Introduction

Apple fries are a delightful twist on a classic snack, combining the natural tartness of crisp apples with a light, cinnamon-spiced coating. Perfectly golden and sweet, they make an irresistible treat for any time of day.

Apple Fries with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 large tart/crisp apples (Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp)
1 cup whole milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons granulated sugar (divided into 1 tablespoon and 3 tablespoons)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1½ teaspoons cinnamon (divided into 1 teaspoon and ½ teaspoon)
¼ cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

Step 1: Peel, core, and slice the apples into ½-inch to ¾-inch slices. Place them in a large bowl, pour over the milk, and toss to coat. Set aside.
Step 2: In a pie plate or shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 3 tablespoons sugar with ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Stir and set aside.
Step 4: Remove 6 to 8 apple slices from the milk, letting excess drip off. Toss them gently in the flour mixture to coat evenly, then place them on a large plate or tray. Repeat with all slices.
Step 5: Heat ¼ cup vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Prepare a paper towel-lined rimmed baking sheet or large plate nearby to drain the fried apples.
Step 6: Fry 6 to 8 coated apple slices for 1 to 1½ minutes per side, until lightly golden. Transfer to the baking sheet, sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and then move to a serving plate.
Step 7: Continue frying the remaining apple slices, adding fresh oil if needed after frying half or a third of the batch to maintain temperature and ensure even cooking.

Tips & Variations

Use tart and crisp apple varieties for the best contrast with the sweet coating.
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a warm, spicy twist.
Serve with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for a decadent dessert.

Storage

Apple fries are best enjoyed fresh for optimal crispness. If needed, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat briefly in a toaster oven or skillet to regain some crispness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake apple fries instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake apple fries at 425°F (220°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as fried but still delicious.

What type of apples work best for apple fries?

Use tart and firm apples like Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp. Their crisp texture holds up well during frying and balances the sweet coating.

Apple Fries with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 142 reviews

Crispy and sweet apple fries are a delightful snack or dessert made by coating crisp apple slices in a cinnamon-spiced flour mixture and frying them until golden. Sprinkled with a cinnamon-sugar blend, these apple fries combine the natural tartness of Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples with a crunchy, flavorful coating perfect for a comforting treat.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Apples and Milk

4 large tart/crisp apples (Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp)
1 cup whole milk

Dry Coating Mix

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

3 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon

For Frying

¼ cup vegetable oil

Instructions

Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into ½-inch to ¾-inch thick slices. Place these slices in a large bowl, then pour over the whole milk and toss to coat evenly. Set aside to let the apples absorb some milk.
Make the Flour Coating: In a shallow dish or pie plate, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Mix well to create the dry coating mixture for dredging the apples.
Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 3 tablespoons granulated sugar with ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Stir and set aside to use as a finishing sprinkle for the fried apple fries.
Coat the Apple Slices: Remove 6 to 8 apple slices from the milk, allowing any excess milk to drip off. Toss them gently in the flour mixture to fully coat all sides. Place the coated slices on a large plate or tray. Repeat this process with the remaining apple slices until all are coated.
Heat the Oil: Add ¼ cup vegetable oil to a medium-sized skillet and place it over medium heat. Prepare a paper towel-lined rimmed baking sheet or a large plate next to your stove to drain the fried apple fries.
Fry the Apple Fries: Fry 6 to 8 coated apple slices in the hot oil, cooking each side for about 1 to 1½ minutes or until lightly golden brown. Once fried, transfer the apple fries onto the paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil.
Season and Serve: Immediately sprinkle the warm fried apple slices with the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture. Transfer them to a serving plate. Repeat frying and seasoning until all apple slices are cooked. If the oil becomes dirty, carefully drain and replenish with fresh oil as needed for crispiness.

Notes

Use tart and crisp apples like Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
Peeling the apples ensures a tender bite but you can leave the peel on if you prefer added texture and fiber.
Maintain medium heat while frying to avoid burning and to ensure apples cook evenly.
Changing the oil halfway through frying keeps the apple fries crispy and prevents off-flavors.
Serve apple fries warm for best taste and texture.

Keywords: apple fries, fried apples, cinnamon sugar apples, crispy apple snack, fried fruit dessert