If you’re hunting for a crowd-pleasing fall treat that’s soft, crispy, and bursting with sweet cinnamon flavor, let me introduce you to Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings. Imagine warm apple slices nestled in a golden, crunchy batter, rolled in sparkling cinnamon sugar—each bite a little taste of cozy autumn nostalgia. This recipe has quickly become a staple in my home, and once you try it, you’ll see exactly why these are impossible to resist.

Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings is their simplicity—each ingredient brings something essential, whether it’s crunch, chew, or rich, aromatic flavor. Gather these, and you’re just minutes away from homemade apple bliss.

Apples (3 large, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Choose tart for tang or sweet for extra candy-like flavor—always crisp for the best bite!
All-purpose flour (1 cup): Forms the backbone of your batter for the perfect light and crispy finish.
Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon, plus 1/2 cup for coating): Adds gentle sweetness to the batter and a delightful crunch in the final coating.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the batter puff up into dreamy, crisp clouds around the apple rings.
Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon, plus 1 teaspoon for coating): The heart of all the autumn flavor—warm, spicy, and aromatic.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance all the warm notes.
Milk (1 cup): Brings everything together for a creamy, dippable batter.
Large egg (1): Binds the batter so it clings snugly to those juicy apple slices.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a touch of sweet, comforting aroma to the mix.
Vegetable oil (for frying): A neutral oil with a high smoke point keeps everything light and crisp—don’t skimp!

How to Make Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Begin by peeling and coring your apples—choose your favorite method, but a simple apple corer makes neat rings a breeze. Slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds so they’re sturdy enough for dipping, but thin enough to become perfectly tender in the fryer. Lay them out on a paper towel while you prep the batter to absorb any excess moisture.

Step 2: Mix Up the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, the 1 tablespoon of sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This fragrant blend will become the crispy shell that hugs your apples—stir until everything is thoroughly incorporated for even flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until totally smooth. This mixture ensures your batter is luscious and coats your apple rings evenly. Take a second to breathe in that sweet vanilla scent!

Step 4: Make the Batter

Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, whisking as you go. Stir gently until you have a smooth batter—it should be thick enough to cling but not so heavy it slides off the apple slices. If you see a few lumps, that’s okay! Let the batter rest while you get your oil ready.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or sturdy pot and set it over medium heat. You want the oil hot (about 350°F) but not smoking. If you don’t have a thermometer, test with a small drop of batter—it should sizzle gently and turn light gold in about a minute. Safety tip: never overcrowd the pan, or your rings won’t fry evenly.

Step 6: Dip and Fry the Apple Rings

Now for the fun part—dip each apple ring into the batter, letting any excess drip off. Carefully lower a few rings into the oil, making sure they have space to float and bubble. Fry 2–3 minutes per side until gorgeously golden brown, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate so they stay crisp. Continue with the remaining rings, giving the oil a moment to return to temperature between batches.

Step 7: Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While your Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until each one is dazzlingly coated. The sugar melts into a crackly crust—you’ll want to sneak one right away! Serve immediately for maximum crunch and comfort.

How to Serve Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings

Garnishes

Sprinkle a touch more cinnamon sugar right before serving for sparkle, or add a drizzle of warm caramel for a decadent twist. Whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar also makes these rings look bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

Pair your apple rings with vanilla ice cream for a classic combination, or serve them alongside strong hot coffee, spiced tea, or even a hot apple cider. If you’re hosting brunch, these make a playful side alongside savory egg dishes or pancakes.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings on a platter, layering with more cinnamon sugar between each ring. For a fun dessert bar, set out small bowls of sauces like caramel, melted chocolate, or even a tangy cream cheese dip—your guests will love customizing their own sweet creations!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings (trust me, this is rare!), let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. This helps keep the coating from getting soggy.

Freezing

For longer storage, arrange cooled rings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to a month and maintain great flavor when reheated—just skip the cinnamon-sugar coating until after warming.

Reheating

To bring back the signature crispiness, pop the rings in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5–8 minutes, turning halfway through. After reheating, give them a fresh toss in cinnamon sugar so they taste just like they’ve been fried up fresh.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples besides Granny Smith or Honeycrisp?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are my go-tos for their balance of sweet and tart, feel free to try Fuji, Braeburn, or Gala apples. Just pick a firm variety so your Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings hold their shape during frying.

Do I have to peel the apples?

Peeled apples give you the softest, most dessert-like texture, but you can leave the peels on for a touch more chew, color, and vitamins. It’s all about personal preference!

What’s the best way to core apples for rings?

An apple corer makes it super easy to create perfect rings, but you can use a small paring knife to carefully cut around the core instead. Go slowly for even rings—this is part of the charm!

Can I make Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Everything else in the recipe remains the same, so you won’t skip a beat on taste or texture.

Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?

While frying gives you the crispiest, most irresistible coating, you can bake the battered rings in a preheated 425°F oven on a parchment-lined baking sheet (flip halfway) until golden. They won’t have quite the same crunch but are still delicious!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings at home, now’s the time to dive in. The aroma that fills your kitchen and that first warm, cinnamon-sugar bite are pure happiness. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this fun, delicious recipe—you might just make it a new family tradition!

Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12–14 apple rings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of fall with these Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these indulgent treats are perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples:

3 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

Batter:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating:

Vegetable oil for frying
1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon

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Instructions

Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and slice apples into 1/4-inch thick rings.
Make Batter: Whisk together flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a batter.
Fry Apple Rings: Heat oil to 350°F. Dip apple rings in batter, fry 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While warm, toss rings in cinnamon-sugar mixture until coated. Serve hot.