Crispy Fried Apple Rings with Cinnamon Sugar
Cradle of Nutrition
- 4 minutes read
Jump to:
Easy Homemade Fried Apple Circles Recipe
Golden, crispy, and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar, these Fried Apple Rings are an easy dessert that comes together in less than 30 minutes. Fresh apple slices are dipped in a light batter, fried until perfectly golden, and tossed in a delicious cinnamon-sugar coating. They’re ideal for summer gatherings, weekend treats, family desserts, and afternoon snacks.
Whether you’re serving them at a backyard barbecue, summer picnic, or cozy family dinner, these crispy apple rings deliver the comforting flavors of apples and cinnamon in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in only 25 minutes
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Crispy outside, tender inside
- Family-friendly dessert
- Great for summer gatherings and picnics
- Easy to customize with toppings and dips
Ingredients
For the Apple Rings
- 3 large apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil for frying
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How to Make Fried Apple Rings
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Wash and dry the apples.
Slice them into rings approximately ¼-inch thick. Remove the core from each slice using an apple corer or small cookie cutter.
Pat the slices dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Cinnamon
- Salt
In another bowl combine:
- Egg
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
The oil is ready when a small drop of batter sizzles immediately.
Step 4: Fry the Apple Rings
Dip each apple ring into the batter.
Allow excess batter to drip off.
Carefully place into the hot oil.
Fry for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Transfer to paper towels to drain.
Step 5: Add Cinnamon Sugar
Mix sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow bowl.
While the apple rings are still warm, coat them generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
These fried apple rings are best served warm.
Try serving them with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Homemade whipped cream
- Salted caramel sauce
- Greek yogurt dip
- Maple syrup drizzle
- Fresh berries
- Chopped toasted pecans
- Powdered sugar
For summer entertaining, arrange them on a platter with fresh strawberries and a caramel dipping sauce.
What to Pair with Fried Apple Rings
Drinks
- Iced coffee
- Cold brew
- Chai latte
- Vanilla milkshake
- Fresh lemonade
- Apple cider (cold)
Desserts
- Vanilla ice cream
- Cinnamon frozen yogurt
- Caramel cheesecake bars
- Apple crumble
Breakfast & Brunch
Toddler-Friendly Adaptations
These apple rings can easily be adapted for younger children.
For Toddlers 1+
- Cut fried rings into bite-sized pieces.
- Reduce the cinnamon sugar coating by half.
- Serve with unsweetened yogurt for dipping.
- Allow them to cool completely before serving.
Lower Sugar Option
Instead of coating heavily with cinnamon sugar:
- Use only cinnamon.
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar.
- Serve plain with yogurt.
Air Fryer Toddler Version
For a lighter option:
- Spray battered apple rings lightly with cooking spray.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C).
- Cook for 8–10 minutes until golden.
This reduces oil while maintaining a crispy texture.
Best Apples for Fried Apple Rings
The best apples are firm varieties that hold their shape while cooking.
Recommended Apples
- Honeycrisp
- Gala
- Fuji
- Pink Lady
- Granny Smith
For a sweeter dessert, choose Honeycrisp or Fuji.
For a sweet-tart flavor, use Granny Smith.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating
For best results:
- Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes
- Air fryer: 3–4 minutes
Avoid microwaving if possible, as the coating may become soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
They are best served fresh, but you can prepare the batter and slice the apples several hours in advance.
Which apples work best?
Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady, and Granny Smith are all excellent choices.
Can I freeze fried apple rings?
Freezing is not recommended as the coating may lose its crispness.
Can I air fry them instead?
Yes. Spray lightly with oil and cook at 375°F (190°C) until golden and crisp.
Crispy Fried Apple Rings with Cinnamon Sugar
Ingredients
For the Apple Rings
- 3 large apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil for frying
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the ApplesWash and dry the apples.Slice them into rings approximately ¼-inch thick. Remove the core from each slice using an apple corer or small cookie cutter.Pat the slices dry with paper towels.
- Make the BatterIn a bowl, whisk together:FlourSugarBaking powderCinnamonSaltIn another bowl combine:EggMilkVanilla extractPour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth.
- Heat the OilHeat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).The oil is ready when a small drop of batter sizzles immediately.
- Fry the Apple RingsDip each apple ring into the batter.Allow excess batter to drip off.Carefully place into the hot oil.Fry for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.Transfer to paper towels to drain.
- Add Cinnamon SugarMix sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow bowl.While the apple rings are still warm, coat them generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture.Serve immediately.
