If you’re looking for a delightful snack or dessert that wraps warm, cozy flavors into a crisp bite, this Fried Apple Slices Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender apple rounds dipped in a subtly spiced, golden batter and fried until perfectly crispy—each bite giving you the sweet tartness of fresh apples with a satisfyingly crunchy coat. It’s comfort food made simple, versatile, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re craving something light or planning a charming fall treat, these fried apple slices bring out the best in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this dish, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a key role in balancing texture and flavor—from the juicy apples to the crispy fried coating and the sweet cinnamon hint that ties it all together beautifully.
- Apples: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness that holds up well during frying.
- All-purpose flour: The base of our batter, providing structure for a crisp crust.
- Cornstarch: Adds extra crunch by lightening the batter texture.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses warm spice to elevate the apple’s natural flavor.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor, balancing sweetness perfectly.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the batter and helps with browning.
- Milk: Creates a smooth, pancake-like batter that clings well to the apples.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a lovely aromatic note that complements the cinnamon and apples.
- Vegetable oil: The frying medium; it should be neutral-tasting for crisp, golden results.
- Powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar: For dusting, adding an inviting finishing touch.
How to Make Fried Apple Slices Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by whisking together the flour, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, salt, and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Once combined, stir in the milk and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and has the consistency of a thick pancake batter. If needed, add a little more milk to loosen the mixture so it will coat the apples evenly without dripping off.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Pour about half an inch of vegetable oil into a skillet and heat it over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. The right temperature is crucial for achieving that golden crust without soaking up too much oil.
Step 3: Dip and Fry the Apple Slices
Dip each apple slice into the prepared batter, allowing any extra to drip off, then carefully place it into the hot oil. Fry the slices for one to two minutes on each side, turning gently, until they are golden brown and delightfully crisp.
Step 4: Drain and Dust
Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked slices from the oil, letting excess oil drip away. Lay them on paper towels to drain fully. Once cooled slightly but still warm, dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for that extra pop of sweetness and charm.
How to Serve Fried Apple Slices Recipe
Garnishes
Simple powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar dusting works wonders, but you can also add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for texture and flavor contrast. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns this snack into an indulgent dessert.
Side Dishes
Pair your fried apple slices with hot beverages like spiced chai or a rich coffee for a perfect afternoon snack. They also complement breakfast dishes beautifully, alongside pancakes or oatmeal, adding a crisp and sweet note to your morning.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, stack the fried apple slices into mini towers on a dessert plate, layering them with cream cheese frosting or mascarpone. Alternatively, serve them skewered with cinnamon sticks for a rustic, hands-on treat that’s perfect for entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few hours or refrigerate for up to one day. Keep in mind that the crispiness may soften over time due to moisture absorption.
Freezing
Fried apple slices don’t freeze well as they tend to lose their crispiness and become soggy once thawed. It’s best to enjoy them fresh for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
To bring back some of the original crispiness, reheat slices in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as this can make them rubbery or mushy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended for their texture and flavor, you can experiment with Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn. Just pick firm, slightly tart apples to maintain crispness and balance sweetness.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and making sure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free, you can enjoy fried apple slices without gluten worries.
Can I bake the apple slices instead of frying?
Baking is an option but won’t yield the same crispy coating. If you bake, consider brushing the battered slices with oil or butter and using a convection setting to help crisp them up as much as possible.
What can I add to the batter for extra flavor?
A pinch of nutmeg, ground ginger, or a splash of apple cider in place of some milk can add interesting aromas and deepen the fall-inspired flavors in this Fried Apple Slices Recipe.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
The oil is ready when it shimmers but doesn’t smoke. You can also test by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil—if it bubbles vigorously and rises to the surface quickly, the temperature is just right.
Final Thoughts
This Fried Apple Slices Recipe is a cozy, simple treat that brings joy with every golden, crispy bite. It’s a lovely way to celebrate apples in a fun and slightly indulgent form that’s perfect for sharing. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and discover just how satisfying such an easy snack can be—watch it become a cherished favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Fried Apple Slices Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously crispy and tender fried apple slices coated in a cinnamon-spiced batter, perfect as a warm dessert or snack. These golden apple fritters feature a light, crunchy exterior and soft, sweet apple centers, dusted with powdered or cinnamon sugar for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
For the Batter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk (or as needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apples
- 2 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, cored and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds)
For Frying & Serving
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, salt, and granulated sugar until evenly combined. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract gradually, mixing until a smooth, pancake-like batter forms. Add a little more milk if the batter feels too thick to coat the apple slices evenly.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil into a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Heat until the oil is shimmering but not smoking, indicating it’s hot enough for frying.
- Dip and Fry the Apple Slices: Dip each apple slice into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off gently. Carefully place the coated slices into the hot oil in a single layer, taking care not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook Until Golden and Crisp: Fry the apple slices for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to flip and remove the slices once cooked.
- Drain and Dust: Transfer the fried apple slices onto paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar to taste.
- Serve Warm: Serve immediately for best texture and taste. Optionally, pair with caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Notes
- For extra crunch, dip the battered apple slices in panko breadcrumbs before frying.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Serve with caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream to elevate this dessert.
- Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors.
