Salted Caramel Apple Fries Board (Print Version)

Crispy apple fries with warm salted caramel sauce, served on a sharing board with sweet toppings and garnishes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Apple Fries

01 - 4 large firm apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
02 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
03 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
08 - Vegetable oil for frying

→ Salted Caramel Sauce

09 - 1 cup granulated sugar
10 - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
11 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
12 - 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt

→ Sweet Dippables & Garnishes

13 - 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
14 - 1/4 cup chopped pecans
15 - 1/4 cup chocolate chips
16 - 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers
17 - Fresh berries (raspberries or strawberries)
18 - Powdered sugar for dusting

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Peel and core the apples, then cut into thick fry-shaped sticks. Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
02 - Place flour in one shallow bowl, beaten eggs in a second bowl, and mix panko with cinnamon and salt in a third bowl.
03 - Dredge each apple stick in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten eggs, then press into panko mixture to coat evenly.
04 - Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Fry apple fries in batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
05 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar, swirling pan occasionally until sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color.
06 - Immediately add cubed butter and stir until melted. Carefully pour in heavy cream while whisking constantly—the mixture will bubble vigorously. Continue whisking until smooth.
07 - Remove from heat and stir in flaky sea salt. Let cool slightly for 5 minutes before serving.
08 - Arrange fried apple fries on a large platter or wooden board. Place bowl of warm salted caramel sauce in the center.
09 - Scatter mini marshmallows, chopped pecans, chocolate chips, graham cracker crumbs, and fresh berries around the board. Dust apple fries with powdered sugar just before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The contrast between warm crisp apples and cool creamy caramel is absolutely addictive
  • Guests can customize their own dipping combinations which makes it surprisingly interactive
  • It looks like you spent hours but comes together in under 45 minutes
02 -
  • Sugar can go from perfect to burned in seconds so do not walk away while making caramel
  • The apple fries are best served immediately but can be kept warm in a 200 degree F oven for up to 30 minutes
  • If your caramel seizes when adding cream, keep whisking gently over low heat and it will smooth out
03 -
  • Use a candy thermometer to ensure your oil stays at 350 degrees F for perfectly crisp fries
  • Have all your caramel ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking the sugar