Get ready to fall in love with one of my absolute favorite treats: Fried Apple Slices! Imagine tender, sweet apples enveloped in a light, golden batter, dusted with a snowy sprinkle of sugar, and served perfectly warm. This snack is that magical blend of comforting and nostalgic, but with just the right touch of indulgence. Whether you’re craving a cozy autumn dessert, a kid-friendly snack, or a quick way to impress guests, Fried Apple Slices are always a hit. Trust me, you won’t believe how easy and delicious they are until you take your first bite.

Fried Apple Slices Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Fried Apple Slices is their simplicity. Each ingredient brings something special, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that’s simply irresistible. Let’s break down what makes every component so crucial for this crave-worthy treat.

Apples: Crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and add lovely flavor. Slice them into even 1/4-inch rounds for perfect fry time.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the batter and ensures a light, crispy coat.
Cornstarch: Gives the batter serious crunch and that delightful airy texture.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and coziness, enhancing the apple flavor.
Salt: A tiny bit boosts all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
Granulated sugar: Just enough to highlight the apple’s natural sweetness.
Milk: Binds the batter and keeps it smooth—adjust if you need a thinner consistency.
Vanilla extract: Fragrant vanilla takes the batter from good to unforgettable.
Vegetable oil: For frying, choose something neutral with a high smoke point for a crisp finish.
Powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar: The finishing touch—just a dusting transforms every bite into something special.

How to Make Fried Apple Slices

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Start by whisking the flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt, and sugar together in a medium bowl. This ensures the dry ingredients are perfectly blended and helps keep your batter lump-free. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until you have a smooth, pourable batter—think pancake batter consistency. If it feels a bit thick, it’s absolutely fine to add a splash more milk to get it just right.

Step 2: Slice the Apples

Choose two large, firm apples and core them, then slice them into 1/4-inch rounds. Uniform slices cook evenly and look beautiful. If you like, you can peel the apples, but I love the little bit of texture and color the peel brings!

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers, or a drop of batter sizzles as soon as it touches the surface. Keep a close eye here—a hot but not smoking oil is the secret to crispy, never-greasy, Fried Apple Slices.

Step 4: Batter and Fry the Apple Slices

Dip each apple slice into the batter, making sure it’s nicely coated but letting excess drip off for an even fry. Carefully place them in the hot oil, working in batches if needed so you don’t overcrowd the skillet. Fry for 1–2 minutes per side, turning once, until the batter is puffed and golden brown.

Step 5: Drain, Dust, and Serve

Lift the fried slices out with a slotted spoon and let them rest on paper towels to drain away excess oil. While they’re still warm, give them a generous dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar—this is the magic moment when Fried Apple Slices become utterly irresistible. Serve warm and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Fried Apple Slices

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar feels elegant, but you can get creative! Try cinnamon sugar for extra warmth or a drizzle of caramel sauce for that perfect autumnal touch. If you’re feeling really adventurous, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns Fried Apple Slices into a showstopper dessert.

Side Dishes

Fried Apple Slices pair beautifully with fresh whipped cream, creamy vanilla yogurt, or a handful of toasted nuts. Served alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee, they make a polished little treat for brunches or afternoon gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the slices in a pretty tower dusted with sugar, or arrange them in a circular pattern on a serving platter for a crowd. For parties, you can skewer them and dip in chocolate or caramel, making Fried Apple Slices the most popular finger food at the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (it’s rare, I promise!), pop the cooled Fried Apple Slices into an airtight container. Stash them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay tasty for up to two days. The texture will soften a little, but the flavor remains pure comfort.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Fried Apple Slices for a treat on demand! Place cooled slices on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag once solid. This keeps them from sticking together and lets you pull out just a few at a time.

Reheating

To bring back that irresistible crisp, reheat fried slices in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes. Skip the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the batter soggy. Once warmed through, dust with fresh sugar and enjoy all over again.

FAQs

What kind of apples are best for Fried Apple Slices?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are superstars here, thanks to their firm texture and balanced flavor. They hold up well during frying and don’t turn mushy. Feel free to experiment with other crisp, tart varieties too!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. The texture changes a bit (a touch more delicate), but the Fried Apple Slices still come out deliciously crisp and flavorful.

Is there a way to make these extra crunchy?

Absolutely. For a super-crunchy twist, dip your battered apple slices in panko breadcrumbs right before frying. This tip gives you a fantastic, bakery-style crust that everyone will rave about.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is totally up to you. The apple peel adds lovely color and a bit of chew, but if you prefer a softer bite or a uniform look, feel free to peel your apples before slicing.

Can I double or triple this recipe?

You sure can! Just multiply the ingredients according to the number of servings you need, and fry in batches so the pan never gets crowded. Fried Apple Slices are ideal for parties and always disappear fast!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a snack or dessert that’s warm, cozy, and absolutely irresistible, you can’t go wrong with Fried Apple Slices. They’re fast to make, bring big flavor, and always make people smile. Give these a try—for gatherings with friends, family weekends, or just as a sweet treat for yourself!

Fried Apple Slices Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight your taste buds with these crispy Fried Apple Slices, a perfect dessert or snack option that captures the essence of fall. These golden brown apple rings are coated in a sweet batter and fried to perfection for a crunchy treat. Enjoy them warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

2 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, cored and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 cup milk (or as needed)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
vegetable oil for frying
powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for dusting

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Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt, and sugar. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until a smooth, pancake-like batter forms. Add a little more milk if the batter is too thick.
Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Dip each apple slice into the batter, letting the excess drip off, and carefully place into the hot oil.
Fry for 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar and serve warm.

Notes

For extra crunch, dip the battered slices in panko breadcrumbs before frying.
These are best enjoyed immediately but can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
Serve with caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert or Snack
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American