Description
Crispy baked apple fries coated in a light batter and panko breadcrumbs, served with a silky caramel cream dip. This easy, crowd-pleasing dessert brings fairground magic to your kitchen in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala), peeled and sliced into fry shapes
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
- Cooking spray or light oil
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (whipped to soft peaks)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
- Extra cinnamon (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Peel and core apples. Slice into fry-shaped sticks, about 1/2-inch thick. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Set up dredging station: In one bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt. In a second bowl, whisk eggs and milk. In a third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip each apple stick in flour mixture, then egg wash, then panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to adhere coating. Place coated fries on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Spray apple fries lightly with cooking spray or brush with oil.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
- While fries bake, whip heavy cream to soft peaks. Fold in caramel sauce, sea salt (if using), and vanilla extract. Mix gently until smooth.
- Transfer warm apple fries to a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar and extra cinnamon if desired. Serve immediately with caramel cream dip.
Notes
For extra crunch, double-coat apple fries by repeating the egg wash and breadcrumb step. Use firm, tart apples for best texture. Fries are best served warm and fresh; reheat leftovers in an air fryer or toaster oven for crispiness. The caramel cream dip can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Easily adapted for gluten-free and dairy-free diets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of the recipe (1 serving)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 26
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 47
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 4
Keywords: apple fries, caramel dip, baked apple fries, easy dessert, kid-friendly, gluten-free option, fall recipe, snack, party food, fairground treat