There’s something irresistibly fun and cozy about a warm, crunchy snack that feels a bit like dessert and a bit like a treat from a fall fair. This Apple Fries Recipe is just that kind of delight—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with a perfect cinnamon sugar coating that makes every bite a little celebration. If you love the idea of fries but want to switch things up with a fruity twist, these golden apple fries will quickly become your new favorite go-to. Let me walk you through exactly how to make this simple but indulgent treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are easy to find and each one plays a crucial role in creating those perfectly crispy, flavorful apple fries. From the tartness and brightness of the apples to the light, crispy batter and that irresistible cinnamon sugar finish, every element works together to make this dish shine.
- Apples: 3 large Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples peeled and cut into fry-sized strips, offering the ideal balance of tartness and sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup, providing the base structure for the batter to coat the apples just right.
- Cornstarch: 1/4 cup, which lightens the batter and helps deliver that coveted crispy texture.
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon to add a little lift and keep the coating airy and delicate.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon to enhance the flavors and cut through some of the sweetness perfectly.
- Milk: 1 cup, to create a smooth, luscious batter that clings beautifully to the apple fries.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying, chosen for its neutral taste and high smoke point to get that golden, crisp exterior.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup, used to coat the fries for that delightful sweet crunch.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 tablespoon, adding warm, fragrant spice that’s synonymous with cozy apple desserts.
- Optional Dipping Sauce: Caramel or vanilla yogurt, perfect for adding an extra layer of creamy indulgence.
How to Make Apple Fries Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Frying Station
Start by heating vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining the right temperature is key to achieving those perfectly crispy fries without absorbing too much oil. Line a plate with paper towels for draining, which helps keep your apple fries delightfully crisp once cooked.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Gradually add the milk, whisking to create a smooth batter without lumps. This batter will coat your apple fries in a light, crisp shell that’s just the right thickness.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar and Apples
Combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a separate small bowl and set it aside. Pat your apple strips dry with paper towels—this is important to help the batter stick and keep the fries from getting soggy during frying.
Step 4: Batter and Fry the Apples
Dip each apple strip into the batter, letting any excess drip off before carefully placing them in the hot oil. Fry in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan, which helps maintain oil temperature and results in crispier fries.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden Brown
Let your apple fries cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, turning once, until they achieve a gorgeous golden brown color. Remove them gently with a slotted spoon and drain on your prepared paper towels.
Step 6: Toss in Cinnamon Sugar
While the fries are still warm, toss them in your cinnamon sugar mixture until each fry is well-coated with that sweet, spicy magic. This finishing touch is what really elevates this Apple Fries Recipe from tasty to totally addictive.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Serve your apple fries right away with your choice of dipping sauce—caramel for a rich indulgence or vanilla yogurt for a cool, tangy contrast. They’re best enjoyed warm and fresh!
How to Serve Apple Fries Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top or dust with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation. Adding a pinch of flaky sea salt can also create a wonderful sweet-salty balance that highlights the apple’s natural flavors.
Side Dishes
Apple fries shine brightest as a sweet snack or dessert companion, but you could serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a more decadent treat. For a playful brunch, pair them with pancakes or waffles for a unique twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve apple fries in a rustic paper cone for a charming street-food vibe, or arrange them on a pretty platter sprinkled with chopped nuts or drizzled caramel sauce. They also make a fantastic topping for yogurt parfaits or even a warm apple crisp.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though they rarely last long), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. Avoid refrigeration as it tends to make the fries soggy.
Freezing
Freezing fried apple fries isn’t recommended since the texture can become mushy after thawing. If you want to prep ahead, consider cutting the apples and making the batter in advance and then frying fresh when ready to eat.
Reheating
To reheat leftover apple fries and bring back some crispiness, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it will soften the fries and lose that delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this Apple Fries Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great for their firmness and balanced tartness, you can experiment with Fuji or Gala apples, which offer a sweeter flavor and still hold up well during frying.
Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake apple fries for a lighter version. Coat the apple strips with the batter and place them on a greased baking sheet, then bake at 425°F for about 15 minutes, turning halfway through for even crispness.
What’s the best oil to fry apple fries in?
Vegetable oil is ideal because it has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, but you could also use canola or peanut oil. Just avoid olive or butter oils as they burn too quickly at high temperatures.
Can I make the batter dairy-free?
Definitely! Substitute regular milk with almond milk, soy milk, or another dairy-free alternative. The batter consistency might be slightly different but will still work beautifully.
What other dipping sauces pair well with this Apple Fries Recipe?
Besides caramel and vanilla yogurt, you can try chocolate sauce, honey mustard, or a sweet cream cheese dip. Each offers a unique flavor that complements the crispy, sweet apple fries wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and fun about treating yourself to freshly made apple fries, especially with that warm cinnamon sugar coating and a tangy dipping sauce by your side. This Apple Fries Recipe is straightforward, uses simple ingredients, and yields a snack that feels special yet easy enough for any day. Give it a try and watch how it disappears almost as quickly as you make it—trust me, these fries will turn into a beloved favorite in no time!
Print
Apple Fries Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These crispy and sweet Apple Fries are a delightful twist on traditional fries, featuring tart apple slices dipped in a light batter, fried to golden perfection, and coated in cinnamon sugar. Perfect as a snack or dessert, served with caramel or vanilla yogurt dipping sauce.
Ingredients
For the Apple Fries
- 3 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and cut into fry-sized strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Optional Dipping Sauce
- Caramel sauce or vanilla yogurt
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a plate lined with paper towels for draining the fried apples.
- Prepare batter: In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add milk while whisking to form a smooth, batter without lumps.
- Mix cinnamon sugar and dry apples: Combine ground cinnamon and granulated sugar in a separate bowl. Pat the apple strips dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Batter the apples: Dip each apple strip into the batter, allowing excess batter to drip off before frying. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Fry the apple fries: Fry the battered apple strips for 2 to 3 minutes, turning once to ensure they cook evenly and turn golden brown all over. Remove the fries and let them drain on the prepared paper towels.
- Coat fries with cinnamon sugar: While the apple fries are still warm, toss them gently in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
- Serve: Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce such as caramel or vanilla yogurt for a sweet complement.
Notes
- Choosing tart apples like Granny Smith balances the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar well.
- Ensure oil is at the correct temperature (350°F) before frying to prevent greasy fries.
- Patting apples dry helps the batter adhere better and improves frying quality.
- Serve immediately for the best crispiness, as the fries soften with time.
- Leftover fries can be reheated in an oven or air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispness.
