Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare but it also showcases the best flavors of fall. The irresistible combination of crispy fried batter married with juicy apple slices makes each bite a delightful experience. Topping it all off is a sugary cinnamon coating that adds a sweet warmth to every mouthful. They’re perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings while delivering a nostalgic taste of autumn, whether enjoyed solo or garnished with a scoop of ice cream!

The Recipe

Ingredients

For the apple rings:

• 2 large apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the cinnamon sugar coating:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the apples: Start by peeling and coring the apples before slicing them into 1/4-inch thick rings. Make sure to pat the apple slices dry with a paper towel to avoid excess moisture. Set them aside for later.
2. Make the batter: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until everything is well mixed. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
3. Heat the oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet or deep fryer and heat it over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). A thermometer is helpful for this step!
4. Fry the apple rings: Dip each apple ring into the batter, ensuring each one is fully coated. Carefully place the battered rings into the hot oil, frying only a few at a time to prevent overcrowding. Let them fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a beautiful golden brown color. Once cooked, remove the rings from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
5. Coat in cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. While the fried apple rings are still warm, toss each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
6. Serve: Enjoy the fried cinnamon apple rings while they are still warm! You can serve them on their own or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: For the best flavor and texture, serve the apple rings warm. They are a fantastic dessert, snack, or even a cheerful breakfast option. Consider pairing them with whipped cream, luscious caramel sauce, or vanilla ice cream for a touch of indulgence.
• Storage: Although these apple rings are at their best when fresh, leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To enjoy them again, reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until they regain their crispiness.

Helpful Notes

• For an exciting variation, try dipping the fried apple rings in melted chocolate or drizzling them with caramel sauce to add layers of flavor.
• If you prefer a thicker batter resembling a doughnut coating, simply add an additional tablespoon of flour.
• While Granny Smith apples are excellent for this recipe due to their tartness, feel free to use sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp if that suits your palate better.

FAQs

1. Can I bake the apple rings instead of frying?
Yes, you can certainly bake them! Place the battered apple rings on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden and crispy.

2. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, which works perfectly for those with gluten sensitivities.

3. How can I make the apple rings less greasy?
To minimize greasiness, ensure the oil is heated to the correct temperature (350°F) before you begin frying. This helps the batter cook quickly without absorbing too much oil. Placing the fried rings on paper towels also helps absorb excess oil.

4. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Certainly! Feel free to prepare the batter a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to fry the apple rings.

5. What’s the best apple variety for frying?
Granny Smith apples are ideal for frying due to their firm texture and tart flavor, which contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar. However, other varieties such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn also work beautifully for this recipe.