Description
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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- 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. - Set Aside:
Place the apple rings on a plate or parchment paper while you prepare the batter.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- 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. - 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
- 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
- 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. - 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
- 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. - 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
- 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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 160 kcal per serving