Crispy Fried Apples: Easy Recipe for Delicious Side Dish

Alright, you lot, let's talk about roast dinners, shall we? We all know the drill: succulent roast chicken or beef, fluffy roast potatoes, steamed carrots and parsnips, maybe some gravy on the side... But what if I told you there's a way to take your roast dinner from good to absolutely brilliant? I'm talking about crispy fried apples.

They're not just a side dish, they're a revelation. The crunch, the sweetness, the way they melt in your mouth... They're the perfect way to round off a hearty meal and add a touch of elegance. And the best bit? They're ridiculously easy to make!

Get ready for a culinary adventure, because I'm going to guide you through the process, step by step. By the time we're done, you'll be a crispy fried apple pro, wowing your friends and family with your newfound skills.

(Part 1) The Apple of My Eye: Choosing the Right Apples

First things first, you need the perfect apples. We're looking for firm, crisp apples with a touch of sweetness. Now, I'm a bit of an apple fanatic, so I've tried them all, and here are my top picks:

The Classics

Braeburn: These are a winner, hands down. They’ve got a lovely balance of sweetness and tartness, and they hold their shape well when fried, meaning you get those beautiful, crispy wedges.

Granny Smith: These are a bit more tart, but that's what makes them so good! They've got a lovely bite to them, and they'll provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of your other dishes.

Cox’s Orange Pippin: A classic British favourite, these apples are sweeter than the others, and they'll caramelize beautifully when fried, adding a touch of golden magic to your plate.

Beyond the Basics

Pink Lady: If you’re after something a bit more exotic, Pink Lady apples are a good choice. They’re sweet, but with a hint of tang, and they’re surprisingly crisp, holding up beautifully to the frying process.

Jazz: This one’s a bit of a newer kid on the block, but it’s already a favourite amongst apple enthusiasts. It’s got a really juicy texture and a nice balance of sweet and tart, making it a versatile choice for all sorts of dishes.

(Part 2) Prepping the Apples: Getting Ready to Fry

Now that you've got your apples, it's time to prep them. It's a simple process, really, but it makes all the difference in the end. Here's what you need to do:

1. Wash and Core: The Essentials

Start by washing your apples thoroughly. You want to get rid of any dirt or grime, so give them a good scrub under running water. Once they're clean, slice them into thin wedges. How thin? That depends on your preference. I like my slices about a quarter of an inch thick. The thinner you slice them, the faster they'll cook and the crispier they'll be.

Now, here comes the tricky part: coring the apples. Don't worry, it's not as complicated as it sounds. You can use a regular apple corer if you have one, but I prefer to use a small paring knife. I find it easier to control and to get rid of any stubborn bits of core. Plus, it gives you a chance to really get in there and feel the texture of the apple – it's quite a satisfying experience!

2. Sprinkling Magic: The Secret Ingredient

Now, here’s where things get interesting. I like to add a little sprinkle of magic to my apples before frying. I’m talking about a simple mix of cinnamon and sugar. You can use any kind of sugar you like – white, brown, even a bit of maple syrup if you’re feeling fancy.

I usually use about a teaspoon of cinnamon and two tablespoons of sugar. You can adjust this to your taste, of course. Just remember, a little goes a long way! You can also add other spices like nutmeg or ginger if you like. It’s all about experimenting and finding what you love.

(Part 3) The Art of Frying: A Crispy Masterclass

Alright, so your apples are prepped and ready to go. Now it’s time for the real magic: the frying! This is where the crispy, golden-brown goodness happens.

1. The Right Oil: A Choice You Won't Regret

Firstly, you need the right oil. I’m a big fan of sunflower oil – it’s got a high smoke point, so it won’t burn easily. You can also use vegetable oil or even olive oil, but be careful not to heat it too high. I wouldn’t recommend using butter – it will burn quickly and give your apples a slightly burnt taste.

2. Heat It Up: But Not Too Much

Heat your oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to sizzle when you add the apples, but not so hot that it burns them. If the oil starts to smoke, it’s too hot – turn the heat down a bit.

3. The Golden Touch: Perfecting the Fry

Now it’s time to add your apple slices to the pan. Don’t overcrowd the pan – fry them in batches if you need to. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. You'll know they're ready when they have that lovely caramelized look and a slight crisp to them.

4. The Final Touch: A Sprinkle of Magic

Once your apples are crispy, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. You can sprinkle them with a little more cinnamon and sugar if you like. This is where the magic of flavour really comes alive – it's like adding the finishing touches to a masterpiece!

(Part 4) The Delicious Side of Crispy Fried Apples

So there you have it, crispy fried apples in all their glory. But what exactly can you do with them? Well, the beauty of them is their versatility. They’re delicious on their own, but they also make a wonderful addition to a variety of dishes.

1. The Classic Pairing: Roast Dinner

Let’s face it, roast dinners are a British staple. They’re comfort food at its finest, and adding crispy fried apples to the mix is like adding the cherry on top. The sweet, caramelized apples cut through the richness of the meat and potatoes, creating a beautiful balance of flavours. It's a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you feeling truly satisfied.

2. The Unexpected Twist: Salads

This might sound a bit strange, but trust me on this one. Crispy fried apples add a wonderful textural contrast to salads. Think about a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. Adding some crispy fried apple slices will add a touch of sweetness and a delightful crunch. It's a surprising and delicious way to elevate your salad game.

3. A Sweet Treat: Desserts

You can also use crispy fried apples as a base for desserts. Imagine a simple crumble with a layer of crispy fried apples, a sprinkle of crumble topping, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Delicious! You can even use them to make apple pie, but I’ll leave that for another article!

(Part 5) Variations on a Theme: Making It Your Own

Now, let's get a bit creative, shall we? Crispy fried apples are a blank canvas for your culinary imagination. You can experiment with different flavours and textures to create your own unique variations.

1. The Spicy Kick: Adding Chilli

For a bit of a kick, try adding a pinch of chilli flakes to your sugar and cinnamon mix. The heat of the chilli will complement the sweetness of the apples and create a delicious, warming flavour. It's a touch of fire that will set your taste buds alight.

2. A Touch of Citrus: Zest Up Your Apples

Want a bit of a citrusy twist? Try adding a little zest of lemon or orange to your sugar and cinnamon mix. The citrus zest will add a refreshing brightness to the apples, balancing out the sweetness and adding a touch of zing.

3. The Sweet and Savoury Mix: Caramel and Bacon

Here’s one for the adventurous eaters out there. Try drizzling your crispy fried apples with a little bit of caramel sauce and sprinkle some crumbled bacon on top. The sweetness of the caramel and the salty, smoky flavour of the bacon will create a delicious contrast, a perfect marriage of sweet and savoury.

(Part 6) FAQs: Answers to Your Crispy Fried Apple Questions

Now, I know you've got questions. So let's get straight to it.

1. What if my apples aren't crispy enough?

Don't worry! Sometimes, you might find your apples haven't reached that perfect crispy texture. This is usually because you haven't fried them long enough or the oil wasn't hot enough. Simply pop them back in the pan for another minute or two, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness. Patience is key here, as you want that perfect golden brown crunch.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?

Unfortunately, no. Crispy fried apples are best enjoyed fresh. They tend to soften up if you leave them for too long. But don't fret! They take just a few minutes to make, so you can whip them up right before you serve them. It's a simple, last-minute addition that will impress your guests.

3. What if I don't have cinnamon?

No problem! You can always substitute the cinnamon with other spices like nutmeg, ginger, or even a pinch of cardamom. It's all about finding those flavour combinations that work for you!

4. What if I don't have a frying pan?

No worries! You can use a deep fryer, but make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions. You can also bake your apple slices in the oven. Just preheat your oven to 180°C, toss the apple slices with a little oil, sugar, and cinnamon, and bake them for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

5. Can I add anything else to my crispy fried apples?

Absolutely! Experiment with different flavours and toppings. You can try adding nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or even a dollop of cream or yoghurt. Just let your imagination run wild!

(Part 7) Table of Nutritional Information

Here's a quick breakdown of the nutritional information per serving of crispy fried apples:

It's worth noting that the exact nutritional values will vary depending on the type of apple you use, the amount of sugar and cinnamon you add, and the type of oil you use.

(Part 8) Beyond the Recipe: A World of Apples

Now, I’ve talked a lot about crispy fried apples, but let’s not forget about the humble apple itself. It’s a fruit with so much potential, and it’s amazing what you can do with it.

1. The Sweet Treats: Pies, Crumbles, and More

We’ve already touched on apple pies and crumbles, but there’s so much more! Think about apple tarts, apple cakes, apple fritters, and even apple sauce. These are classic treats that have been enjoyed for generations, and for good reason!

2. The Savoury Surprise: Apple and Cheese

Apples aren’t just for sweet dishes, you know! They can be surprisingly delicious in savoury dishes. You can add them to salads, stuff them with sausage meat, or even pair them with cheese. It's a delightful way to add a touch of sweetness and acidity to your savoury dishes.

3. The Healthy Choice: A Fruit of Many Uses

And don’t forget about the health benefits of apples! They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They’re also a great source of antioxidants. So, next time you’re looking for a healthy snack, grab an apple! It's a delicious and nutritious choice that will keep you feeling good.

(Part 9) Conclusion: A Crispy Journey of Deliciousness

So, there you have it! The wonderful world of crispy fried apples. From choosing the right apples to frying them to perfection, I've taken you on a culinary journey. And remember, it's all about experimenting and finding what you love.

So, next time you're looking for a delicious and easy side dish, give crispy fried apples a try. They’re guaranteed to impress your taste buds and make your meal truly unforgettable.

Enjoy!