Apple Fries
Apple Fries
Sweet, crisp, and impossible to resist, these Apple Fries turn everyday apples into a snack that’s part dessert, part comfort food. Lightly coated in a cinnamon-sugar mix and fried or baked until golden, they’re perfect for sharing at family gatherings or enjoying solo with a warm caramel dip. If you like healthier apple snacks, you might also enjoy this guide to air fryer apple fritters, which takes a similar idea in a lower-oil direction.
Why make this recipe
Because apples are everywhere, and this is a simple way to turn them into something magical. This recipe is quick, kid-friendly, and flexible — you can fry for a carnival-style treat or bake for a lighter version that’s still deeply satisfying. It’s also a great way to use up spotty apples that might be past their prime for fresh eating but still perfect for cooking.
Ingredients
- 2 large apples, sliced into wedges
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Oil for frying or cooking spray for baking
- Caramel sauce for dipping
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Apple Fries
Overview and prep
This recipe is straightforward: you coat apple wedges in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, then either fry them until golden and crispy or bake them in the oven for a lighter finish. Choose firm apples with good flavor — Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady are excellent choices because they hold their shape during cooking and offer a pleasant balance of sweetness and acidity.
Step 1 — Prepare the apples
- Wash and dry the apples thoroughly.
- Core the apples and slice them into even wedges, about 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick. Even thickness ensures uniform cooking so some wedges don’t burn while others remain undercooked.
- If you prefer, peel the apples, but leaving the skin on gives a bit of texture and helps the wedges hold together.
Step 2 — Make the cinnamon-sugar coating
- In a medium bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon until evenly combined. The sugar melts and caramelizes when heated, while cinnamon adds warm spice — together they create that classic apple-pastry flavor.
- For a slightly deeper flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or a tiny bit of ground cardamom (optional).
Step 3 — Coat the apple wedges
- Working one wedge at a time, dip each apple wedge into the cinnamon-sugar mixture and press lightly so the sugar clings to the flesh and skin evenly. If you want a thicker coating, you can first brush the apple wedges with a little melted butter or a thin egg wash (1 beaten egg) so the sugar sticks more readily — this gives a slightly richer, more "fritter-like" texture when fried.
Step 4 — Frying method (crispiest)
- Pour oil into a deep pan or skillet to a depth of about 1 to 1.5 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to about 350–370°F (175–185°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a small pinch of sugar into the oil — it should sizzle steadily but not smoke.
- Fry the coated apple wedges in small batches so the oil temperature holds steady. Cook each batch for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to turn the wedges gently.
- Drain the fried apple fries on a paper towel-lined tray to remove excess oil. For a finishing touch, toss them again in a little more cinnamon-sugar if desired while still warm.
Step 5 — Baking method (lighter)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Arrange the coated apple wedges in a single layer with a little space between each wedge so hot air circulates.
- Lightly spray the apple wedges with cooking spray or brush very lightly with oil to help them brown. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the wedges are golden and slightly crisp. Baking yields a softer, tender interior but still provides a satisfying outer texture.
Step 6 — Serve warm
- Serve your apple fries warm with caramel sauce for dipping. You can also offer vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for a more decadent presentation. If serving to a crowd, keep fried apple fries warm in a low oven (about 200°F / 95°C) on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to preserve crispness.
Quick technical notes
- Frying gives the crispiest exterior and a slightly caramelized edge; baking is healthier and still delicious with a more tender bite.
- Avoid overcrowding the frying pan or baking sheet — crowded pieces steam instead of crisping.
- Adjust sugar amount if you prefer something less sweet; try 1/3 cup for a milder coating.
Best Way to Store Apple Fries
- Refrigerator: 3–4 days at 40°F (4°C) — store in an airtight container and reheat in an oven or toaster oven to restore crispness.
- Freezer: Not recommended for best texture; frozen apple fries will become mushy when thawed.
- Room temperature (short term): Up to 2 hours on a wire rack, covered lightly; beyond that they’ll soften and lose crispness.
How to Present Apple Fries
- Serving Suggestions for Apple Fries
Serve apple fries warm on a platter lined with parchment paper for a casual look, or stack them in a cone-shaped paper wrapper for an amusement-park vibe. Offer a trio of dipping options — warm caramel sauce, vanilla yogurt spiked with a little maple syrup, and melted dark chocolate — so guests can taste different complements. For a brunch or dessert buffet, place little bowls of crushed nuts (pecans or walnuts), flaky sea salt, and cinnamon-sugar beside the dips so people can finish their own fries to taste. For an elegant twist, plate the fries with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a dusting of powdered sugar, then drizzle salted caramel over the top.
Tips to make Apple Fries
- Keep wedges uniform: Slice apples evenly to ensure consistent cooking times.
- Warm the caramel: Slightly warm the caramel sauce before serving so it’s silky and easy to dip.
- Restore crispness: Reheat leftovers in a preheated 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes on a wire rack to bring back crunch.
- Choose the right apple: Use firm, crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for best texture.
- Don’t skip the drain: If frying, drain well on paper towels to prevent soggy coating.
Variations
- Classic battered apple fries (paragraph): For a more indulgent, fair-style treat, try dipping apple wedges in a simple batter of flour, milk, and egg, then deep-fry until puffy and golden. The batter creates a light, cakey shell around the apple and pairs beautifully with powdered sugar and caramel.
- Healthier air-fryer version (bullets):
- Lightly spray coated wedges with cooking spray and air fry at 360°F (180°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- This yields a crisp exterior with much less oil and is ideal if you’re watching calories or want easier cleanup.
FAQs
Q: How do I keep apple fries from becoming soggy?
A: The key is to avoid overcrowding and to use high enough heat. If frying, hold oil at 350–370°F; if baking, give space between wedges and flip halfway. Reheating in the oven on a wire rack helps restore crispness if they soften.
Q: Can I use pre-sliced apples or frozen apple slices?
A: Frozen slices are not recommended because freezing changes the water content and texture, leading to mushy fries. Pre-sliced fresh apples are fine as long as they’re recently cut and not oxidized; toss them quickly in lemon water (1 Tbsp lemon juice per cup of water) if you need to hold them briefly.
Q: What are the best apple varieties for this recipe?
A: Look for crisp, firm apples that hold structure under heat: Honeycrisp, Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala work very well. Softer apples like McIntosh will cook too quickly and become mushy.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
A: Yes, you can prepare the coated wedges in advance and keep them chilled for a couple of hours before frying or baking. Cook them shortly before serving for best texture. To keep warm while finishing batches, use a 200°F oven on a wire rack.
Q: Any tips for caramel dipping sauce?
A: Warm the caramel in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts (10–15 seconds) and stir between bursts to avoid overheating. If the caramel is too thick, stir in a teaspoon or two of heavy cream to loosen it.
Additional FAQ format (short list)
- Q: Is sugar necessary? A: You can reduce sugar or use a sugar substitute, but the coating browns and caramelizes during cooking, contributing to flavor — so some sweetness is recommended.
- Q: Can I add spices? A: Yes — nutmeg, ginger, or a pinch of cloves can deepen the flavor.
Extra Tips and Serving Ideas (brief)
- Add a pinch of flaky sea salt to the fries after frying for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Toss hot fries with a tiny bit of melted butter and extra cinnamon-sugar for a glazed finish.
- Pair with sparkling apple cider or hot tea for an autumnal snack.
Nutrition and portioning
A simple serving of 6–8 apple fries per person (depending on wedge size) makes a satisfying dessert or snack. Nutritional content varies widely depending on frying vs baking and whether you add batter or extra butter; baked apple fries are significantly lower in fat than fried ones. If counting calories, serve smaller portions with a modest dip amount and consider substituting a light yogurt dip instead of caramel.
Troubleshooting
- Coating falling off: If the sugar doesn’t cling, brush wedges lightly with melted butter or egg wash before rolling in sugar.
- Fries not browning: Oil might be too cool (for frying) — raise temperature slightly while monitoring closely. For baking, try a slightly higher temperature for a few minutes at the end or an extra spray of oil to encourage browning.
- Fries too soft: They may have steamed; avoid overcrowding the pan/sheet and ensure heat is adequate.
Final presentation ideas
For a family-friendly presentation, stack apple fries in a metal funnel cone or paper cone and place small jars of caramel for dipping. At a dessert table, arrange them around a centerpiece bowl of whipped cream and ice cream scoops, sprinkled with chopped toasted nuts for texture. For an elegant plated dessert, fan 6 fries beside a quenelle of ice cream, drizzle with warm caramel, and garnish with a mint sprig.
Conclusion
Apple fries are an easy, crowd-pleasing way to transform ordinary apples into a warm, shareable treat; for a copycat LegoLand-style preparation with extra crispness and sweet crunch, see the detailed version at Around My Family Table’s Apple Fries. If you want another professional-tested take with tips on coating and presentation, check out the Food Network’s helpful recipe and guidance at Food Network’s Apple Fries recipe. Enjoy experimenting with frying, baking, or air-frying to find your favorite style.
Print
Apple Fries
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet, crisp, and impossible to resist, these Apple Fries turn everyday apples into a snack that’s part dessert, part comfort food, lightly coated in a cinnamon-sugar mix and cooked until golden.
Ingredients
- 2 large apples, sliced into wedges
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Oil for frying or cooking spray for baking
- Caramel sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Core and slice them into even wedges, about 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick.
- In a bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon until combined.
- Coat each apple wedge in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- For frying, heat oil in a pan to 350–370°F. Fry the wedges in small batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- For baking, preheat the oven to 350°F. Arrange the coated wedges on a lined baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking spray. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
- Serve warm with caramel sauce for dipping.
Notes
Choose firm apples like Gala or Honeycrisp for best results. Reheat leftovers in the oven to restore crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: apple fries, dessert, snack, cinnamon sugar, comfort food
