fried cinnamon apple rings

Crispy, sweet, and full of warm cinnamon flavor, these Fried Cinnamon-Sugar Apple Rings are the perfect combination of apple fritters and apple cider donuts. With a deliciously tender apple slice at the center, they make for a delightful treat or a fun twist on breakfast. Whether you enjoy them fresh and warm or reheat them later, these apple rings are an irresistible fall favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No fancy ingredients required—just basic pantry staples!
• Crispy & Sweet: A lightly fried batter coats each apple slice, then gets tossed in cinnamon sugar for the perfect crunch.
• Perfect for Fall: Ideal for apple season, these rings make use of fresh apples and classic autumn flavors.
• Great for Breakfast or Dessert: Enjoy them in the morning with coffee or as an after-dinner treat.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite apples, add a caramel drizzle, or serve with ice cream!

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil or coconut oil (for frying)
• 4 medium-size apples (Such as Granny Smith, Gala, or Golden Delicious)
• ½ cup sugar plus 2 tablespoons, divided
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon plus ¼ teaspoon, divided
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla (optional—but recommended!)
• ¾ cup 2% or whole milk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour plus 2 tablespoons
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1: Heat the Oil

• Pour vegetable or coconut oil into a large cast iron skillet or heavy saucepan to a depth of at least 1 inch.
• Heat to 365°F over medium-high heat. If using a smaller saucepan, use less oil but fry fewer rings at a time.

2: Prepare the Apples

• Wash and slice apples crosswise into ¼-inch thick slices.
• Use a small round cookie cutter, apple corer, or knife to remove the center of each slice, creating a ring shape.
• Discard the core, but save the apple pieces for snacking or another recipe!

3: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

• In a small bowl, mix ⅓ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
• Set aside for coating the fried apple rings later.

4: Prepare the Batter

• In a medium bowl, lightly whisk the egg.
• Gradually whisk in milk and vanilla extract (if using).
• Add flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, and salt on top of the liquid ingredients.
• Lightly mix the dry ingredients before fully whisking everything together to form a smooth batter.

5: Coat & Fry the Apple Rings

• Check the oil temperature using a digital thermometer—it should be 365°F before frying.
• Using tongs, dip each apple ring into the batter, letting excess drip off.
• Carefully place 3–4 apple rings at a time into the hot oil.
• Fry for 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried rings and drain them briefly on a paper towel.

6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

• While still warm, dredge each apple ring in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, turning to coat evenly.
• Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture!

Tips and Variations

• Shortcut Tip: Use store-bought pancake mix instead of making the batter from scratch. Add a little extra milk or water if it seems too thick.
• Best Apples to Use: Stick to Granny Smith, Gala, Golden Delicious, or Honeycrisp for the best texture after frying.
• Extra Crispy Tip: If you want an even crispier crust, double dip—coat the apple rings in flour before dipping in the batter.
• Serving Idea: Drizzle with caramel sauce or maple syrup for an extra indulgent treat.
• Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a warm, fall-inspired twist.

Serving Suggestions

• For Breakfast: Serve with coffee, tea, or warm apple cider.
• As a Dessert: Pair with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel.
• Party Snack: Make a batch for fall gatherings, game days, or Halloween parties!

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover apple rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating:
  • Air Fryer: Preheat to 350°F and cook for 2–3 minutes.
  • Microwave: Heat for 15 seconds on HIGH for a quick warm-up.
  • Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes! Place battered rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy but will still be delicious!

What’s the best way to keep them crispy?

For extra crispiness, let them cool on a wire rack instead of a plate after frying. This prevents them from steaming and getting soggy.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour in the batter and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free.

What other toppings can I add?

Try powdered sugar, caramel drizzle, honey, or melted chocolate for a fun twist!

Conclusion

These Fried Cinnamon-Sugar Apple Rings are a must-try recipe for apple lovers! With their crispy golden batter, warm apple center, and sweet cinnamon coating, they make for a comforting breakfast, snack, or dessert. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or customize it with your favorite toppings, this treat is sure to become a household favorite.

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