Name: Crispy Apple Fries with Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Bliss
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 Granny Smith Apples (Tart apples ideal for this treat.); 1 tbsp Cornstarch (For coating apple slices.); 1/4 cup Sugar (Use brown sugar for a richer flavor.); 1 tbsp Cinnamon (Warm spice to enhance flavor.); 1 cup Oil for Frying (Vegetable oil works best.); 1/2 cup Caramel Sauce (For dipping, enhances sweetness.)

Fall whispers its arrival, enticing us with a delightful array of seasonal flavors, and what better way to embrace the change than with a crispy, sweet treat? Enter Apple Fries – a surprisingly simple recipe that has quickly become my go-to indulgence. Coated in a delicious cinnamon sugar blend and served warm with a rich caramel dip, these apple fries are the perfect fusion of soft, juicy goodness with a satisfying crunch. What’s more, this easy dessert is family-friendly and perfect for gatherings, ensuring smiles all around. Ready to transform those fresh apples into a delightful snack? Let’s dive in and discover just how deliciously easy these apple fries can be!

Why are Apple Fries the Ultimate Treat?

Irresistible Flavors: These apple fries blend the sweet tartness of Granny Smith apples with a warm cinnamon sugar coating, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.

Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy days, this recipe comes together in no time, allowing you to whip up a crowd-pleasing dessert without the fuss.

Family-Friendly Fun: Kids love them! This snack transforms healthy apples into a fun treat, making it an exciting addition to your family meals or gatherings.

Versatile Pairings: Enjoy them warm with caramel dip, or switch it up with chocolate sauce or cream cheese frosting for a unique twist.

Seasonal Delight: These apple fries capture the essence of fall, making them the perfect treat for cozy evenings or festive occasions.

Apple Fries Ingredients

For the Apple Fries
• Granny Smith Apples – Their tartness balances beautifully with the sweetness of sugar, making them ideal for this treat.
• Cornstarch – Coating the apple slices with cornstarch gives them that lovely crispy exterior during frying.
• Sugar – This sweetens the apple fries and forms a delectable cinnamon coating. Consider using brown sugar for a richer flavor.
• Cinnamon – Adds warm, comforting spice notes that enhance the apple goodness. Feel free to mix in other spices like nutmeg for added depth.
• Oil for Frying – Vegetable oil works best to create that perfect crisp while remaining neutral in flavor.

Optional Dipping Sauce
• Caramel Sauce – A rich dip that enhances the overall sweetness and indulgent flavor of the apple fries. Chocolate sauce or fruit dips can also serve as delightful alternatives.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Apple Fries

Step 1: Heat the Oil
In a medium-sized skillet, pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 5–7 minutes. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of cornstarch; it should sizzle immediately. This ensures your apple fries will fry up crispy and delicious.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples
While the oil heats, wash and dry 2 Granny Smith apples. Slice them into even 1/4 inch thick wedges, discarding the core. The uniformity of the slices ensures that the apple fries cook evenly, leading to a perfectly tender and crispy finish that everyone will love.

Step 3: Coat the Apple Slices
Dredge the apple slices in cornstarch, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides. Shake off any excess cornstarch to prevent clumping. This light coating is key to achieving that delightful crunch on your apple fries when frying, setting the stage for great texture and flavor.

Step 4: Fry the Apple Slices
Carefully add the coated apple slices to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for about 1–2 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and slightly softened. Use a slotted spoon to gently flip them halfway through for even cooking.

Step 5: Drain and Cool
Once the apple fries are fried, remove them using a slotted spoon and place them onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This quick cooling step will help the fries maintain their crispiness while you fry the remaining batches, ensuring every bite is enjoyable.

Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
In a separate bowl, mix together 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. While the fried apple fries are still warm, toss them in this sugary mixture until they are well coated. This sweet, cinnamon-infused layer adds an irresistible flavor to your apple fries and enhances their seasonal appeal.

Step 7: Serve with Dipping Sauce
Serve your warm apple fries immediately, accompanied by a small bowl of caramel sauce for dipping. The rich caramel complements the sweet cinnamon flavor beautifully, making these apple fries a comforting treat for all ages to enjoy.

What to Serve with Apple Fries

Treat your taste buds to a delightful experience as we explore the perfect accompaniments for these crispy, sweet apple fries!

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, crispy fries, creating an indulgent treat. Perfect for those who love a sweet, cool complement to their dessert.
Hot Apple Cider: Embrace the cozy flavors of fall with a warm cup of apple cider, its spiced notes enhancing the sweet and cinnamon-infused apple fries. A match made in autumn heaven!
Cheesecake Dip: For a creamy twist, serve these apple fries with a smooth cheesecake dip. The rich, tangy flavor pairs beautifully with the sweet cinnamon sugar, giving each bite a luxurious finish.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce over crispy apple fries adds a sweet and decadent touch, perfect for chocolate lovers looking to elevate their dessert experience.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal favorite offers warm, spiced goodness that complements the apple fries while providing a fragrant, cozy beverage to sip alongside.
Caramel Popcorn: Add some crunch to your dessert table with caramel popcorn. The sweet, buttery flavors echo the caramel dip while introducing a fun texture contrasting the soft apple fries.
Nutmeg-Spiced Whipped Cream: Top off your apple fries with a dollop of nutmeg-spiced whipped cream for a light and airy addition. The subtle spice perfectly aligns with the warm cinnamon flavors, making it a delightful finish.

Storage Tips for Apple Fries

Room Temperature: Apple fries are best enjoyed fresh, but if you must store them at room temperature, keep them in a single layer on a plate, covered lightly with a cloth for up to 1 hour to maintain their crispness.

Fridge: If you have leftovers, transfer the apple fries to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Note that they may lose some crispiness when stored this way.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze apple fries in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen.

Reheating: To restore some crispiness, reheat the apple fries in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5–10 minutes. Optionally, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar again for extra flavor.

Apple Fries Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with your apple fries and customize them to suit your taste!

Sweet Apple Swap: Use Honeycrisp apples for a sweeter twist that balances perfectly with the cinnamon sugar coating. They add a delightful sweetness to every bite!
Dairy-Free Delight: Swap caramel sauce for a rich chocolate sauce or a simple fruit compote. These alternatives bring a different layer of sweetness and flavor, making the fries even more irresistible.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a surprising heat that beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the apples. It’s a fun way to tingle your taste buds!
Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour in place of cornstarch for a unique and nutty flavor while keeping the recipe gluten-free. This swap not only keeps the crisp texture intact but also adds extra depth to the taste.
Nutty Crunch: Toss chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon sugar for added crunch and a nutty flavor. The extra texture will elevate your apple fries to a new level of deliciousness.
Flavorful Dips: Instead of caramel, try serving them with a whipped cream cheese dip or a zesty yogurt dip for a fresh twist. These options add a creamy element that complements the apple fries perfectly.
Autumn Spice Mix: Enhance the flavor by adding pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon-sugar mix. The warm spices will wrap you in a cozy fall embrace with each bite!
Air Fryer Adaptation: If you prefer a healthier option, air fry the apple slices instead of deep frying. Simply toss them in a little oil and cornstarch, then air fry until crispy for a guilt-free treat. It’s a great way to enjoy your favorite snack with less oil!

Try mixing and matching these variations to discover your favorite take on classic apple fries. Enjoy the delightful journey!

Expert Tips for Apple Fries

Oil Temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the apple slices. A quick test is to drop a small piece of cornstarch in; it should sizzle immediately.
Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the apple slices in batches to maintain proper oil temperature. Overcrowding can lead to soggy fries instead of the crispy perfection you desire.
Cool on Paper Towels: After frying, place the apple fries on paper towels to drain excess oil. This simple step helps keep them crispy longer.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: For a balanced flavor, toss the fried apple fries in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they’re still warm. This ensures that the sugary coating sticks well.
Experiment with Apples: Try using different apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for varied sweetness and flavor profiles in your apple fries.
Healthier Options: Consider using an air fryer for a healthier version of apple fries, which requires less oil while still yielding a deliciously crispy result.

Make Ahead Options

These Apple Fries are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can slice and coat the Granny Smith apples in cornstarch up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their crispness. For the coating, you can mix the sugar and cinnamon ahead of time and keep it in a sealed jar. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply heat the oil and fry the prepared apple slices for 1-2 minutes, tossing them in the cinnamon sugar immediately after frying. This way, you’ll have delicious, warm apple fries with minimal effort, ready to delight your family!

Apple Fries with Cinnamon Sugar and Caramel Dip Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best apples for apple fries?
Absolutely! When selecting apples for apple fries, I recommend using Granny Smith apples because their tartness balances perfectly with the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar. Other tart varieties like McIntosh or Honeycrisp can also be lovely alternatives, providing a different flavor profile with the same crisp texture.

What is the best way to store leftover apple fries?
Leftover apple fries are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When stored this way, they may lose their crispy texture, but they will still taste delicious! To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–10 minutes to regain some of that delightful crunch.

Can I freeze apple fries?
Yes! To freeze your apple fries, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, which usually takes about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the fries to a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can be kept for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat directly from frozen in a hot oven for a quick and tasty treat.

What should I do if my apple fries are soggy?
Very! If your apple fries end up soggy, it may be due to not using enough oil or overcrowding the pan during frying. To fix this, be sure to heat the oil properly before frying – it should shimmer and sizzle. Additionally, fry the apple slices in small batches, ensuring they cook evenly. If they are already cooked and still soggy, try reheating them in the oven or air fryer to restore some crispiness.

Are there any allergy considerations with this recipe?
Absolutely! This apple fries recipe contains common allergens like cinnamon and sugar, so if anyone dining with you has allergies to spices or sweeteners, consider substituting with allergy-friendly alternatives, such as coconut sugar or a spice blend that fits their dietary needs. Always double-check to ensure your ingredients are safe for all your guests!