Name: Fried Apple Rings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup flour; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 Tablespoons sugar; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 egg; 3 Granny Smith apples; High temperature oil (vegetable oil, grapeseed, or peanut oil) for frying; 1/2 cup powdered sugar for dusting

Jump to Recipe

If you think apple slices are just for snacking or pie, wait until you get a taste of these irresistible Fried Apple Rings. They are golden, crispy on the outside, tender and sweet on the inside, and dusted with a delicate shower of powdered sugar that makes each bite feel like an autumn celebration. The magic happens when tart Granny Smith apples are transformed by a wonderfully spiced, fluffy batter and fried to perfection—this elevated classic snack will quickly become your go-to comfort treat that’s just perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you want a special little indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple staples, but each one plays a vital role in crafting the perfect Fried Apple Rings. From the tangy buttermilk that tenderizes the batter to the crisp Granny Smith apples that bring a refreshing tartness, every element contributes to a wonderfully balanced bite of pure joy.

1 cup flour: Gives structure and crispness to the batter, ensuring a perfect golden crust.
1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a touch of lightness, making the batter fluffy and not too dense.
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: A warming spice that complements the tart apples with just the right hint of sweetness.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness for a perfectly rounded taste.
2 tablespoons sugar: Sweetens the batter slightly to pair beautifully with the tart apples.
1 cup buttermilk: Brings moisture and a subtle tang, making the batter tender and flavorful.
1 egg: Binds everything together and adds richness to the coating.
3 Granny Smith apples: Chosen for their crisp texture and tart flavor that cuts through the richness of the fried batter.
1/2 cup powdered sugar: For dusting—adds a light sweetness and a lovely visual finish.
High-temp oil for frying: Such as vegetable oil, grapeseed, or peanut oil, essential for achieving that perfect golden fry at 375°F.

How to Make Fried Apple Rings

Step 1: Prepare the Frying Oil

Start by heating your choice of high-temp oil in a deep fryer or a deep-sided pan to 375°F. This ensures your Fried Apple Rings come out crispy and golden without soaking up too much oil. Keeping the oil at the right temperature is key—it creates the perfect crunch while cooking the batter and apples thoroughly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and sugar. This mix is the foundation of your batter, giving it flavor, structure, and that wonderful golden color after frying. Combining these dry ingredients first makes it easier to incorporate the wet elements smoothly, resulting in a silky batter.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Make a well in the dry ingredients and add the buttermilk and egg. Use a fork to whisk the milk and egg together before gently folding everything into the dry mix. The buttermilk adds a slight tanginess and tenderness to the batter, making every bite melt in your mouth. If the batter feels too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of regular milk to get it to the perfect dipping consistency.

Step 4: Slice the Apples

Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice your Granny Smith apples into uniform ¼ inch rings. Removing the cores with a small cookie cutter or a paring knife keeps things neat and lets the batter coat each ring evenly. The tartness of Granny Smith apples is essential here—they provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet and spiced batter that makes these Fried Apple Rings so addictive.

Step 5: Dip and Fry

Dip each apple ring fully into the batter, making sure to coat it well. Then, carefully place the rings into the hot oil. Fry them for a few minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures each ring fries evenly and crisply.

Step 6: Drain and Dust

Once fried, transfer the apple rings to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. While they’re still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar. This classic finishing touch adds a delicate sweetness and makes each ring look just as delightful as it tastes.

How to Serve Fried Apple Rings

Garnishes

Sprinkling powdered sugar is the timeless finish for Fried Apple Rings, but feel free to get creative! A drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a dusting of extra cinnamon can elevate their flavor and appearance. For a fresh burst, some chopped nuts or a dollop of whipped cream can add texture and contrast.

Side Dishes

These apple rings are quite the star on their own, yet pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a hearty breakfast plate with bacon and eggs can make the experience even more indulgent. Even a simple cup of rich coffee or spiced chai is all you need to turn your snack time into a cozy, flavorful moment.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or brunches, serve your Fried Apple Rings stacked like mini donuts on a pretty platter or threaded onto skewers for a fun finger food twist. You could also incorporate them into a dessert buffet alongside other fried treats or fruit-based delights for a show-stopping spread. Presentation can be casual and rustic or elegant, depending on the occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While Fried Apple Rings are best enjoyed hot and fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a few hours. If you’re planning to keep them longer, refrigeration is best—but keep in mind they may lose some crispness.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover rings by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This method prevents them from sticking together, and they’ll keep for up to a month. Just remember, the texture changes a bit after freezing but still tastes delicious.

Reheating

To bring your Fried Apple Rings back to life, reheat them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes on a baking sheet. This method revives their crispiness much better than the microwave, which tends to leave them soggy. A quick re-dust with powdered sugar after warming up finishes them off beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Absolutely, but Granny Smith apples are recommended because of their tartness and firmness. Softer apples might become mushy when fried. If you want to experiment, try Honeycrisp for a sweeter option that still holds its shape well.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it in the batter. It adds that lovely tang that balances the sweetness.

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

A frying thermometer is your best tool to maintain 375°F. If you don’t have one, drop a small bit of batter in the oil — if it sizzles and rises quickly, you’re good to go. Too slow or no bubbles mean the oil is too cool; a lot of smoke indicates it’s too hot.

Can I make this recipe vegan or gluten-free?

To make Fried Apple Rings vegan, try substituting the egg with a flax or chia egg and use a plant-based milk. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free too. The texture might vary slightly, but with some adjustments, it can still be delicious!

Why do my Fried Apple Rings sometimes come out soggy?

That usually means the oil wasn’t hot enough or the batter was too thick. Maintaining oil temperature and thinning the batter with a little milk if necessary helps achieve a crisp finish. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the oil temperature steady.

Final Thoughts

Fried Apple Rings are one of those simple yet extraordinary treats that bring warmth, nostalgia, and a touch of magic to your kitchen. Whether you’re making them for an impromptu snack or a cozy brunch, these golden, crispy wonders never fail to impress and comfort. So go ahead, try this recipe, and treat yourself to a batch of homemade Fried Apple Rings—you won’t regret every delightful, sugary crunch!

Fried Apple Rings Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 22 reviews

Author: Hugo
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy and sweet Fried Apple Rings coated in a cinnamon-spiced batter and dusted with powdered sugar, perfect as a delightful snack or dessert.

Instructions

Heat the oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a deep-sided pan over medium-high heat until the temperature reaches 375°F (190°C).
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and sugar thoroughly.
Add wet ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, then add the buttermilk and egg. Use a fork to whisk the egg and buttermilk together before incorporating them into the dry mixture.
Adjust batter consistency: If the batter appears too thick, add a few dashes of regular milk to thin it until it reaches a smooth, dippable consistency.
Prepare apple rings: Slice the Granny Smith apples into 1/4 inch thick rings. Remove the core from each ring using a small cookie cutter or paring knife.
Batter the apples: Dip each apple ring into the prepared batter, ensuring it is fully coated.
Fry the rings: Carefully place the battered apple rings into the hot oil and fry them on both sides for a few minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Drain excess oil: Remove the fried apple rings with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Serve: Dust the fried apple rings generously with powdered sugar before serving warm.

Notes

Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor that balances the sweet batter.
Maintain oil temperature to avoid greasy or undercooked rings.
Serve immediately for the best crispy texture.
Can be served with caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Ensure the batter is not too thick or too thin to properly coat the apple rings.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American