Fried apple rings are a classic fall treat that combines the crisp flavor of fresh apples with a warm, crunchy, cinnamon-sugar coating.
Homemade fried apple rings
Apple rings are dipped in a thin batter and fried in a small amount of oil, then coated in a sweet and crunchy cinnamon sugar topping for a classic donut taste. They taste like a cross between an apple fritter and apple cider donut with the bonus of having a slice of apple in the middle
The beauty of these apple rings is that you just fry them in a small amount of oil in a regular skillet. Or you can air fry them! The end result is tender and moist donut lookalikes bursting with delicious flavor from fresh apples, cinnamon and vanilla.
Here's why these fried apple rings are the best
- Healthier donuts: They are lighter and healthier option for donut lovers. Even though they are not fried in tons of oil, they are rich enough that they honestly don't need all that extra frying oil, yet at the same time so much better than the store bought donuts.
- Fresh apples: Apple slices inside a donut is such a delicious and fun way to use fresh apples: they are crispy, warm and flavored with cinnamon. They're also a perfect bite-sized snack for kids and a great way to eat one apple a day to save a doctor away.
- Flexible recipe: You can either fry them or air fry them - I included the instructions for both methods.
All in all, it's a killer fried apple ring recipe that will become your absolute favorite!
Key Ingredients
- Apples: Peeled, cored and sliced into rings. I prefer to use apples that are firm and slightly sour such as Granny Smith. However honey crisp is a great choice for apple donuts as well.
- All-purpose flour: I always go with unbleached flour.
- Eggs: For optimal results, eggs should be at room temperature, but not more than 2 hours out of the fridge!
- Vanilla: For a beautifully vanilla flavored batter.
- Sugar: If you are tempted to reduce sugar - don't - It's not that simple unfortunately, baking is a science and ingredient ratios matter a lot.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg, naturally!
How to make fried apple rings
Below is an overview of each consecutive step with photos. The entire recipe is below in the recipe card.
1. Cut the apples
Peel, core, and slice the apples into rings about ½ inch thick. Pat the rings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Make batter
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another large bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Combine: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently stir with a wooden spoon until just combined. The batter should be thick enough to coat the apple rings but not too runny. If it's too thick, add a splash more milk.
3. Fry apple rings
- In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat 2-3 inches of oil over medium heat.
- Dip each apple ring into the batter, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Carefully drop the coated rings into the hot oil, frying them in batches.
- Fry each ring for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Drain and toss in cinnamon sugar
- Remove the apple donuts from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the cinnamon sugar coating. If desired. Set aside.
- While still warm, toss them in the cinnamon sugar or sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Fried apple rings with cinnamon sugar
Ingredients
Apples
- 2 apples medium (such as Granny Smith or Honey Crisp)
- oil for frying vegetable or canola oil, enough to cover 1 inch in a skillet of choice
Batter
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 3 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 egg large
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar
For cinnamon coating
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Prepare the apples
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into rings about ½ inch thick. Pat the rings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Make batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another large bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently stir with a wooden spoon until just combined.
- The batter should be thick enough to coat the apple rings but not too runny.
- If it's too thick, add a splash more milk.
- In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the cinnamon sugar coating. If desired. Set aside.
Fry apple rings
- In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat 2-3 inches of oil over medium heat.
- The oil should be at about 350°F. Use a thermometer for best results.
- Dip each apple ring into the batter, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Carefully drop the coated rings into the hot oil, frying them in batches.
- Fry each ring for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Coat with cinnamon sugar
- Remove the apple donuts from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- While still warm, toss them in the cinnamon sugar or sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for perfect fried apple rings each time
- Choose firm apples: Avoid soft varieties that become mushy when fried. Granny Smith are firm and tart, whereas Honey Crisp or Gala are sweet and still somewhat firm.
- Use a mandoline: Even apple slices with zero effort.
- Oil temperature matters: Keep oil consistently around 375°F. Too hot, and batter burns; too cool, and rings absorb oil and become greasy.
- Test one donut before frying the entire batch. You can see how long it will take per side to get your desired color and texture, and you can also test for sweetness. If your apples are on the sour side add a bit more sugar to the batter.
- Coat while warm. Coat the apple rings in cinnamon sugar while they're still warm for the best texture and flavor.
- Don't overcrowd: Fry a few pieces at a time for even cooking and to maintain oil temperature.
- Serve hot for crispiness: Fried apple rings lose their crisp edges as they cool, so enjoy promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much oil will I need? Depending on the type of skillet you use, just make sure it's filled up to 2-3 inches of oil
Can I bake these apple rings instead of frying them? Yes, you can bake them at 400 F. until golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center of each donut comes out clean, about 10-12 minutes.
How do I achieve perfect batter consistency? Try not to overmix the batter, or it will be tough and not light and airy.
Can I make fried apple rings without deep frying?
Yes, you can shallow fry with enough oil to submerge half the ring or bake them, but deep frying yields the best crispy coating.
Can I use other fruits?
Pear or peach slices can work similarly but have different moisture and texture; adjust cooking time accordingly.
Can I use buttermilk?
Substitute with regular milk with equal amount of buttermilk, or add ½ teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to your milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I air fry apple rings?
- Air fry at 370F/190C for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through cooking, if necessary apply some oil again.
- Once done remove and straight away roll them into the cinnamon sugar.
The end result is tender and moist apple rings bursting with delicious flavor from fresh apples, cinnamon and vanilla.
Variations and substitutions
- Add a splash of rum or vanilla extract to your batter for extra flavor. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Instead of cinnamon sugar, try dusting with powdered sugar or dip in caramel sauce.
- Leave apple peel on for extra fiber and vitamin C, or peel for a more refined texture.
- Sweeten with drizzled honey, maple syrup, or pair with a dollop of whipped cream.
Serving Suggestions for Fried Apple Rings
- Serve as-is with a cup of hot cider or tea for a simple autumn snack.
- Top with vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle for an indulgent and fancy dessert.
- Dust with powdered sugar alongside whipped cream for a classic sweet treat and pretty look.
- Pair with hot fudge sauce or maple syrup just because.
Becca says
They taste just like apple cider donuts but with apples inside. I liked the crunch and generally like a filling inside a donut so that checks these two boxes! Very delicious recipe
Olya says
I'm glad you like apple stuffed donuts!