Apple fries are a fun, creative way to enjoy apples, and they make for an irresistible treat that’s perfect for kids and adults alike. These crispy, sweet fries are easy to make, and their unique twist on a classic snack is sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a healthier snack option or something sweet to serve at your next gathering, this apple fries recipe is the perfect choice. Here’s how to make these deliciously crispy apple fries that everyone will love!
Ingredients for Apple Fries:
- 4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work great)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
- Pinch of salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Caramel sauce (optional, for dipping)
Instructions for Apple Fries:
- Prepare the Apples: Begin by washing and drying the apples. Cut the apples into thin wedges, resembling the shape of French fries. Remove the core using an apple corer or a knife. You can leave the skin on for added texture or peel it off, depending on your preference.
- Make the Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, and a pinch of salt. In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. Lastly, place the breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Coat the Apple Wedges: Dip each apple wedge into the flour mixture, ensuring it is well-coated. Then dip it into the egg wash, followed by the breadcrumbs. Press lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the apple.
- Fry the Apple Fries: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Test the oil by dropping a small piece of breadcrumb into the pan—if it sizzles, the oil is ready. Carefully fry the coated apple wedges in batches, turning them occasionally, until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the apple fries from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. Dust with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and serve hot.
- Optional Dipping Sauce: For an extra indulgent touch, serve your apple fries with caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dipping.
Why You’ll Love Apple Fries
Apple fries are a perfect fusion of sweet and crunchy. The light, crispy coating complements the juicy, tender apple inside, creating a satisfying contrast in every bite. These apple fries are a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks, offering the natural sweetness of apples without all the calories of traditional fries. They’re also a great way to get kids to enjoy fruit in a fun and creative way.
Variations of Apple Fries
- Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fries: Add an extra sprinkle of cinnamon sugar over your apple fries before serving for a spiced-up flavor.
- Baked Apple Fries: For a healthier version, bake the apple fries in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Gluten-Free Apple Fries: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of apple fries.
Conclusion:
This apple fries recipe is a fun, delicious twist on a classic treat, perfect for snack time or dessert. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a sweet treat to share with friends, these crispy apple fries are sure to impress. Their sweet and savory flavor makes them the perfect addition to any party platter, lunchbox, or afternoon snack.
Try out this apple fries recipe today and enjoy a sweet and crispy treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Serving and Storage Tips for Apple Fries
Apple fries are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed in various ways, whether as a snack, dessert, or party appetizer. To ensure they remain fresh, crispy, and flavorful, here are some serving and storage tips:
Serving Tips:
- Serve Immediately: Apple fries are best served hot and fresh from the frying pan. Their crispy coating and warm apple interior make them an irresistible treat when they’re fresh out of the fryer. Serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple touch or drizzle with caramel sauce, honey, or chocolate syrup for extra indulgence.
- Dipping Sauces: Apple fries pair perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces. In addition to the classic caramel sauce, try pairing them with:
- Chocolate sauce
- Vanilla yogurt or whipped cream
- Nut butter (like peanut or almond butter)
- Toffee sauce
- Cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness
- Add a Side of Ice Cream: For a dessert treat, serve apple fries with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The cold, creamy texture complements the warm and crispy apple fries beautifully.
- Perfect for Parties: Apple fries are a fun, bite-sized snack perfect for serving at gatherings, parties, or family events. Set out a platter of apple fries with a variety of dipping sauces to let guests customize their snack.
Storage Tips:
- Storing Leftover Apple Fries: While apple fries are best eaten fresh, you can store leftovers for later use. Let them cool to room temperature before storing. Place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating Apple Fries: To reheat the apple fries and maintain their crispy texture, use an oven or air fryer rather than the microwave. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the apple fries on a baking sheet in a single layer, and bake for 10-15 minutes until they are hot and crispy again. Alternatively, if you have an air fryer, set it to 375°F (190°C) and cook the fries for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Freezing Apple Fries: If you’d like to keep apple fries for a longer period, you can freeze them. To do so:
- Arrange the cooked apple fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1-2 hours until solid.
- Once frozen, transfer the apple fries to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat frozen apple fries, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Serving Ideas:
- Breakfast or Brunch: Serve apple fries as part of a sweet brunch spread, alongside pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal.
- Lunchbox Snack: Pack apple fries as a fun, healthier alternative to traditional fries for kids’ lunchboxes. Add a side of yogurt or fruit dip for a complete snack.
- After-School Snack: Keep apple fries on hand for a quick, satisfying after-school treat that’s both sweet and nutritious.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy apple fries fresh and crispy every time, making them a versatile and delightful addition to your recipe repertoire.
1. Can I make apple fries without frying them?
Yes! You can bake apple fries for a healthier version. To do so, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), arrange the breaded apple wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden and crispy. This method reduces the oil content but still results in a delicious, crispy texture.
2. What kind of apples are best for making apple fries?
For apple fries, you’ll want to choose apples that hold their shape when cooked and offer a balance of sweetness and tartness. Granny Smith, Fuji, and Honeycrisp apples are excellent choices because they are firm and maintain their texture during frying or baking. You can also experiment with other varieties based on your taste preferences.
3. Can I make apple fries ahead of time?
While apple fries are best served fresh, you can prepare them ahead of time by coating the apple wedges in the flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture, then storing them in the refrigerator for a few hours before frying. Alternatively, you can freeze them before frying (follow the freezing instructions in the storage section), then cook them later for a quick snack or dessert.
4. Can I make apple fries gluten-free?
Yes, you can make gluten-free apple fries by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free breadcrumbs (like panko or crushed rice cereal). This way, you can enjoy this treat without gluten while still maintaining a crispy and flavorful coating.
PrintApple Fries Recipe
These Apple Fries are a sweet and crispy treat perfect for dessert or a fun snack. Tender apple slices are coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, fried to golden perfection, and served with a creamy caramel or vanilla dipping sauce. Easy to make and impossible to resist!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Serves 4-6)
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup sparkling water or milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon (for coating)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Optional Dipping Sauce:
- Caramel sauce or vanilla yogurt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Apples:
- Peel and core the apples, then cut them into thick slices or sticks (about 1/2 inch thick).
- Pat the apple slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Make the Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually whisk in the sparkling water or milk until the batter is smooth and thick.
3. Heat the Oil:
- In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small amount of batter into it; it should sizzle and float.
4. Fry the Apple Slices:
- Dip each apple slice into the batter, letting the excess drip off.
- Carefully place the battered slices into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
5. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
- In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together.
- Toss the warm apple fries in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
6. Serve:
- Serve the apple fries warm with a side of caramel sauce or vanilla yogurt for dipping.
Notes
- For Extra Crispiness: Use cold sparkling water in the batter to create a light, crispy coating.
- Air Fryer Option: For a lighter version, air-fry the apple slices at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for crispiness.