Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe

If you’re searching for a dessert that delivers autumn-in-a-bite joy any time of year, look no further than Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings. Each warm, spiced ring brings out the tender sweetness of apples, cloaked in a golden, crispy batter, and dusted generously with cinnamon sugar. These irresistible treats have the nostalgic charm of county fairs coupled with the comfort of home baking, and they’re so quick to whip up that you’ll find excuses to make them all season long. Whether you serve them for Sunday brunch or as a sweet finish to a casual supper, Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings always steal the show.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of pantry staples can create something so magical! Each ingredient in Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings has a role to play, contributing just the right note of flavor, texture, or aroma for the perfect bite every time.

• Apples: Choose firm, tart-sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for rings that hold their shape and offer a balance of flavor.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation for your batter, ensuring a tender and crisp coating around each apple slice.
• Granulated sugar: Lends balanced sweetness to the batter and helps the cinnamon sugar coating stick.
• Baking powder: This tiny touch of leavening puffs up the batter, giving the rings a slightly airy bite.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses the rings with classic warm spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
• Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
• Milk: Provides moisture and richness in the batter, bringing everything together.
• Large egg: Binds the wet and dry ingredients, adding structure and a little lift.
• Vanilla extract: Adds beautiful aroma and rounds out the flavor profile.
• Vegetable oil (for frying): A neutral, high-heat oil like canola or sunflower ensures crisp, golden results.
• Cinnamon sugar (for coating): That final toss in fragrant cinnamon sugar transforms these rings into pure, delightful comfort.

How to Make Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Begin by peeling your apples—this step ensures every bite is silky and tender. Core each apple, then slice them horizontally into thick, 1/4-inch rings. Keeping them uniform in thickness guarantees they’ll cook evenly and look beautifully consistent when fried. If you want a crispier finish, you can lightly dust the rings with a bit of extra flour before moving on to the batter.

Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine your flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisking them together evenly ensures that no single bite is missing any of that sweet-spiced goodness. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and nicely blended—this creates the liquid magic that will turn your dry mix into irresistible batter.

Step 3: Make the Batter

Pour your wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir just until you have a silky-smooth batter. Avoid over-mixing, as that can lead to tougher rings later. The batter should be thick enough to coat the apple rings without running off, but not so heavy that it clumps—think the consistency of pancake batter and you’re right on track.

Step 4: Fry the Apple Rings

Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan and heat it to 350°F. You can use a thermometer or simply test by dropping in a small bit of batter—it should sizzle right away. Dip each apple ring into the batter, letting any excess drip back into the bowl. Gently lower a few coated rings into the hot oil, being careful not to crowd the pan. Fry for 1–2 minutes on each side, flipping when golden brown. Remove the rings with a slotted spoon and set them on paper towels to drain any extra oil.

Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

While the Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings are still warm (but not piping hot), toss them gently in a plate of cinnamon sugar to coat every surface. The warmth helps the sugar stick perfectly, so you get that classic sparkle and sweet-spice crunch with every bite. These are best served right away, when they’re irresistibly crisp on the outside and lusciously tender within.

How to Serve Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings

Garnishes

For a show-stopping presentation, dust your Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings with a light snowfall of powdered sugar, a dollop of lightly whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside makes them extra decadent—truly a treat worthy of a special occasion.

Side Dishes

These sweet rings are wonderful on their own, but they also shine as part of a brunch spread. Pair them with savory favorites like scrambled eggs or crispy bacon, or serve alongside a tangy fruit salad to balance the richness. For dessert, they’re fantastic with a hot cup of coffee or spiced cider.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving for a crowd, try stacking the Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings on a platter, threading them onto skewers for a fun twist, or turning them into an “apple ring tower.” For parties, individual parchment cones filled with rings create a playful, fairground-inspired snack that’s easy to grab and go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any rings left (which is rare!), allow them to cool completely, then layer between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for a day or two, or pop them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll lose a bit of their initial crispness but are still absolutely delicious.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze any leftover Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep nicely for up to 2 months. When the craving strikes, you can reheat them directly from frozen—just follow the next tip!

Reheating

To restore their original crispiness, reheat the rings in an air fryer or a preheated oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. They’ll warm up beautifully and regain a bit of that just-fried texture. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Dessert

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are favorites for their firmness and tang, you can experiment with Gala, Fuji, or even Pink Lady. Softer apples may cook faster and can result in a creamier center, so adjust your frying time accordingly.

What oil is best for frying apple rings?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil. Avoid olive oil, as its flavor can overpower the delicate apples and cinnamon.

Can I make Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free blend. The taste and texture will still be fantastic, just keep an eye on the batter’s consistency and add a little more milk if needed.

Is it possible to bake instead of fry these apple rings?

Baking won’t yield the exact same crisp exterior, but you can bake the battered rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for 10–12 minutes per side. Spray lightly with oil before baking for a golden, crunchy finish.

How do I keep the batter from sliding off the apples?

Make sure the apple rings are dry before dipping, and for even better adhesion, give them a very light dusting of flour. The batter should be thick enough to cling, but not gloppy—adjust with a splash of milk or flour as necessary.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings enough—they bring smiles and warmth to any table, whether you’re making memories with family or just treating yourself. With a straightforward ingredient list and endless ways to serve, this is one recipe you’ll want to return to again and again. Give them a try and watch how quickly they become the highlight of your dessert rotation!

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