Description
These Cinnamon Apple Rings are a delightful fall treat featuring tender apple slices dipped in a cinnamon-spiced batter and fried to golden perfection. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they are coated with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mix that perfectly complements the tartness of Granny Smith apples. This easy recipe yields a warm, comforting snack or dessert that’s perfect for cozy autumn days.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 4 medium-sized apples (preferably Granny Smith)
Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Other
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Wash Apples: Thoroughly wash the apples under running water to remove any wax or dirt from the skin, ensuring they are clean for preparation.
- Core Apples: Using a sharp knife or apple corer, carefully remove the core from each apple while keeping the apple rings intact for frying.
- Slice Apples: Slice each apple into 1/4-inch thick rings, creating the perfect size and shape for frying and serving.
- Prevent Browning: Optionally, sprinkle the apple rings with lemon juice to prevent browning while you prepare the batter and frying.
- Prepare Dry Batter Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk them together until evenly mixed.
- Prepare Wet Batter Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Batter: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to avoid overmixing; a few lumps in the batter are fine for light texture.
- Rest Batter: Let the batter sit for about 10 minutes to thicken slightly, which helps create a fluffier texture when fried.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; set aside for coating the fried apple rings.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet to cover the bottom by about 1/2 inch and heat over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), ready for frying.
- Coat Apple Rings: Dip an apple ring into the prepared batter, ensuring it is fully coated, then let excess batter drip off before frying.
- Fry First Side: Carefully place the coated apple ring in the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes on one side until it turns golden brown and crispy.
- Fry Second Side: Flip the apple ring and fry for another 2-3 minutes until both sides are evenly golden and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the apple ring from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil for a less greasy finish.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While still warm, toss the apple ring gently in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat it evenly and add sweetness and spice.
- Repeat: Continue frying the remaining apple rings in batches, repeating the coating and frying process until all are cooked.
- Serve: Serve the warm fried apple rings on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that’s perfect for fall.
Notes
- You can use other apple varieties if you prefer sweeter or softer rings, but Granny Smith apples give a nice tart balance.
- To prevent apple rings from browning while prepping batter, toss them lightly in lemon juice.
- Monitor oil temperature carefully to avoid burning the batter or undercooking the apples.
- If you want to make this recipe a bit healthier, consider shallow frying or using an air fryer for a crisp texture with less oil.
- These apple rings are best enjoyed fresh and warm to maintain their crispy exterior and tender inside.
- Keep an eye on oil quantity and replenish as needed during frying to maintain consistent cooking temperatures.
