Ingredients:
For the Apple Rings:
4 large apples (Gala or your favorite variety)
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
Instructions:
Prepare the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and ⅛ teaspoon of cinnamon. This mixture will form the base of your batter. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and buttermilk until well combined. Set both bowls aside. In a third dish, prepare your cinnamon-sugar topping by mixing ⅓ cup of sugar with 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Set this aside for later use.
Slice the Apples:
Begin by slicing the apples into ¼-inch thick rings. Use a circle biscuit cutter to cut out the center of each apple slice, creating a ring shape. Discard the cores or save them for another use.
Heat the Oil:
Pour vegetable oil into a frying pan until it’s about 1 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F. You can test the oil by dropping a small bit of batter into it—if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
Prepare the Batter:
As the oil heats, combine the dry ingredients with the egg and buttermilk mixture, stirring until you have a smooth batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the apple rings but still easy to dip.
Fry the Apple Rings:
Dip each apple ring into the batter, letting any excess drip off. Carefully place the coated apple rings into the hot oil, frying in small batches. Turn the rings occasionally to ensure they brown evenly on both sides. Once they are golden and crispy, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
While the apple rings are still warm, quickly transfer them into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating each ring evenly. Place the coated apple rings on a wire rack to cool slightly.
Serve:
These Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings are best enjoyed warm. Serve them on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips
Pair with Ice Cream: Serve the warm apple rings with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream pairs perfectly with the crispy, warm apple rings, creating a delicious contrast.
Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: Add a drizzle of caramel or butterscotch sauce over the apple rings for an extra layer of sweetness. This adds a rich, indulgent flavor that complements the cinnamon-sugar coating.
Add a Touch of Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of the apple rings makes for an extra special treat. You can even sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on the whipped cream for added flavor.
Serve with a Hot Beverage: These apple rings pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or cider, making them a perfect treat for a cozy afternoon snack or dessert.
Create a Dessert Platter: Arrange the apple rings on a platter with other treats like cookies, chocolate-dipped fruits, or pastries for a beautiful and delicious dessert spread.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover apple rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to regain their crispy texture.
Freezing: If you’d like to save some for later, you can freeze the fried apple rings. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Reheating Frozen Rings: To reheat frozen apple rings, place them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the rings soggy.
Keep Fresh Before Serving: If you plan to make the apple rings ahead of time, store them in a warm oven at a low temperature (around 200°F) to keep them crispy before serving. This will ensure they remain fresh and ready to enjoy.
Variations:
Caramel Apple Rings: Drizzle the fried apple rings with caramel sauce before tossing them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This adds a rich, gooey sweetness that mimics the flavors of a classic caramel apple.
Pumpkin Spice Apple Rings: Replace the cinnamon in the batter and topping with pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves adds a warm, spiced flavor perfect for fall.
Coconut Apple Rings: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist. You can also coat the fried apple rings in a mixture of cinnamon-sugar and toasted coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.
Chocolate-Dipped Apple Rings: After frying and coating the apple rings in cinnamon sugar, dip them halfway into melted chocolate. Let the chocolate set on a parchment-lined tray for a fun, chocolatey variation.
Maple-Glazed Apple Rings: Instead of cinnamon sugar, dip the fried apple rings in a warm maple glaze. Combine powdered sugar, a touch of milk, and pure maple syrup to make the glaze. This variation is especially delicious for a fall-themed dessert.
Spicy Cinnamon Apple Rings: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a spicy kick. The slight heat balances the sweetness and adds an exciting twist to the traditional recipe.
Nutty Apple Rings: Stir finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the batter before frying. The nuts add a crunchy texture and a rich, nutty flavor that complements the soft, sweet apple.
Stuffed Apple Rings: Create a filling using cream cheese mixed with a bit of cinnamon and sugar. Spread a thin layer of the mixture between two apple slices, sandwiching them together, before dipping in the batter and frying. The creamy filling adds a delightful surprise in each bite.
Glazed Apple Rings: After frying, dip the apple rings in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Let them set on a wire rack. The glaze adds a sweet, glossy finish that’s irresistible.
