Why You’ll Love Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe

Crispy on the outside, tender apple inside — a great texture contrast.
Uses simple ingredients you likely have at home.
Quick to make and excellent for sharing (or enjoying solo).
Flexible — you can tweak flavors, coatings, or apples to your taste.

Ingredients

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

For the Apple Rings

4 large apples (for example Gala)
1 cup flour
¼ teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup buttermilk
Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Cinnamon‑Sugar Topping

⅓ cup sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Directions

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and cinnamon (dry ingredients).
In another bowl, beat the egg and mix in the buttermilk (wet ingredients).
In a shallow dish, combine the ⅓ cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon (for coating).
Peel apples if you like (optional), core them, and slice them into about ¼‑inch thick rings. Remove the center “hole” from each slice.
In a skillet or frying pan, pour oil to about 1 inch depth and heat to ~350 °F (175 °C).
Slowly whisk wet ingredients into the dry until smooth. Dip each apple ring into the batter, ensuring full coating.
Carefully place the coated rings into the hot oil (in batches). Fry 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Remove and drain on paper towels.
While still warm, dip the rings into the cinnamon‑sugar mixture so they are fully coated.

Servings and timing

Yield: about 4 to 6 servings (depending on portion size)
Prep Time: ~15 minutes
Cook Time: ~20 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes

Variations

Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice into the batter or topping for extra warmth.
After frying, drizzle or dip in melted chocolate or caramel sauce for a richer treat.
Use pears instead of apples for a twist.
Try a thinner batter (by adding a bit more milk or buttermilk) or a thicker one for different crispness.
Instead of dusting, roll in powdered sugar or mix sugar with finely chopped nuts for coating.

Storage/Reheating

Best eaten fresh, as they lose crispness over time.
If you must store, keep in an airtight container at room temperature (no more than a few hours).
To reheat, place in an oven or toaster oven for a few minutes to crisp up again. Avoid microwaving (it can make them soggy).

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes. Granny Smith gives a tart contrast, while Honeycrisp or Fuji will be sweeter. Choose a firmer apple so it holds its shape when fried.

Do I have to peel the apples?

No — the peel is optional. Leaving it on adds texture and color, but peeling may yield a smoother bite.

What oil should I use for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil, sunflower oil, or canola oil.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Not really — battered, deep-fried foods don’t translate perfectly to air fryer. You may lose the crisp coating or have uneven cooking.

Why use buttermilk?

Buttermilk adds richness, helps with browning, and gives a tender texture to the batter.

My apple rings absorb too much oil — how can I prevent that?

Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Let excess batter drip off before placing in oil.

Can I mix the cinnamon sugar ahead of time?

Yes — the topping mix keeps well in a sealed container. Just apply while the rings are still warm for best adhesion.

How do I know when the oil is the right temperature?

Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer and aim for ~350 °F (175 °C). If you don’t have one, test with a small drop of batter: it should sizzle immediately and cook evenly without burning.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing isn’t ideal — the texture will degrade and become soggy when thawed.

What can I serve alongside?

They’re great with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate or caramel sauce, or even plain.

Conclusion

These Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings are a delightful treat — easy to make, comforting to eat, and flexible enough to suit your tastes. Whether for a cozy snack or a sweet dessert, they bring warmth, sweetness, and crisp texture in every bite.

Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe