Prep the apples

1. Peel the apples if you like, or leave the peel on for a little extra texture. Remove the cores and cut the fruit into fry-shaped sticks.
2. Once sliced, blot the apple pieces with a paper towel. Drying them well helps the coating stick better and keeps the Air Fryer Apple Fries from turning soggy.

Set up the breading bowls

1. Prepare three shallow bowls for coating.

• • In the first bowl, add the flour.
  • In the second bowl, whisk the egg and milk together until smooth.
  • In the third bowl, stir together the panko breadcrumbs, sugar, and cinnamon.

Having everything ready before you start makes the coating process quicker and cleaner.

Coat the apple fries

1. Take one apple stick at a time and coat it lightly in flour. Shake off any excess.
2. Next, dip the floured apple stick into the egg mixture so it gets fully covered.
3. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until the outside looks evenly coated. Press gently so the crumbs stick well, but do not crush the fruit.
4. Repeat with the remaining apple sticks until all the Air Fryer Apple Fries are breaded.

Air fry

1. Lightly mist the coated apple fries with nonstick cooking spray. This helps the coating brown and crisp in the air fryer.
2. Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave space between pieces so the hot air can circulate properly. Cook in batches if needed.
3. Air fry at 380°F / 190°C for 7 to 9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. Keep an eye on them near the end. You want the coating to turn golden and crisp while the apples stay tender inside.

Serve

1. Serve the Air Fryer Apple Fries while they are still warm. They taste great with caramel dip, vanilla yogurt, or whipped cream. A light dusting of extra cinnamon sugar also works well if you want a sweeter finish.