Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe

Irresistibly Sweet Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe

Crispy golden rings that showcase cinnamon apple magic tantalize taste buds with unexpected delight.

Sweet aromas drift through kitchens, promising comfort in every bite.

Delicate apple slices dance under a light, spiced batter that crisps beautifully when fried.

Warm memories of autumn gatherings emerge with each crunchy, caramelized edge.

Subtle hints of nutmeg complement the natural apple sweetness, creating layers of complex flavor.

Breakfast or dessert options expand dramatically with this simple yet impressive treat.

Grab a napkin and prepare to experience pure culinary joy.

Why Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings Hit the Spot

  • Engage kids in the cooking process by letting them help coat the rings in sweet cinnamon sugar.
  • Perfect for casual gatherings, weekend treats, or unexpected dessert cravings with minimal ingredients.
  • Transform simple apples into a magical, crispy dessert that offers a warm, nostalgic flavor experience.

What You’ll Need for Cinnamon Apple Rings

Main Ingredients:

Apples: Sweet, crisp fruit perfect for creating delightful rings with a soft, tender texture. Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during frying.

Vegetable Oil: Essential for deep frying the apple rings to create a golden, crispy exterior. Neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point works best.

Batter Ingredients:

Flour: Provides structure and creates a light, crispy coating for the apple rings. All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe.

Baking Powder: Helps the batter become light and airy, ensuring a delicate texture.

Egg, Milk: Bind the batter together and add richness to the coating. Use fresh, room-temperature ingredients for best results.

Coating and Seasoning:

Sugar, Cinnamon: Create a sweet, warm coating that complements the apple’s natural flavor. Ground cinnamon adds a comforting, aromatic touch to the dessert.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile, balancing the sweetness of the apple rings.

How to Fry Cinnamon Apple Rings Perfectly

Step 1: Slice and Shape Apples

  • Select fresh, firm apples
  • Remove apple skin if desired
  • Cut apples into round slices about 1/4 inch thick
  • Use a small cutter or knife to remove center cores, creating perfect rings

Step 2: Create Delicious Batter

Ingredients for batter:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Egg
  • Milk

Whisk dry ingredients in one bowl

Whisk wet ingredients separately

Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth

Step 3: Prepare Frying Station

  • Pour vegetable oil into deep skillet
  • Heat oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Use a cooking thermometer to check temperature

Step 4: Dunk and Fry Apple Rings

  • Dip apple rings into batter
  • Allow excess batter to drip off
  • Gently place rings into hot oil
  • Fry 2-3 rings simultaneously
  • Flip rings halfway through cooking
  • Cook until golden brown on both sides

Step 5: Drain and Season

  • Remove rings with slotted spoon
  • Place on paper towel-lined plate
  • Drain excess oil

Step 6: Coat with Sweet Topping

Ingredients for coating:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Mix sugar and cinnamon in shallow dish

Roll warm apple rings in sweet mixture

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

  • Plate warm apple rings
  • Serve with caramel sauce
  • Add whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
  • Enjoy immediately while crispy

Tips That Make Cinnamon Apple Rings Better

  • Prevent Apple Browning: Soak apple slices in lemon water immediately after cutting to maintain their fresh, crisp appearance and prevent oxidation.
  • Batter Consistency Matters: Aim for a thick, smooth batter that clings to the apple rings without being too heavy- this ensures a light, crispy coating when fried.
  • Oil Temperature Control: Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain consistent 350F oil temperature, preventing soggy or burnt apple rings during frying.
  • Draining Technique: Place fried apple rings on a wire rack over paper towels for better oil drainage, keeping the rings crispy instead of becoming greasy.
  • Serving Suggestions: Enjoy these rings immediately after coating with cinnamon sugar for maximum crispiness and flavor, pairing perfectly with cold vanilla ice cream or warm caramel sauce.

Store Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings

  • Store leftover fried cinnamon apple rings in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Warm rings on a baking sheet at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness and prevent sogginess.
  • Arrange rings in a single layer and reheat at 325°F for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crisp.
  • Skip microwaving as it will make the rings soft and lose their delightful crunchy texture.

Great Pairings for Cinnamon Apple Rings

  • Pair these crispy cinnamon apple rings with a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream for a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
  • Complement the warm, spiced apple rings with a rich caramel sauce that enhances the cinnamon's sweet warmth and adds luxurious depth.
  • Serve alongside a hot, aromatic chai tea that echoes the cinnamon notes and provides a cozy, comforting beverage to balance the crispy rings.
  • Create a light maple-infused whipped cream as a dipping sauce that adds subtle sweetness and creamy texture to the golden, crunchy apple rings.

Try These Twists on Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings

  • Gluten-Free Rings: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free baking powder to ensure complete allergen safety.
  • Vegan Apple Circles: Substitute egg with mashed banana or ground flaxseed mixed with water. Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk instead of dairy.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Replace granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce coating sugar and use a light sprinkle of cinnamon for healthier alternative.
  • Baked Version: Skip frying and brush apple rings with minimal oil. Bake at 400F for 15-20 minutes, turning once midway to achieve crispy texture without deep-frying.

Your Cinnamon Apple Ring FAQs Answered

  • Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Choose firm apples that hold their shape during frying and provide a good balance of sweetness and tartness.

  • Is it necessary to remove the apple skin?

No, it’s optional. Peeling is a personal preference. Leaving the skin on can add extra nutrition and a rustic texture to your fried apple rings.

  • How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?

Use a kitchen thermometer to check that the oil reaches 350F (175C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small amount of batter into the oil- it should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately without burning.

  • Can I make these apple rings ahead of time?

While best served fresh and warm, you can prepare them in advance and reheat in an oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes to crisp them up. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.

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Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe

Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe


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4.9 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy “fried cinnamon apple rings” offer a delightful autumn dessert that dances between sweet and spicy. Warm cinnamon and golden apple slices create a simple pleasure you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
  • 1 cup (125 grams / 4.4 ounces) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (180 milliliters / 6 fluid ounces) milk
  • 1 large egg

Dry Seasonings and Extras:

  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Coating and Frying Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (100 grams / 3.5 ounces) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Meticulously transform crisp apples into delicate rings by carefully removing cores from 1/4-inch thick slices using a round cutter or paring knife.
  2. Craft a silky smooth batter by blending dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, cinnamon) with whisked egg and milk until achieving a consistent texture.
  3. Prepare a deep skillet with vegetable oil, gradually heating to precise 350F temperature for optimal frying conditions.
  4. Delicately dunk each apple ring into prepared batter, allowing excess to drip, then gently submerge into simmering oil.
  5. Fry apple rings in small batches, turning once to ensure uniform golden-brown coloration, approximately two minutes per side.
  6. Extract fried rings using a slotted spoon, transferring to paper towel-lined surface to absorb excess oil and maintain crispness.
  7. Quickly toss warm rings in a sparkling mixture of granulated sugar and aromatic cinnamon, ensuring complete and even coating.
  8. Present these golden treats immediately, accompanied by decadent caramel sauce, fluffy whipped cream, or creamy vanilla ice cream for an indulgent experience.

Notes

  • Select crisp, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor when frying.
  • Pat apple slices completely dry before battering to prevent oil splattering and ensure a crispier coating.
  • Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350F to achieve golden, evenly cooked apple rings without absorbing excess oil.
  • Adjust batter thickness by adding more milk if it seems too dense, creating a lighter, crispier exterior.
  • Experiment with alternative flours like almond or gluten-free blends for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Reduce sugar content by using a sugar substitute or cutting the amount in half for a less sweet version.
  • Store leftover apple rings in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
  • Try baking instead of frying for a healthier alternative by placing coated rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425F for 15-20 minutes.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 266
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 143 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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