Name: Golden Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large apples (such as Gala); 1 cup all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon baking powder; 2 tablespoons sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 cup buttermilk; Vegetable oil (enough for frying, about 1 inch deep); ⅓ cup sugar (for topping); 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for topping)

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These golden fried cinnamon apple rings are the perfect mix of crispy, sweet, and cozy. I dip tender apple slices into a simple batter, fry them to golden perfection, then toss them in a cinnamon-sugar blend while they’re still warm. The result is a nostalgic, fair-style treat that’s quick to make and impossible to resist.

Golden Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 large apples (such as Gala)

1 cup all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon baking powder

2 tablespoons sugar

¼ teaspoon salt

⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 large egg, beaten

1 cup buttermilk

Vegetable oil, enough for frying (about 1 inch deep)

For the cinnamon-sugar topping: ⅓ cup sugar + 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions

I start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl.

In another bowl, I beat the egg and stir in the buttermilk until smooth.

I mix the cinnamon and sugar for the topping in a shallow dish and set it aside.

Then I peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼-inch thick rings, making sure to remove the central core completely.

I heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

Gradually, I whisk the wet mixture into the dry ingredients to form a smooth batter.

Each apple ring gets a full coating of batter before I carefully drop it into the hot oil. I fry them in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until they’re golden brown.

Once out of the oil, I drain them on paper towels and, while still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar topping.

I love serving these warm, sometimes with caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4–6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving

Variations

When I want to change things up, I sometimes use tart apples like Granny Smith for a sharper contrast with the sweet coating. I’ve also swapped the cinnamon-sugar for powdered sugar or even a light dusting of cocoa powder. For a fall-inspired twist, I add a pinch of nutmeg or clove to the batter. If I’m serving a crowd, I make a double batch and offer a few dipping sauces like caramel, honey, or chocolate.

Storage/Reheating

I find these apple rings are best enjoyed fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. To reheat, I place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5–7 minutes to bring back some of that crispness. Microwaving tends to make them soft, so I avoid it when I can.

FAQs

What type of apples work best for this recipe?

I usually go with Gala apples because they’re sweet and hold their shape well. However, Granny Smith apples also work great if I want a tart contrast to the sweet coating.

Can I make these ahead of time?

While I prefer them fresh, I sometimes prepare the apple slices and batter ahead of time, storing them separately in the fridge. Then I fry them right before serving for the best texture.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Baking doesn’t produce the same crispy result, but I’ve tried it at 400°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet. They need about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They turn out softer but still tasty.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough?

I use a thermometer to make sure it reaches 350°F. If I don’t have one, I drop a small bit of batter in — it should sizzle and float to the top quickly without burning.

What’s a good dip or topping for these?

I love them with caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whipped cream, maple syrup, or even a cream cheese glaze are delicious, too.

Conclusion

These golden fried cinnamon apple rings are one of my favorite quick treats to whip up when I want something warm and satisfying. They’re simple to make, full of nostalgic flavor, and always bring a smile to my face. Whether I serve them at a family gathering or enjoy them with a cozy drink on the couch, they never disappoint.

Recipe:

Golden Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These golden fried cinnamon apple rings are a nostalgic fair-style treat with crispy coating and tender apple slices, tossed in cinnamon sugar. Quick, easy, and perfect for dessert or a cozy snack.

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg and mix in the buttermilk until smooth.
In a shallow dish, mix the ⅓ cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon for the topping and set aside.
Peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼-inch thick rings, removing the central core completely.
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Gradually whisk the wet mixture into the dry ingredients to form a smooth batter.
Dip each apple ring fully in the batter and carefully drop into the hot oil.
Fry the apple rings in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
While still warm, roll the fried apple rings in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Serve warm, optionally with caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream.