Fried Apple Rings Recipe
Imagine biting into a warm, golden ring of juicy apple, its crisp edge shattering into soft, cinnamon-kissed sweetness—this is the magic of Fried Apple Rings. This playful twist on a nostalgic fairground favorite pairs fresh apples with a tender, cinnamon-scented batter, transforming simple ingredients into little circles of pure happiness. Whether you serve them for brunch, as a cozy dessert, or a surprise snack, Fried Apple Rings are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Fried Apple Rings lies in everyday ingredients coming together to create something unforgettable. Each component adds a crucial note—crispness, fluffiness, sweet spice, or that melt-in-your-mouth finish—so don’t skip the details!
- Apples: Choose firm, tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the juiciest, most flavorful rings.
- All-purpose flour: The base for your batter, giving every ring a perfectly fluffy and crisp coating.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch sweetens and caramelizes the batter, plus adds the sparkle in the final coating.
- Baking powder: A sprinkle ensures the batter puffs up light and airy around each fruit slice.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and sharpens each flavor note—don’t leave it out!
- Ground cinnamon: Classic autumn spice, essential for both the batter and the cinnamon-sugar finish.
- Milk: Makes the batter smooth and pourable so it clings evenly to each apple ring.
- Egg: Provides structure and binds everything together for a tender bite.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, floral aroma that elevates the apple flavor beautifully.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): A neutral oil that gets perfectly hot for that golden, crunchy exterior.
- Granulated sugar (for coating): Tossing warm rings in sugar creates irresistible sparkle and sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (for coating): The crowning touch that makes that first bite memorable.
How to Make Fried Apple Rings
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Start by peeling and coring the apples, then slicing them into 1/4-inch thick rings. Not only does this ensure each bite has the perfect ratio of tender fruit to crispy batter, but prepping the apples properly also helps them hold their shape when fried. Pat the slices dry with paper towels—this step keeps the batter from sliding off and helps the rings fry up beautifully crisp.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, baking powder, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, egg, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth. Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until you have a silky, lump-free batter. This batter is your secret weapon for those perfect, golden Fried Apple Rings!
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour about an inch of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or large saucepan, and set it over medium heat. Allow the oil to reach 350°F—using a thermometer is handy, but you can also drop in a bit of batter to check if it sizzles steadily. Hot oil is key for a quick fry and that signature crispness, so don’t rush this stage.
Step 4: Dip and Fry
Working in batches, dip each apple ring into the batter, letting any excess drip off, then gently lower it into the hot oil. Fry 2–3 rings at a time for 1–2 minutes per side, flipping once, until they’re puffed and gloriously golden. Remove each one with a slotted spoon and let it drain briefly on paper towels; this keeps them light, not greasy.
Step 5: Cinnamon Sugar Magic
While the rings are still warm (and heavenly smelling!), toss them in a mixture of 1/2 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a shallow dish. The coating melts ever-so-slightly onto the crust, giving each Fried Apple Ring an irresistible crunch and sweet-spice flavor that is honestly hard to beat.
How to Serve Fried Apple Rings
Garnishes
A classic dusting of powdered sugar is undeniably pretty, but adding a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce can take Fried Apple Rings straight into dessert heaven. Fresh mint leaves or even a light grate of lemon zest provide a pop of color and a hint of brightness to each plate.
Side Dishes
Serve these beauties alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a bowl of warm custard, or a medley of fresh berries for balance. At brunch, they shine when paired with savory eggs or a salty cheddar omelet—think sweet and salty perfection.
Creative Ways to Present
Set up a “build-your-own Fried Apple Rings sundae” bar with different toppings like crushed nuts, mini chocolate chips, or fruit preserves. For an eye-catching appetizer, stack rings in a tower with toothpicks and a caramel dipping bowl in the center. They also make a whimsical edible garnish for a spiced autumn cocktail.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Fried Apple Rings (a rare event in my house!), layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for a short while, or in the refrigerator for up to two days. This keeps them tasting fresh and prevents them from sticking together.
Freezing
To freeze, lay the cooled apple rings in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. This method preserves their texture so you can enjoy homemade Fried Apple Rings on a whim.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen rings in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes straight from the fridge (or a few extra from frozen). This brings back the crisp exterior without drying out the apple inside—just like freshly made. Avoid the microwave, as it softens the coating.
FAQs
What kind of apples work best for Fried Apple Rings?
Tart, firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are ideal. Their structure holds up well to frying, and the tartness beautifully offsets the sweet coating.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. In fact, chilling the batter for 20 minutes before frying helps the rings get extra crispy.
Do I need a deep fryer for this recipe?
Not at all—just a heavy skillet or saucepan, about an inch of oil, and a thermometer if you have one. It’s simple stovetop frying, no special equipment required.
How do I ensure the batter sticks to the apples?
Patting the apple slices dry with paper towels removes excess moisture, helping the batter cling beautifully. Make sure your oil is hot enough as well; if it’s too cool, the batter may slide off.
Are Fried Apple Rings gluten-free?
As written, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free by default. However, you can try swapping in your favorite gluten-free flour blend for delicious results!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re serving them at a festive brunch, as a nostalgic dessert, or sneaking them straight from the kitchen, Fried Apple Rings deliver on every front—crisp edges, warm spice, and the fresh sweetness of apple in each bite. If you haven’t tried making these at home yet, grab those apples and treat yourself; it’s comfort food fun you’ll want to repeat again and again.
Print
Fried Apple Rings Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 apple rings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Fried Apple Rings are a delightful sweet treat that combines the goodness of apples with a crispy, cinnamon-sugar coating. Perfect for snacking or as a dessert, these rings are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
Apples:
3 large apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
Batter:
1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
1 cup milk, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coating:
1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Others:
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and slice apples into rings. Pat dry.
- Make Batter: Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Fry: Heat oil, dip apple rings in batter, fry until golden brown.
- Coat: Mix sugar and cinnamon, coat warm apple rings.
- Serve: Enjoy warm.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, chill the batter for 20 minutes before frying.
- Best served immediately but can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ring
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
