Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings

Craving something sweet, crispy, and filled with warm cinnamon flavor? These Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings are the perfect treat for any time of the year, but they’re especially delightful during fall when apples are at their peak. Whether you’re looking for a fun dessert, a unique snack, or something special to serve at a gathering, these apple rings will hit the spot. Plus, they’re easy to make and only take about 30 minutes from start to finish!

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The recipe involves crisp, tart apples dipped in a sweet cinnamon-spiced batter, then fried to golden perfection. Once you take your first bite, you’ll experience the perfect combination of tender apple slices and a crispy coating, all dusted with a hint of powdered sugar. These apple rings are like a hybrid between apple fritters and cinnamon donuts, offering the best of both worlds.

Let’s take a closer look at how to make this simple yet delightful treat and why it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Why Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings Are a Must-Try

These apple rings are the perfect blend of crispy and soft, sweet and tart. The apples—firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—hold their shape well during frying and offer a pleasant contrast to the soft batter coating. The cinnamon adds a warm spice that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the apples, and a light dusting of powdered sugar gives them a finishing touch reminiscent of donuts.

If you love fried treats but want something a bit lighter and fruit-based, these apple rings are a wonderful alternative to traditional fried dough. They’re also versatile: you can enjoy them as a dessert, a mid-afternoon snack, or even as a fun breakfast treat.

Ingredient Breakdown

1. Apples (4 large)

The star of the show! Apples are sliced into rings for this recipe. For the best results, choose a firm apple that holds up well to frying. Granny Smith apples are great because of their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the batter. Honeycrisp apples work equally well, providing a sweet and juicy bite.

• Tip: Make sure to slice the apples into rings that are about 1/4 inch thick to ensure they cook evenly and maintain a good balance of apple to batter.

2. All-Purpose Flour (1 cup)

Flour is the base of the batter. It provides structure and helps the coating become crispy when fried.

• Tip: For a slightly healthier option, you could try substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.

3. Granulated Sugar (1 cup)

Sugar sweetens the batter and helps create a golden-brown finish when the apple rings are fried.

• Tip: If you prefer, you can reduce the amount of sugar for a less sweet treat, or even use a natural sweetener like coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.

4. Ground Cinnamon (1 tablespoon)

Cinnamon is key in giving these apple rings their warm, spiced flavor. It’s mixed into the batter for a delicious aroma and taste.

• Tip: If you’re a cinnamon lover, feel free to add a bit more to the batter, or sprinkle some extra on top after frying for an added boost of spice.

5. Baking Powder (1 teaspoon)

Baking powder helps the batter puff up slightly, creating a light and airy coating on the apple rings.

6. Salt (1/2 teaspoon)

A small amount of salt enhances the sweetness of the batter and balances the flavors.

7. Large Egg (1)

The egg helps bind the batter together and adds richness, ensuring that the coating sticks to the apples as they fry.

8. Milk (1 cup)

Milk provides the liquid for the batter, making it smooth and easy to coat the apple rings.

• Tip: You can use any type of milk for this recipe—whole milk, skim milk, or even plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk.

9. Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)

Vanilla extract adds a subtle, sweet aroma that complements the cinnamon and apple flavors.

10. Vegetable Oil

You’ll need enough vegetable oil for frying, about 1 inch deep in your skillet. The oil should be neutral-flavored and have a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.

• Tip: To ensure a crispy coating, make sure the oil is properly heated before frying. The ideal temperature is around 350°F (175°C).

Optional: Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar is optional but highly recommended for dusting over the fried apple rings. It adds a touch of sweetness and enhances their donut-like appeal.

How to Make Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

First, peel the apples to remove the skin. Then, use an apple corer to remove the core and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick rings. If you don’t have an apple corer, you can use a knife to cut out the center of each apple slice. Set the prepared apple rings aside.

• Tip: Try to keep the slices uniform in thickness so that they cook evenly. Thicker slices will be harder to cook through, while thinner slices may become too soft.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder and cinnamon are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

• Tip: Sifting the dry ingredients can help create a lighter, more uniform batter, but it’s not necessary if you give the mixture a good whisk.

Step 3: Prepare the Batter

In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then stir in the milk and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until you have a smooth, lump-free batter.

• Tip: The batter should be thick enough to coat the apple rings, but not so thick that it’s clumpy. If it seems too thick, you can add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). You can test the temperature by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil—if it bubbles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.

• Tip: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the batter will absorb too much oil and become greasy instead of crispy. Use a kitchen thermometer if you have one to ensure accurate temperature control.

Step 5: Coat the Apple Rings

Dip each apple ring into the batter, allowing any excess batter to drip off. Make sure the entire apple ring is evenly coated.

Step 6: Fry the Apple Rings

Carefully place the battered apple rings into the hot oil, frying in batches so as not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the rings are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to flip the rings and remove them from the oil once they’re done.

• Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy apple rings. Fry in small batches for the best results.

Step 7: Drain and Dust

Transfer the fried apple rings to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. While still warm, dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

• Tip: You can also dust the rings with cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar for even more cinnamon flavor!

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the fried cinnamon apple rings warm and enjoy them right away for the best texture and flavor. They’re perfect on their own, but you can also pair them with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or even a drizzle of honey.

Serving Suggestions and Customizations

These Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them even further with a few serving ideas and customizations:

1. Pair with Ice Cream

For a decadent dessert, serve the apple rings with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, crispy apple rings, making it an irresistible combination.

2. Dip in Caramel Sauce

Caramel and apples are a classic pairing. Drizzle caramel sauce over the rings or serve it as a dip on the side for a sweet and gooey treat.

3. Add Whipped Cream

A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy touch to the rich fried apple rings. You can even sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg on top for extra flavor.

4. Try Different Apples

While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended, you can experiment with different apple varieties. Pink Lady, Gala, or Fuji apples also work well in this recipe.

5. Spice Things Up

For a more spiced flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cloves to the batter. You can also mix a little pumpkin pie spice into the batter for a fall-themed twist.

Why You’ll Love These Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, these apple rings are perfect for novice and experienced cooks alike.
• Quick Cooking Time: You can have these delicious rings ready in just about 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Customizable: There are endless ways to make this recipe your own, from adding spices to choosing your favorite apple varieties.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These apple rings are great for dessert, snack time, or even a fun brunch treat. Serve them at parties, holiday gatherings, or as a special after-dinner indulgence.

Conclusion

Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings are a delightful, crispy treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. The combination of tart apples, sweet cinnamon batter, and a golden, fried exterior makes for a dessert that’s both nostalgic and comforting. Whether you’re enjoying them on their own, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or alongside a scoop of ice cream, these apple rings are guaranteed to impress.

So, grab some fresh apples, heat up the oil, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate fried apple experience. 🍏🍩