Fried Apple Rings Recipe

Sweet & Crispy Fried Apple Rings Recipe: A Joyful Fall Treat

Crisp autumn days call for sweet, golden fried apple rings that dance with cinnamon-sugar magic.

These delightful treats capture the essence of seasonal comfort in every delectable bite.

A classic dessert that wraps you in warmth, the fried apple rings recipe brings simplicity and joy to your kitchen.

Ripe apples, transformed by a light, crispy batter, create a nostalgic snack that sparks memories of cozy gatherings.

The aroma of freshly fried rings will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to savor each sugary morsel.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can craft these irresistible golden delights that promise to delight both young and old.

Prepare to fall in love with this easy, mouthwatering dessert that celebrates the pure pleasure of home cooking.

Sweet Apple Ring Donuts: Why You’ll Want Seconds

  • Whip Up Quick Treat: These apple ring donuts come together super fast, perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Enjoy Family-Friendly Fun: Kids and adults will love dipping apple rings in sweet batter and coating them with cinnamon sugar, creating a playful cooking experience together.
  • Celebrate Seasonal Delights: Transforms fresh apples into a crispy, golden dessert that captures the warm, comforting flavors of autumn with every delicious bite.
  • Master Simple Technique: Beginner cooks can easily learn this straightforward frying method, gaining confidence in creating a delectable homemade treat that looks impressive.

Key Ingredients for Sweet Apple Ring Donuts

Main Ingredients:
  • Apples: Crisp and sweet fruit used as the base for creating delightful donut rings.
  • Egg: Binding agent that helps create a light and fluffy batter.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the donut batter.
  • Flour: Provides structure and texture to the donut rings.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Sugar, Cinnamon: Sweet and warm spice mixture used for coating the fried apple rings.
  • Baking Powder: Leavening agent that helps the batter rise and become light.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the donut batter.
Frying Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for deep-frying the apple rings to achieve a golden and crispy exterior.

Apple Ring Donuts: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oil

Pour oil into a large cast iron skillet or heavy saucepan.

Heat until it reaches 365°F, creating the perfect frying environment for your apple rings.

Step 2: Prepare Apple Rings

Grab your apples and slice them into delicate rounds.

Carefully remove the centers, leaving behind beautiful rings about 3/8 inch thick.

Pat the apple rings dry with a paper towel to ensure crispy results.

Step 3: Create Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a shallow bowl, combine sugar and ground cinnamon.

Mix thoroughly until the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar, creating a fragrant and sweet topping.

Step 4: Whip Up the Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Egg
  • Milk
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Blend until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps, creating a light and airy coating for your apple rings.

Step 5: Fry the Apple Rings

Dip each apple ring into the batter, ensuring it’s completely coated.

Carefully lower the rings into the hot oil, frying 3-4 rings at a time.

Cook for 1-2 minutes, turning once, until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 6: Final Touch

Remove the fried apple rings using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

While still warm, gently roll each ring in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating completely.

Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, sweet treat!

Apple Donuts – Helpful Baking Advice

  • Keep oil steady at 365F to ensure even golden-brown donuts without burning or undercooking.
  • Cut apple rings precisely to create consistent thickness for balanced texture and even frying.
  • Let donuts rest on paper towels to absorb extra oil and prevent greasy texture.
  • Fry 3-4 rings simultaneously to maintain oil temperature and prevent overcrowding.
  • Roll warm donuts immediately in cinnamon sugar for best flavor and even coverage.

Recipe Variations for Sweet Apple Ring Donuts

  • Gluten-Free Apple Ring Donuts: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains crispy texture.
  • Vegan Apple Rings: Substitute egg with mashed banana or flax egg, use plant-based milk, and create dairy-free cinnamon sugar coating.
  • Baked Apple Ring Version: Skip frying and bake rings on parchment paper at 400F for 15-20 minutes for a healthier alternative with less oil.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in batter and coating, select tart apples to reduce overall sugar content.

Serving Suggestions for Apple Ring Donuts

  • Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair these warm apple donuts with a steaming mug of coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful morning treat.
  • Dessert Sidekick: Serve alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent after-dinner indulgence that'll make taste buds dance.
  • Brunch Star: Create a beautiful platter with fresh berries and mint leaves, making these donuts the centerpiece of a stunning weekend brunch spread.
  • Party Pleaser: Stack donuts on a rustic wooden board and watch guests grab these crispy, sweet rings with pure delight at gatherings or potlucks.

How to Store Sweet Apple Ring Donuts

  • – Refrigerate Store leftover apple ring donuts in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
  • – Room Temperature Keep donuts at room temperature for best texture if planning to consume within 24 hours, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
  • – Freezing Wrap individual donuts in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 1 month, thawing at room temperature before serving.
  • – Reheating Warm refrigerated or thawed donuts in preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispy exterior and soft interior.

FAQs

  • How do I know when the oil is ready for frying?

Use a deep-fry thermometer to check that the oil reaches exactly 365°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small bit of batter into the oil – if it sizzles and rises immediately, the oil is ready.

  • Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best. Softer apples might break apart during frying, so choose varieties that hold their shape well.

  • What if my batter is too thick or thin?

If the batter seems too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out. If it’s too runny, sprinkle in a bit more flour until you get a coating consistency that clings well to the apple rings.

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Fried Apple Rings Recipe

Fried Apple Rings Recipe


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4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Crispy, golden fried apple rings promise a delightful dessert that blends comfort with classic American sweetness. Dusted with cinnamon sugar and served warm, these rings offer a perfect treat for family gatherings or casual weekend indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 medium-size apples (Granny Smith, Gala, or Golden Delicious)
  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup 2% or whole milk
  • 1 large egg

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon plus 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • Vegetable oil or coconut oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare a heavy-bottomed skillet or deep pan, filling it with 1 inch of oil and heating to precisely 365°F for optimal frying temperature.
  2. Carefully slice apples into uniform rings approximately 1/4 inch thick, meticulously removing the core center while maintaining a consistent ring shape.
  3. Create a delectable coating by thoroughly blending sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish, ensuring even distribution of spices.
  4. Craft the batter by whisking egg and milk together, then gradually incorporate dry ingredients, mixing until a smooth, lump-free consistency is achieved.
  5. Carefully dredge each apple ring through the prepared batter, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  6. Gently lower battered rings into hot oil, frying in small batches of 3-4 rings to prevent overcrowding and maintain consistent oil temperature.
  7. Fry each ring for 1-2 minutes, rotating once to achieve a uniform golden-brown exterior with a crispy texture.
  8. Transfer fried rings to a paper towel-lined surface to absorb excess oil and drain briefly.
  9. While rings are still warm, delicately roll them in the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring complete and even coating.
  10. Serve immediately for maximum crispness and flavor enjoyment.

Notes

  • Choose firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
  • Pat apple rings completely dry before dipping in batter to ensure crispy, non-soggy results.
  • Use a candy thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature for even frying.
  • Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour.
  • Prevent apple rings from breaking by cutting thick, uniform slices with a sharp knife.
  • Store leftover donuts in an airtight container and reheat briefly in air fryer for renewed crispness.
  • Add extra flavor by incorporating vanilla extract or nutmeg into the batter for depth.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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