
Crispy & Sweet: Irresistible Deep Fried Apples with Cinnamon Sugar
As the crisp autumn air settles in and apple orchards burst with their delicious bounty, it’s truly apple season! If you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking fresh and exciting ways to savor this quintessential fall fruit. While I have an enduring love for classic apple pie and a comforting bowl of apple crisp, I’ve recently discovered a new obsession: deep fried apples. And honestly, how could anyone resist? This recipe takes the humble apple and transforms it into an extraordinary dessert, perfect for any occasion. After perfecting my Deep Fried Peaches, I realized my journey into the world of deep-fried desserts wouldn’t be complete without an easy, delectable deep fried apple pie experience. This isn’t just a treat; it’s a celebration of the season’s harvest, offering a unique and incredibly satisfying way to enjoy the abundance of apples.

Effortless Perfection: Your Guide to Easy Deep Fried Apples
This recipe truly epitomizes simplicity without compromising on flavor. We start with fresh apples, gently softened in the microwave to achieve that perfect tender-crisp texture. These warmed apple halves are then enveloped in a light, quick batter, creating a delicate casing that fries to a beautiful golden perfection. The grand finale involves a generous dunk into a bowl of aromatic cinnamon sugar – a simple mixture, yet one that consistently delivers perfectly balanced sweetness and spice. Have I mentioned my profound adoration for cinnamon sugar? It’s a humble hero in the pantry, capable of elevating so many dishes, and these fried apples are no exception. Its sweet warmth complements the tartness of the apples beautifully, making every bite a delightful experience.
The Enduring Charm and Versatility of Cinnamon Sugar
Cinnamon sugar holds a special place in my heart, often evoking fond childhood memories. I recall a time when I would stealthily sprinkle cinnamon sugar onto Ritz crackers. What a combination, right?! I know it wasn’t the healthiest snack, but I genuinely thought it was delicious – and it absolutely was! My mom would often find me in the pantry, carefully coating a cracker, oblivious to the little trails of sugar that inevitably escaped through the holes and onto the floor. It was my little secret indulgence, a simple pleasure that felt wonderfully decadent. While my snack choices have evolved since then (though a smear of Nutella on a graham cracker might not be much better!), the magic of cinnamon sugar remains. I triple-dog dare you to try the Ritz cracker trick sometime; it’s surprisingly delightful. But more importantly, its pairing with these deep fried apples is nothing short of culinary alchemy, transforming them into an unforgettable treat.

Selecting the Best Apples for Frying
The success of your deep fried apples largely depends on the type of apple you choose. For this recipe, I highly recommend Granny Smith apples. Their firm texture holds up beautifully to the frying process, preventing them from becoming too mushy. More importantly, their distinctive tartness provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet batter and cinnamon sugar coating, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Other excellent choices for frying include Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn. These varieties are known for maintaining their shape and offering a good balance of sweet and tart notes. Avoid softer, mealy apples like Red Delicious, as they tend to break down too much when heated, resulting in a less satisfying texture. A firm apple will give you that delightful tender-crisp interior within its golden fried shell.
Health Benefits of Apples: A Wholesome Treat
While we’re indulging in a fried dessert, it’s worth remembering that the star ingredient, apples, comes packed with an impressive array of health benefits. Apples are incredibly rich in vital antioxidants, flavonoids, and dietary fiber, making them a truly healthy snack in their natural form. These beneficial compounds play a crucial role in promoting overall well-being. Regular consumption of apples may contribute to a reduced risk of developing chronic diseases such as certain cancers, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. So, even when enjoyed in a delicious deep-fried format, you’re still getting a dose of wholesome fruit goodness. It’s a sweet indulgence that offers a little something extra for your health.
Mastering the Fry: Choosing the Right Oil for Optimal Results
Achieving perfectly fried apples requires the right oil and proper frying technique. For deep frying, peanut oil is widely considered the best choice, and it’s my go-to for this recipe. Its neutral taste ensures that the flavor of your apples and cinnamon sugar truly shines through, without any unwanted oily notes. More importantly, peanut oil boasts a high smoke point, meaning it can reach and maintain the necessary high temperatures for frying without burning or imparting a bitter taste. This results in a consistently crispy, golden batter. If peanut allergies are a concern, don’t worry! Canola oil or vegetable oil are excellent alternatives, also offering neutral flavors and good smoke points. Safflower oil and extra light olive oil are other suitable options. Always use a deep pot to ensure safety and prevent splattering. Make sure your oil is heated to the correct temperature (around 350-375°F or 175-190°C) before adding the apples. You can test it by dropping a tiny bit of batter in – it should sizzle immediately and float to the top. Alternatively, insert the handle of a wooden spoon into the oil; if bubbles form steadily around it, your oil is ready.
Your Guide to Perfect Deep Fried Apples
Get ready to create a dessert that will delight your senses! This recipe yields perfectly tender apples encased in a crispy, cinnamon-sugar crust. It’s surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding.
Fried Apples
By Sweet Basil
This recipe is super easy with just apples that get soft in the microwave, and dunked in a quick batter, then fried to perfect followed by a final dunk in a bowl of cinnamon sugar.

Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 8
Ingredients
For the Apples:
- 3 Tablespoons Cinnamon Sugar
- 4 Apples, Granny Smith’s, cut in half and cored
- 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
- 1 Tablespoon Flour
For the Batter:
- 1 1/4 Cup White Flour
- 1 Cup Milk
- 2 Tablespoon Sugar
- 1 Large Egg
- 3/4 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
- Peanut or Canola Oil (for frying)
- Caramel Sauce (for serving)
- Vanilla Ice Cream (for serving)
- Bowl of Cinnamon Sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Fill a pie dish or shallow bowl with about 3/4 cup of cinnamon sugar; set aside for coating the fried apples.
- Place the cored apple halves in a separate bowl. Sprinkle them with the first round of 3 tablespoons of cinnamon sugar, nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of flour.
- Toss the apples gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the spice and flour mixture.
- Microwave the coated apples for 30-60 seconds, or until they become slightly juicy and tender. This step helps them cook through quickly when fried.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 1/4 cups white flour, 1 cup milk, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 large egg, 3/4 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt until the batter is smooth and lump-free. Set this batter aside.
- Fill a large, heavy-bottomed pot with enough peanut oil (or canola oil if you have allergies) to deep fry the apple halves. Peanut oil is preferred as it heats hotter and burns slower.
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a tiny bit of batter into it, or place the handle of a wooden spoon into the oil; if it begins to pop and sizzle around the spoon, the oil is hot enough (around 350-375°F or 175-190°C).
- Carefully add each softened apple half to the prepared batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Quickly lift it out, allowing any excess batter to drip off, then gently place it into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can lower the oil temperature.
- Fry the apple halves for about 3 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs, until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried apples from the oil and immediately transfer them to the reserved bowl of cinnamon sugar. Turn them to coat thoroughly while they are still hot.
- Arrange the warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated fried apples into individual ice cream dishes. For an ultimate treat, top them generously with scoops of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Enjoy your delectable deep fried apples immediately!
Recipe Notes
- Store any leftover fried apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in an oven or air fryer for best texture.
Nutrition
(Approximate values per serving)
- Serving: 1g
- Calories: 178 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 24mg
- Sodium: 168mg
- Potassium: 204mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 19g
- Vitamin A: 128 IU
- Vitamin C: 4mg
- Calcium: 62mg
- Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.
These deep fried apples are more than just a dessert; they’re a delightful experience, bringing warmth and comfort with every bite. The combination of tender apples, crispy batter, and aromatic cinnamon sugar is simply irresistible. Perfect for a cozy fall evening or a festive gathering, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite toppings – a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or even a touch of brandy-spiked caramel sauce can elevate this treat even further. Give this easy recipe a try and share your thoughts!
Check out more Dairy Recipes by the National Dairy Council
Other Great Dessert Recipes to Explore

Deep Fried Peaches and Ice Cream

Caramel Apple Sundaes – Cookin’ Canuck

Disclaimer: I am working as an ambassador for the Utah/Nevada Dairy Council. While I am compensated for my dairy posts, all opinions expressed here remain entirely my own.