There’s nothing quite like the warmth of a cozy kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of freshly fried apples. This recipe for apple fries leans into that nostalgic essence, wrapping you in a loving embrace with every bite. Just like grandma used to make, these crispy treats are perfect for sharing and enjoying as a wholesome family snack.
Why make this recipe
Apple fries offer a delightful twist on traditional apple desserts. They give you the satisfaction of a crunchy bite while the inside remains soft and bursting with apple flavor. Paired with a drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar, these treats are sure to bring everyone to the table. And if you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you might want to try air fryer apple fries for a healthier version!
How to make Apple Fries
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 (1 tablespoon and 3 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon, divided (1 teaspoon and ½ teaspoon)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Directions:
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into ½-inch to ¾-inch thick slices. Place them in a bowl and pour the milk over them, tossing to coat.
- In a pie plate, combine the flour, cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar with ½ teaspoon of cinnamon; set aside.
- Remove 6 to 8 apple slices from the milk, letting excess drip off, then toss in the flour mixture to coat.
- Heat ¼ cup of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and prepare a paper towel-lined baking sheet.
- Fry the apple slices in batches for 1 to 1½ minutes on each side until lightly golden. Transfer to the baking sheet and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Repeat with remaining slices, adding oil as necessary.
- Serve warm, optionally drizzled with caramel sauce.
How to serve Apple Fries
These sweet and crunchy apple fries shine when served fresh and warm. You might want to pile them high on a family-style platter and drizzle them with a rich caramel sauce for that touch of indulgence. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
How to store Apple Fries
For any apple fries that you might have left over (though they rarely last long!), store them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. When you want to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the oven to bring back their crispiness.
Tips to make Apple Fries
To ensure your apple fries turn out perfectly, remember to choose fresh, crisp apples. A good dousing of milk helps the batter stick nicely. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try adding a pinch of nutmeg to your cinnamon sugar for an extra layer of flavor. Plus, this recipe is quite forgiving, allowing for some creative variations like including different spices or even adding some chopped nuts for crunch. For other tasty frying ideas, check out this air-fried caramelized pineapple recipe.
Variations
You can get creative with your apple fries! Try adding a sprinkle of nutmeg to the flour mixture, or even experiment with different fruit slices like pears or peaches. Each variation brings a unique flavor, but the familiar comfort remains the same.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! While tart apples are ideal for this recipe, feel free to experiment with different varieties. Just choose apples that will hold their shape while frying.
2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
3. Can I bake these instead of frying?
While frying brings a unique crispiness, you could bake them in a hot oven for a healthier alternative. Simply coat them with a bit of oil and bake until golden brown, turning them midway. For a baked version, you might enjoy this recipe for air fryer parmesan zucchini fries.
Conclusion
This apple fries recipe is a wonderful way to spark joy and nostalgia, reminding us of family gatherings and the simple pleasure of sharing good food. To explore more creative ideas for apple treats, check out this LegoLand-inspired apple fries recipe for something a bit different, or find inspiration with the mouthwatering Food Network’s apple fries recipe. Let your kitchen be filled with love, laughter, and the delightful crunch of these sweet apple fries!

Apple Fries
Ingredients
Method
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into ½-inch to ¾-inch thick slices.
- Place the apple slices in a bowl and pour the milk over them, tossing to coat.
- In a pie plate, combine the flour, cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar with ½ teaspoon of cinnamon; set aside.
- Remove 6 to 8 apple slices from the milk, letting excess drip off, then toss in the flour mixture to coat.
- Heat ¼ cup of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and prepare a paper towel-lined baking sheet.
- Fry the apple slices in batches for 1 to 1½ minutes on each side until lightly golden.
- Transfer fried slices to the baking sheet and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Repeat with remaining slices, adding oil as necessary.
- Serve warm, optionally drizzled with caramel sauce.