It seems like “fries” are all the rage. I’ve seen these in rings, julienned strips, wedges…you name it. However, these are usually coated in a batter of some sort (typically eggs and buttermilk), but I wanted to lighten it up and of course, veganize them. So these Apple Fries with Vanilla Whipped Cream are an easy treat that both kids and adults will love.
Coated only in cornstarch, the apple wedges are quickly fried in oil. Be sure your oil is hot enough so the apples fry, but do not absorb the oil. Drain on paper towels for a few minutes to cool slightly and then toss in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Sometimes simple is best 🙂
The trick here to is be sure your oil is hot enough. Test a small apple slice before beginning a batch. If the oil is not hot enough, the apples could absorb the oil and that is definitely not what we want. The quicker they fry, the quicker they develop a crisp outer crust which prevents the absorbption of excess oil. Additionally, you don’t want the apples to cook so long they get overly soft and potentially mushy.
Do not overcrowd the pan or the temperature of the oil will drop. Allow the temperature to come back up between batches.
After they’ve drained on paper towels and cooled for a few minutes, toss with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Allow to continue cooling a few more minutes before serving. Serve warm.
The cinnamon sugar gives these Apple Fries a deep, warm color. There is tartness from the apple, sweetness from the sugar and let’s not forget the Vanilla Whipped Cream. You can make your own whipped cream from coconut milk, but today, we used the new So Delicious Dairy Free Coconut Milk Whipped Topping (coming soon to stores near you :). We added vanilla extract and topped with a bit more of the cinnamon sugar mix. The cool whipped topping is a nice contrast to the warm apples.
Apple Fries with Vanilla Whipped Cream
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Apple Fries with Vanilla Whipped Cream {Vegan}
Ingredients
- Oil Suitable for Frying enough to cover the bottom of whatever sized pan you use
- 2 large Apples we used Granny Smith, but any firm variety will do, peeled, cored and sliced into wedges
- 1/4 C Cornstarch
- *
- FOR THE CINNAMON SUGAR TOPPING:
- 1/4 C Sugar
- 1 Tbl Cinnamon
- *
- FOR THE DIP:
- 1/2 C Coconut Milk
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- Top with leftover Cinnamon Sugar
Instructions
- Begin by heating enough oil to coat the bottom of whatever pan you are using. Use high heat.
- Working quickly, combine the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Peel, core and slice apples. Toss in cornstarch.
- Once the oil is hot, test a small piece of apple to be sure it sizzles. If not, give it another minute or two.
- Place a few of the cornstarch-coated apples into the hot oil and fry on each side for about 3 minutes. They should be just golden brown.
- Line a cookie sheet with paper towels and transfer the cooked apples to drain for a few minutes.
- Toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Combine the whipped topping and vanilla and top with leftover cinnamon sugar to serve.
Besma says
Hi Aimee,
First off – these look too delicious that you’ve tempted me into making them tonight! However I had a question about the recipe; I only have sunflower oil in my cupboard at the moment, would this work okay (instead of canola)?
Thanks!
Besma (www.curiouslyconscious.com)
aimee says
Hi Besma, I am not too familiar with sunflower oil and frying, but I did a little research and it looks it should be just fine 🙂 Enjoy!!
Tiffany says
Can’t wait to try to make these!
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
Never had sweet fries like these before. Definitely a recipe I need to recreate.. they look and sound incredibly delicious.
Mareike says
Looks so delicious, I would love to have some right now..
Jahnavi says
I just tried it! Turned out yummy! THANK YOU SO MUCH. Wish I could post my picture here. I served it with cranberry sauce 🙂
Now for the not so positive part, it was not crispy at all 🙁 I tried to fry it quickly in hot oil. It felt crispy for the first 2mins but went completely soft by the time i served. Any tips on this? 🙂
aimee says
Hmmm…I did mine in 3 batches and they were still crispy (as I took the time to photograph them, I noticed they became softer). Were the apples themselves crisp when you bit into them? I fried mine very quickly so the apples were still crisp to the bite. As the apples sit, they will continue to cook from the residual heat and soften. They definitely have to be served immediately. I’m working on a baked version of this recipe. Wondering if we can get them even crispier that way! 🙂
Nicole says
Hi, these look amazing but I am very allergic to corn. Any suggestions?
aimee says
Nicole, you can use any oil that is suitable for frying so no corn oil there. You could also use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch. Hope that helps!
Katy says
How many calories does this have ?
aimee says
Hi Katy, we didn’t calculate the caloric content for this recipe but it would depend on how much sugar you used and also the amount of the coconut cream. The apples and cornstarch are minimal and it’s difficult to say how much oil could be absorbed. You should fry on high heat because the quicker the crust is formed, the least amount of oil can be absorbed. I am working on a baked version of these due to popular request. It should be much easier to track calories that way as there will be no oil in the equation. Stay tuned 🙂
Naomi says
Love this recipe. I also love coconut so I did half tapioca flour and half coconut flour and it was amazing. Still didn’t fully go crisp though. Also swapped the sugar for coconut sugar :).
Beth H-H says
Looks delicious! Always looking for dessert recipes! I have a deep fryer for french fries. Could I use that?
aimee says
I think that would work great! Wish I had one 🙂
Alexis says
These look amazing! Can’t wait for the baked version.
Rosvitha says
This looks really delicious! I would have to try this recipe out. Apples and cinnamon is the best combination ever! Thanks for the great recipe 🙂
Dolphin says
Can u use flour isn’tead of corn starch
aimee says
I think you could use flour. I would just make sure it was a very light coating 🙂
Magi says
Hi…Could you use rice flour ? Also, do you whip the coconut milk like you would heavy cream?
Thanks!
aimee says
I do think you could use rice flour, though it is a bit lighter in texture. Let me know how it works for you! And yes, the coconut milk whips just like heavy cream 🙂
Lakisha says
I made the apple fries last night It was good and plan on making again.
aimee says
I’m so glad you enjoyed them 🙂
Carlien says
Oh my – these look delicious! Thank you <3
Shakir says
This recipe is too delicious 😀
Veg Life Staff says
Thank you 🙂
lauren says
yo this was delicious and i loved it. i’ve had a can of coconut cream just chilling in the fridge for about 3 weeks, and this was a great use for it. i also had the opportunity to use my parents’ deep-fryer for the apples, which was a rare opportunity, because 90% of what they fry is not vegan and i never get to eat it. thanks!
for anyone else using a fryer, i recommend frying the apples for way longer than you think necessary. it won’t hurt them and the crispy texture on the outside is quite nice.
Damian says
Apple fries sounds too yum. It’s best when you’re craving fries but want a sweet dish too. 🙂