Name: Fried Apple Slices
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 large apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 egg; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for extra sweetness); 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating); 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for coating); 2 tablespoons butter or oil (for frying)

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Crispy on the outside, warm and tender on the inside - these fried apple slices are a delightful treat that transforms ordinary apples into an extraordinary dessert. Coated in a light batter and dusted with cinnamon sugar, this recipe creates the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These fried apple slices are incredibly versatile - perfect as a quick snack, a unique dessert, or even as a special breakfast treat. The recipe uses simple pantry staples but creates something truly special. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the soft, warm apple interior makes this dish irresistible. It's also a wonderful way to use up apples that might be past their prime for eating fresh. The preparation is straightforward, making it accessible even for novice cooks, and the impressive results will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apples are the star of this recipe. Firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best as they hold their shape during frying and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. The firmer texture also ensures they don't become mushy when cooked.

All-purpose flour creates the base for our coating, providing structure and helping to achieve that perfect crispy exterior when fried. It also helps seal in the apple's moisture.

Cinnamon adds that warm, aromatic spice that pairs perfectly with apples. It's added both to the coating and the final sugar dusting for a double dose of flavor.

Salt might seem surprising in a sweet recipe, but a small amount enhances all the other flavors and provides balance to the sweetness.

Eggs act as a binding agent for our batter, helping the flour coating adhere to the apple slices while adding richness to the final product.

Milk thins the egg mixture to the right consistency for dipping, creating a light batter that will crisp up beautifully when fried.

Vanilla extract brings a subtle depth of flavor that complements the apples and cinnamon beautifully.

Sugar appears in two forms in this recipe - a small amount can be added to the batter for extra sweetness, while a larger amount combined with cinnamon creates that irresistible coating for the freshly fried slices.

Butter or oil is our frying medium, with butter offering a richer flavor and oil providing a cleaner frying experience. Either works wonderfully.

Directions

Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin rounds or wedges.
In a small bowl, combine the ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 1 cup of flour.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
Heat butter or oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
Dip each apple slice into the wet mixture, then coat it evenly with the dry flour mixture.
Carefully place the coated apple slices into the hot frying pan and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
While frying, mix the ½ cup sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl.
Remove the fried apples from the pan and drain on paper towels. While still warm, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Serve immediately, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 servings, making it perfect for a family dessert or snack. Each serving contains approximately 150 calories. The preparation is quick and straightforward, taking just 10 minutes to prep and another 10 minutes to cook, for a total time of 20 minutes from start to finish. This efficiency makes it an excellent option for those moments when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Variations

Spiced Apple Slices: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to the cinnamon for a more complex spice profile.

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or rice flour for a gluten-free version.

Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based milk and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of regular milk and egg.

Air Fryer Method: For a healthier alternative, spray the coated apple slices with cooking oil and air fry at 375°F for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage/Reheating

Fried apple slices are best enjoyed immediately after cooking when they're at their crispiest. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

To reheat, place the slices on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore some of the crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it will make the slices soggy.

If you want to prepare components ahead of time, you can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day. You can also slice the apples a few hours ahead and toss them with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning.

Freezing is not recommended for this recipe as the texture will significantly deteriorate upon thawing.

FAQs

What are the best apples to use for fried apple slices?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith work exceptionally well because they hold their shape during frying and provide a nice contrast to the sweet coating. Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Braeburn are also excellent choices. Avoid softer varieties like McIntosh or Red Delicious, as they tend to break down too much during cooking.

Can I make these fried apple slices ahead of time?

While these are best served immediately after frying when they're at their crispiest, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately and store them in the refrigerator. You can also slice the apples a few hours ahead and toss them with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning.

How thick should I slice the apples?

Aim for slices about ¼ inch thick. If they're too thin, they may become too soft or even burn during frying. If they're too thick, the centers might not cook through by the time the coating browns.

Can I use an air fryer instead of pan-frying?

Yes! Spray the coated apple slices with cooking oil and air fry at 375°F for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result won't be quite as decadent as traditional frying, but it will still be delicious with fewer calories.

My coating isn't sticking well to the apples. What am I doing wrong?

Make sure your apples are dry before dipping them in the wet mixture. If they're too wet, try patting them with paper towels first. Also, be sure to tap off excess wet mixture before dredging in the flour mixture, and then tap off excess flour before frying.

What can I serve with fried apple slices?

These are delicious on their own, but they're also fantastic with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, a dollop of whipped cream, or even alongside a slice of sharp cheddar cheese for a sweet-savory combination.

Are fried apple slices gluten-free?

The traditional recipe is not gluten-free due to the all-purpose flour. However, you can easily substitute a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use plant-based milk instead of dairy milk. Use oil instead of butter for frying.

Why did my fried apples turn out soggy instead of crispy?

This could be due to a few factors: your oil might not have been hot enough, the pan might have been overcrowded (which lowers the oil temperature), or the apples themselves might have been too juicy. Make sure your oil is properly heated before adding the apples, fry in batches if necessary, and consider patting the apple slices dry if they seem particularly juicy.

Can I use different spices in this recipe?

Absolutely! While cinnamon is traditional with apples, you can experiment with nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, or even a pinch of cloves. A pre-mixed apple pie spice would also work wonderfully.

Conclusion

Fried apple slices are a delightful treat that transforms a humble fruit into something truly special. The contrast between the crispy, cinnamon-sugar coating and the tender, warm apple interior makes this dessert irresistible. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight treat, a unique dessert to impress guests, or a creative way to use up extra apples, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

What makes this recipe particularly appealing is its versatility - enjoy it as a stand-alone dessert, pair it with ice cream for added decadence, or serve it alongside breakfast for a special morning treat. The simple preparation and quick cooking time mean you can satisfy your sweet cravings without dedicating hours to the kitchen.

As the seasons change and apples come into their prime, keep this recipe close at hand. It's a wonderful way to celebrate one of nature's most perfect fruits in a form that's sure to delight family and friends alike.