There’s something utterly delightful about turning crisp apples into a warm, sweet, and perfectly spiced treat. This Apple Fries Recipe brings a fun twist to snacking by transforming fresh apple slices into golden, crispy “fries” coated with cinnamon sugar. Whether you’re craving a comforting dessert or a unique party snack, these apple fries offer a satisfying crunch and a burst of natural sweetness that will have you reaching for seconds in no time. This recipe is surprisingly simple and utterly irresistible, making it a must-try for apple lovers everywhere.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Apple Fries Recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from creating the light and crispy batter to delivering that warm cinnamon kick that ties the dish together perfectly.
- Apples: 3 large Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled and cut into fry-sized strips; these varieties balance tartness and sweetness beautifully and hold their shape when fried.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup; the base for a smooth, airy batter coating each apple strip.
- Cornstarch: 1/4 cup; adds extra crispness to the batter for that perfect crunch.
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon; ensures a light, slightly puffed batter texture.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon; enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Milk: 1 cup; creates the batter’s smooth consistency and helps it stick to the apples.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying; it provides the high-heat environment necessary for crisp fries without overpowering flavors.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup; combined with cinnamon for that warm, sweet coating that makes apple fries irresistible.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 tablespoon; infuses the fries with a comforting spice that complements the apples perfectly.
- Optional Dipping Sauce: Caramel or vanilla yogurt; adds a luscious or creamy finish that’s pure indulgence.
How to Make Apple Fries Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Frying Station
Start by heating your vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is key to getting your apple fries crispy and golden without absorbing too much oil. Line a plate with paper towels nearby to catch excess oil once you remove the fries from the pan.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Then gradually add the milk, whisking until you have a smooth batter with no lumps. This batter will form the delicious crispy coating that hugs each apple strip.
Step 3: Prep the Apples and Cinnamon Sugar
Mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl and set it aside for later. Meanwhile, pat your apple strips dry with paper towels; removing excess moisture helps the batter cling better and ensures crisp cooking.
Step 4: Batter and Fry the Apples
Dip each apple strip into the batter, letting any excess drip back into the bowl. Carefully add them in batches to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the apples for about 2 to 3 minutes, turning once, until they’re a lovely golden brown color.
Step 5: Drain and Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
Remove the fried apples with a slotted spoon and drain them on the paper towels. While they’re still warm, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they’re fully and evenly coated—a crucial step that makes the Apple Fries Recipe truly shine.
Step 6: Serve While Warm
Serve your apple fries immediately for the best texture and flavor, either on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce to add an extra bit of indulgence.
How to Serve Apple Fries Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the apple fries for a delicate sweetness and an elegant look. Fresh mint leaves also add a bright contrast that complements the warm cinnamon flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Apple fries pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a luscious dessert experience. For a snack, try serving them alongside a small bowl of vanilla yogurt or caramel dipping sauce to elevate the taste and add variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Create individual servings in small paper cones or mini baskets lined with parchment paper for a charming and portable treat. You could also layer apple fries in a parfait glass alternating with yogurt and granola for a fun twist on breakfast or brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. They’re best enjoyed within a day as the fries can lose their crispness over time.
Freezing
While apple fries are best fresh, you can freeze them by flash freezing on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. However, they won’t be as crispy once thawed and reheated, but they still make a quick sweet snack.
Reheating
Reheat leftover apple fries in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to help them regain some crispness. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the fries soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal for their balance of tartness and firmness, Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala apples can also work. Just keep in mind that softer apples may become mushy during frying.
Is it possible to bake apple fries instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative though the texture will be less crispy. Coat the battered apple strips lightly in oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) on a greased tray, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
What can I use if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of potato starch or arrowroot powder. These alternatives also help to create a crispy batter coating that fry so well for the Apple Fries Recipe.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to keep the batter safe for gluten-sensitive eaters. Just ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What dipping sauces go best with apple fries?
Caramel sauce is a classic and adds rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon sugar. Vanilla yogurt offers a creamy and tangy contrast. You can also experiment with honey, chocolate, or even a maple cream sauce for variety.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the crunchy, cinnamony goodness of this Apple Fries Recipe to brighten your day. It’s easy to make, irresistibly tasty, and perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging solo. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience just how comforting and delightful this simple treat really is.
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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
Delicious and crispy apple fries battered and fried to golden perfection, coated with cinnamon sugar, and served with a sweet dipping sauce. A perfect snack or dessert that combines the tartness of apples with a crunchy, sweet exterior.
Ingredients
Apples
- 3 large Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, peeled and cut into fry-sized strips
Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Optional Dipping Sauce
- Caramel sauce or vanilla yogurt
Instructions
- Heat the 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 fried apple fries.
- Prepare the batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add milk while whisking until the batter is smooth with no lumps.
- Mix cinnamon sugar and dry apples: In a separate bowl, blend granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Pat the apple strips dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Coat the apples: Dip each apple strip into the batter, allowing excess batter to drip off to avoid clumps.
- Fry the apple fries: Carefully place the battered apples in the hot oil in batches, frying for 2 to 3 minutes until they are golden brown. Turn them once during cooking for even frying.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the fried apple fries and place them on the paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: While still warm, toss the fries in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated for that sweet and spicy crunch.
- Serve: Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce, such as caramel sauce or vanilla yogurt, for an extra layer of flavor.
Notes
- Use firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to ensure the fries hold their shape during frying.
- Make sure the oil temperature stays at 350°F (175°C) for crispy fries that aren’t greasy.
- Dry the apple strips well before battering to help the batter stick.
- Fry in small batches to keep the temperature consistent and avoid soggy fries.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
