Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings are a fun, cozy treat with a crispy cinnamon batter coating and juicy apple slices inside. They’re perfect as a fall dessert or snack with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
INGREDIENTS
- For the Apples:
- Apples: 3 large (such as Fuji or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4-inch rings, for a juicy, tart filling.
- For the Batter:
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup, forms the base of the batter.
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup, for sweetness in the batter.
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tablespoon, adds warm spice to the coating.
- Baking powder: 1/2 teaspoon, helps make the batter light and crispy.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, enhances the flavor balance.
- Milk: 1/2 cup, to create a smooth batter.
- Large egg: 1, binds the ingredients together.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, adds a hint of sweetness to the batter.
- For Frying and Serving:
- Vegetable oil: For frying the apple rings to golden perfection.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For dusting over the apple rings after frying, adding a touch of sweetness.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Peel and core the apples. Slice them into 1/4-inch thick rings for easy frying and a balanced apple-to-batter ratio.
- Step 2: Make the Batter
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until well blended.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
- Step 3: Heat the Oil
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or frying pan to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), perfect for frying.
- Step 4: Fry the Apple Rings
- Dip each apple ring into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Carefully place the coated apple rings into the hot oil.
- Fry the apple rings in batches, turning them occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried apple rings to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Step 5: Serve
- Optional: Dust the fried apple rings with powdered sugar before serving for an added touch of sweetness. Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the apple rings warm, dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
- These apple rings are best enjoyed immediately, as the coating may soften over time. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
- Reheat in an oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture.
Helpful Notes
- Choose a firm, tart apple like Fuji or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture when fried.
- If you prefer a thicker batter, add a bit more flour until you reach the desired consistency.
- To avoid oil splatter, ensure the apple rings are not too wet before dipping them into the batter.
Tips from Well-known Chefs
- Chef Gordon Ramsay recommends using a candy thermometer to keep the oil temperature consistent at 350°F for optimal frying results.
- Chef Martha Stewart suggests lightly dusting apple rings with cinnamon sugar right after frying for an added cinnamon flavor boost.
- Chef Jamie Oliver advises serving these apple rings with a caramel dipping sauce or vanilla ice cream for a delicious twist.