggs
Oil for frying or baking/air frying
Optional Caramel Finish: 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
Peel and core apples, then slice into ¼-inch thick sticks. Pat dry.
Set up three bowls: flour + salt, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Dredge each apple stick in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to coat.
Frying: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange on greased sheet and bake 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway.
Air Frying: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Air fry 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.
Optional Caramel Finish: Melt butter and brown sugar in a pan, toss warm fries to coat.
Serve warm with your choice of dips.
Notes
Use firm apples like Granny Smith for best results.
For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
To make gluten-free, use GF flour and breadcrumbs.
Serve with caramel, cream cheese dip, or vanilla glaze.
