Fried Apple Rings – Fried Apple Rings are one of those simple treats that feel a little fancy but are so easy to make! Imagine tender apple slices, dipped in a light, crispy batter, and fried to golden perfection. Then, to end it all off, they’re thrown in cinnamon sugar for that cozy, warm taste we all adore. It’s swift, it’s tasty, and it carries all the fall vibes to your kitchen. Perfect for a snack or dessert, and seriously, who can resist a warm, crispy apple ring?
The first time I tried making these, I was craving something warm and cozy but didn’t want to bake for hours. I thought, “Why not try something fun with apples?” As they fried, the kitchen filled with that mouth-watering smell of cinnamon and apples, and everyone started hanging around, waiting for them to be done. My husband grabbed one as soon as they were cool enough to touch, and let’s just say, it didn’t take long for the whole batch to disappear! Even my kid, who’s not big on fruit desserts, was totally into these. Now they’re our go-to whenever we want a quick, fun treat that feels a little special.
What makes this Fried Apple Rings truly special?
These Fried Apple Rings are the perfect balance of crispy and tender, with that touch of tartness from the apples and a cozy sweetness from the cinnamon sugar. The beer in the batter (don’t worry, the alcohol cooks off) keeps it super light and crispy, giving each ring that golden, crunchy finish. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—amazing on their own, but also incredible with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. And they’re ready in just 25 minutes!
What You Need To Make This Fried Apple Rings Recipe?
Granny Smith Apple: Granny Smith apples are perfect here because they’re firm and tart, which balances the sweetness of the batter and cinnamon sugar. Plus, they hold up really well when fried, so you get nice, sturdy rings instead of mushy ones. If you don’t have Granny Smiths, Honeycrisp or Fuji work too, but they’ll be a bit sweeter.
Beer: The beer is the secret to making the batter light and crispy. The bubbles add air to the batter, which helps it puff up a little when it hits the hot oil. And don’t worry, the alcohol cooks off, so you’re just left with the crispiness! If you’d rather skip the beer, sparkling water or club soda works just as well.
Cinnamon and Sugar: This combo is what gives the apple rings that warm, cozy flavor. You can adjust the cinnamon to your taste, but that little bit of spice really brings out the sweetness in the apples and makes them feel extra special. It’s the same flavor as cinnamon sugar donuts but with that fresh apple twist.
Vegetable Oil: You’ll need oil with a high smoke point for frying, like vegetable or canola oil. It’s key to getting the apples golden and crispy without burning them. Make sure it’s hot enough (about 350°F) before you start frying, or the batter won’t cook evenly.
Lemon Juice: The lemon juice keeps the apple slices from browning while you’re prepping everything else. It also adds a tiny bit of tartness that complements the sweetness of the batter and the apples. It’s a small step but makes sure your apples look fresh and vibrant when they’re fried.
Egg: The egg is what helps bind the batter and gives it that perfect, light texture. Separating the yolk and white might seem like an extra step, but it’s totally worth it! Whisking the egg white until stiff and then folding it into the batter makes everything lighter and fluffier. You get that airy, crispy coating that makes each bite feel a bit special.
Steps To Make Fried Apple Rings:
Get Set Up: Start by lining a plate with paper towels for draining the apple rings once they’re fried. Mix the cinnamon and sugar together in a small bowl for topping, and set it aside. This will be the finishing touch!
Prep the Apples: Grab a bowl of cold water and add a bit of lemon juice to keep the apples from browning. Peel, core, and slice the apple into rings, aiming for about 1/2 cm thick (not too thin or they’ll fall apart). Drop the slices into the lemon water as you go to keep them fresh.
Make the Batter:
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- First, separate the egg, putting the yolk in one bowl and the white in another.
- Whisk the egg white until it’s nice and stiff. This helps give the batter some fluff!
- In another bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, sugar, beer, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add in the flour, whisking until you’ve got a smooth batter.
- Gently fold the egg white into the batter—this will keep it light and airy.
Heat the Oil: Fill a deep skillet or saucepan with about 2 inches of vegetable oil. Heat it over medium until it’s nice and hot (around 350°F). You want it to sizzle when the apple rings hit the oil.
Dip and Fry: Pat the apple rings dry, then dip them into the batter, letting the excess drip off. Carefully place a few rings at a time into the hot oil—don’t crowd the pan!
Cook Until Golden: Fry the apple rings, flipping them now and then, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to lift them out and place them on the paper towels to drain.
Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: While they’re still warm, toss each apple ring in the cinnamon sugar until it’s nicely coated. The sugar will stick perfectly to the hot, crispy batter.
Serve and Enjoy: These are delicious on their own, but if you really want to make them special, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Then, just dig in and enjoy that cozy, warm flavor in every bite!
Tip:
For the crispiest, lightest apple rings, make sure to whisk the egg white until it’s nice and stiff before folding it into the batter. This little step might seem extra, but it’s what makes the batter airy and keeps it from feeling too heavy on the apple. And if you can, let the batter sit for about 10 minutes before you start dipping the apples. This rest time lets the flour absorb the liquid, giving you a smoother, more even coating that fries up beautifully. One more tip? Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying! Adding too many apple rings at once drops the oil temperature, which can make them soggy instead of crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use something other than beer in the batter?
Yes, if you’d rather not use beer, sparkling water or club soda works great too! The bubbles are what help make the batter light and crispy, so any fizzy substitute will still give you that delicious, airy coating.
What’s the best way to keep the rings warm if I’m making a big batch?
To keep them warm and crispy, place the fried apple rings on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and pop them in a 200°F oven while you finish frying the rest. This way, they stay warm without losing their crunch.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to make the batter fresh, especially since the whipped egg white keeps it light. If you make it too far in advance, the batter can start to deflate. But you can prep all your ingredients ahead—slice the apples, whisk the egg white separately, and mix the other batter ingredients so it all comes together quickly when you’re ready to fry.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Fried Apple Rings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 large Granny Smith apple
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1/2 cup 125 ml beer
- Pinch of salt
- 100 grams plain or all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil for frying
For Serving:
- 4 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Prep the Topping:
- Line a large plate with paper towels to drain the apple rings once they’re fried. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the topping and set it aside.
Slice the Apples:
- Grab a large bowl, fill it with cold water, and add in the lemon juice, giving it a quick stir. Peel and core the apple, then slice it into about 8 rings, roughly 1/4 inch thick. Drop the slices into the lemon water to keep them fresh and prevent browning while you prepare the batter.
Make the Batter:
- Crack the egg, then put the yolk in one bowl and the white in a separate bowl.
- Whip up the egg white until it’s fluffy and holds stiff peaks.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, sugar, beer, and salt. Slowly sprinkle in the flour, whisking as you go, until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Gently fold the egg white into the batter until it’s smooth and airy.
Heat the Oil:
- Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy saucepan or deep frying pan. Heat it over medium until it reaches 350°F (180°C).
Dip and Fry the Apples:
- Gently pat the apple rings dry with some paper towels. Dip 3-4 rings at a time into the batter, letting any excess drip off, and carefully lower them one by one into the hot oil.
Cook Until Golden:
- Fry the apple rings until they’re golden brown, turning them occasionally for even cooking. Lift them out of the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on the paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
- While they’re still warm, toss each ring in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
Serve:
- These are delicious on their own, but if you want to make them extra special, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
