Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings: A Delicious & Crispy Treat

When it comes to indulgent snacks that perfectly blend the flavors of fall, Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings are at the top of the list. These delightful rings of apple goodness are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a delicious cinnamon sugar mixture that makes them irresistible.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy dessert to enjoy on a chilly evening or a fun treat to share with family and friends, these apple rings are sure to satisfy your cravings. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, using simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients to Prepare

For the Apple Rings:

• 4 large apples (Gala recommended)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

How to Make Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

1. Peel and Core the Apples:
   Begin by peeling the apples. Once peeled, use an apple corer to remove the cores. After coring, slice the apples into rings approximately ¼ inch thick. The thinner slices will ensure that the apples cook evenly and achieve the perfect texture.
2. Set Aside:
   Place the apple rings on a plate or parchment paper while you prepare the batter.

Step 2: Make the Batter

3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon. This mixture forms the base of your batter, giving the apple rings their light and crispy coating.
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add it to the dry mixture along with the buttermilk. Stir until the batter is smooth and well combined. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter—thick enough to coat the apple rings, but still pourable.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

5. Heat the Oil:
   In a deep frying pan or heavy-bottomed pot, pour in enough vegetable oil to submerge the apple rings. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small amount of batter into it—if it sizzles and begins to brown, the oil is ready.

Step 4: Fry the Apple Rings

6. Dip and Fry:
   Working in batches, dip each apple ring into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before carefully placing the ring into the hot oil. Fry the rings for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain Excess Oil:
   Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried apple rings from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

8. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
   In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This sweet and spicy mixture will give the apple rings their signature flavor.
9. Coat the Apple Rings:
   While the apple rings are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring each ring is evenly coated.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

10. Serve:
    These fried cinnamon apple rings are best served warm, right after they’ve been coated in cinnamon sugar. For an extra indulgent treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 160 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings

Tips for Making Perfect Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings

Choose the Right Apples:

• Best Varieties: Gala apples are recommended for this recipe due to their balance of sweetness and firmness, which holds up well during frying. However, you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith apples, depending on your taste preference.
• Uniform Slices: For even cooking, ensure that the apple slices are all roughly the same thickness. This will prevent some rings from being undercooked while others are overcooked.

Frying Tips:

• Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior without making the rings greasy. If the oil is too hot, the rings will burn quickly; if it’s too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil and become soggy.
• Batch Frying: Fry the apple rings in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to uneven cooking.

Serving Suggestions:

• Toppings: In addition to cinnamon sugar, you can experiment with other toppings such as powdered sugar, caramel drizzle, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture.
• Dips: These apple rings pair wonderfully with a variety of dips. Try them with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or even a cream cheese dip for a delicious contrast of flavors.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 160 kcal
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 14g

Substitutions and Variations

Apple Varieties:

• Different Apples: While Gala apples are recommended, you can use any apple variety that you prefer. Tart apples like Granny Smith will give you a tangy contrast to the sweet batter, while sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp will result in a more uniformly sweet treat.

Batter Variations:

• Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Spice It Up: Feel free to add more spices to the batter for extra flavor. A pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cloves can complement the cinnamon and create a more complex taste.

Healthier Alternatives:

• Air Fryer Method: If you’re looking to reduce the amount of oil used, try cooking the apple rings in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the rings for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as the fried version, but they’ll still be delicious!
• Baked Apple Rings: Alternatively, you can bake the apple rings. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush them lightly with melted butter before coating them with cinnamon sugar.

Related Recipes:

• Savory Spaghetti Meat Sauce recipe
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
• Bacon Cheeseburger Bombs

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour for the batter?

Yes, you can experiment with different flours such as whole wheat flour, almond flour, or gluten-free flour blends. Keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly.

How do I store leftover apple rings?

Fried apple rings are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain some of their crispiness.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the batter just before frying to ensure it remains light and airy. However, you can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to fry, simply add the wet ingredients and mix.

Can I freeze the apple rings?

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the apples may change upon thawing, and the coating may become soggy.

Conclusion

Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of fresh apples with the warmth of cinnamon and the satisfying crunch of a perfectly fried batter. Whether you’re enjoying them as a dessert, a snack, or even a fun weekend breakfast, these apple rings are sure to become a favorite in your household.

With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time and indulge in the comforting flavors of fall. Try serving them with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra-special touch. Enjoy every bite of these irresistible apple rings!

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