Imagine biting into something crisp, warm, delicately spiced, and with just the right touch of sweetness. That’s the magic of Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings—a recipe that captures all the nostalgic, cozy flavors of fall in a single, irresistibly snackable dessert. These golden apple rings treat your taste buds to the perfect marriage of tart apples, fluffy batter, and a sparkling cinnamon sugar coating. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering or just to satisfy an afternoon craving, Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings are a festive treat that’s worth frying up any time of year.

Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed that such a show-stopping dessert comes together with pantry staples you probably already have. Each ingredient in Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings shines through, lending essential structure, sweetness, or a pop of flavor for that crave-worthy finish.

Apples (2 large, Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): Choose crisp apples for sturdy, tart rings that hold up to frying and balance the sweet coating.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): The foundation of the batter, creating a light, fluffy coating around each apple ring.
Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds just enough sweetness to the batter, amplifying apple flavor without overpowering it.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives the batter its lift, ensuring your apple rings fry up airy and golden.
Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon, plus 1 teaspoon for coating): Infuses every bite with a warm, cozy aroma and pairs perfectly with apples.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Heightens all flavors and prevents the batter from tasting flat.
Egg (1): Holds everything together while keeping the batter rich and smooth.
Milk (3/4 cup): Loosens the batter just enough to cling to each ring and fry up beautifully.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a fragrant, bakery-style aroma that sets these rings apart.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Use a neutral, high-heat oil so the rings turn out golden without picking up extra flavors.
Extra granulated sugar (1/2 cup, for coating): Gives each fried ring a sparkly finish and delightful bite.
Extra ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon, for coating): This final dusting really intensifies the cinnamon flavor.

How to Make Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Start by peeling your apples if you prefer them without skins (though leaving the skins on gives a bit more texture and color). Core each apple and cut them into 1/4-inch thick rings. Lay the rings on a clean towel and pat them dry—excess moisture can lead to soggy batter and hot splatters in the oil.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt until everything looks evenly combined. In a small separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently whisk until a smooth, lump-free batter forms—it should be thick enough to coat the apples, but not gloopy.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet or saucepan until it’s about 2 inches deep. Heat over medium-high and use a thermometer to reach 350°F (175°C). Having the oil hot enough is crucial—if it’s too cool, your Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings will soak up oil; too hot, and they might burn outside before cooking through.

Step 4: Dip and Fry Apple Rings

Working in batches, dip each apple ring into the batter, letting the extra drip off before gently lowering it into the hot oil. Fry just 2–3 rings at a time, about 1–2 minutes per side, flipping with tongs when golden. Resist the urge to crowd the pan—this helps keep your oil at the right temperature for crispy results. Use a slotted spoon or spider to transfer cooked rings to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

While the rings are still warm (but cool enough to touch), toss them in a bowl with the 1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Be generous! The sticky exterior from frying helps the cinnamon sugar adhere, turning these treats into sweet, crackly perfection.

How to Serve Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings

Garnishes

Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings are fabulous on their own, but if you’re in the mood to gild the lily, try drizzling them with warm caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar. For a touch of color, sprinkle with chopped toasted nuts or a dollop of softly whipped cream right before serving.

Side Dishes

These rings pair gorgeously with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a scoop of cinnamon-spiked whipped cream. If you’re serving them as part of a fall brunch, try alongside freshly brewed coffee or mulled cider—total comfort food bliss!

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful, party-ready twist, thread the Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings onto skewers and serve them like lollipops. Stack them in a tower for a dramatic centerpiece, or lay them atop a stack of pancakes for the ultimate brunch upgrade. However you serve them, these apple rings are sure to steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers, let the Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 3 days—though they’re at their crispiest when fresh.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooled apple rings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. This keeps them from sticking together and makes it easy to reheat just a few at a time.

Reheating

Re-crisp leftover or frozen Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings right in the oven: arrange on a wire rack in a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes. They’ll revive beautifully and taste almost as fresh as the first fry.

FAQs

Can I use any apple variety for Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are favorites because they hold their shape well, you can experiment with different varieties. Tart apples yield a nice contrast to the sweet coating, but Gala or Fuji would also be delicious for a milder flavor.

Do I need a deep fryer?

No deep fryer is necessary! A heavy skillet or Dutch oven with a few inches of vegetable oil gets the job done perfectly. Just make sure to check your oil temperature with a thermometer for the best, crispiest results.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Yes, you can swap in your favorite cup-for-cup all-purpose gluten free flour blend. The batter may behave a little differently, so watch your consistency and adjust with an extra splash of milk if it gets too thick.

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

The trick is to make sure the apple rings are dry before dipping. After slicing, blot them thoroughly with a paper towel—the batter will stick much better, giving you an even, crisp coating each time.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to mix the batter fresh, just before frying, to maintain its airiness and the right texture. However, you can pre-mix the dry ingredients and keep them sealed until ready to use for a little head start.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s easy, joyful, and sure to deliver smiles, Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings are it. Not only do they capture the best of homey, celebratory flavors, but the process of making (and eating) them is a memory in itself. Gather your apples and give them a try—your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’re in for a seriously tasty treat!

Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 10–12 apple rings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in these crispy and sweet Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings. A delightful dessert or snack that combines tender apple slices coated in a cinnamon sugar crust. Perfect for a cozy fall treat or a fun twist on classic apple fritters.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

2 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
vegetable oil for frying

For Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and slice apples into 1/4-inch rings. Pat dry with paper towels.
Mix Batter: Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix egg, milk, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a batter.
Fry Apples: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Dip apple rings in batter, fry 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Toss warm apple rings in cinnamon sugar mixture until coated.
Serve and enjoy!