Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe

Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings are a delicious treat that combines the sweetness of apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and a crispy golden batter. Perfect as a snack, dessert, or breakfast treat, these apple rings are quick to make and irresistibly good when served warm with powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 large apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work well)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For Topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
• Caramel sauce (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

1. Peel the apples (optional) and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rings.
2. Use a small round cutter or a paring knife to remove the cores from the center of each slice, creating rings. Pat the apple rings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking until smooth. The batter should be slightly thick and able to coat the apple rings evenly.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

1. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C) for frying.

Step 4: Fry the Apple Rings

1. Dip each apple ring into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off.
2. Carefully place the batter-coated apple rings into the hot oil, frying 2–3 rings at a time to avoid overcrowding.
3. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried rings to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

1. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
2. While the apple rings are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the apple rings warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: These apple rings are best enjoyed fresh and warm for the crispiest texture. Serve as-is or pair with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Storage: Store leftover apple rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

1. Can I make these apple rings gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for similar results.

2. What type of apples are best for frying?

Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well during frying and provide a good balance of sweetness and tang.

3. Can I bake these instead of frying?

For a healthier alternative, bake the batter-coated apple rings at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. What if my batter is too thick or thin?

If the batter is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it slightly. If it’s too thin, mix in a tablespoon of flour until it reaches the right consistency.

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