Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings

Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, crispy apple ring coated in sweet cinnamon sugar. That’s exactly what Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings are—a delightful dessert that perfectly marries the tartness of apples with the sweetness of cinnamon and sugar. These rings are similar to the famous carnival treats but with a homemade touch that makes them even better.

Why You’ll Love This Treat

If you’re a fan of apple pies, churros, or anything cinnamon, you’ll absolutely adore Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings. They’re not just a feast for your taste buds but also a fun activity to do with friends or family. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to use up any extra apples you might have lying around.

Ingredients Needed:

• Vegetable oil or coconut oil
• 4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Gala, Golden Delicious)
• 1/2 cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons (divided)
• Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus 1/4 teaspoon (divided)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but recommended)
• 3/4 cup 2% or whole milk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus 2 tablespoons
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Step By Step Instructions:

Step 1. Pour enough oil into a large cast iron skillet or heavy saucepan to create at least a 1-inch depth.

Step 2. Heat the oil to 365°F over medium-high heat. If you’re using a saucepan, less oil can be used, but you’ll need to fry fewer at a time.

Step 3. While the oil is heating, slice the apples crosswise into 1/4-inch thick rings. Use a small round cookie cutter to remove the core, leaving about 3/8-inch of apple flesh intact. Don’t discard the cores—you can chop them up and add to a chicken salad or save as a healthy snack.

Step 4. In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon to create a cinnamon-sugar coating.

Step 5. In a medium bowl, lightly whisk the egg and gradually add the milk.

Step 6. Add the flour, then top with 2 tablespoons of sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Step 7. Lightly whisk the dry ingredients on top before fully mixing everything together. (This saves you from using an extra bowl!)

Step 8. Check the oil temperature—it should be 365°F. Using tongs, dip the apple rings into the batter, allowing the excess to drip back into the bowl. Fry 3 or 4 rings at a time for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 9. Once fried, let the apple rings drain on paper towels for a minute before dredging them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while still warm. Use tongs to ensure they’re well-coated. Enjoy warm, and if you have leftovers, reheat them in the microwave for a tasty breakfast treat the next day.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings

Getting the Right Crisp

To achieve the perfect crispiness, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil is too cool, the batter will absorb more oil, leading to soggy rings. Using a thermometer can help maintain the correct temperature throughout the frying process.

Avoiding Soggy Rings

Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy apple rings. Fry in small batches and allow the oil to return to temperature between each batch.

Variations on the Classic Recipe

Adding a Caramel Drizzle

For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle your fried apple rings with warm caramel sauce. The rich caramel pairs perfectly with the tart apples and sweet cinnamon sugar, making it a dessert worth savoring.

Serving Suggestions for Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings

Pairing with Ice Cream

Nothing pairs better with warm Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings than a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, crispy rings, creating a delightful dessert experience.

Dipping Sauces to Try

Try serving your apple rings with various dipping sauces for a fun twist. Caramel sauce, chocolate ganache, or even a cream cheese glaze can add a whole new dimension of flavor.

Storing and Reheating Your Apple Rings

Best Practices for Storage

If you have leftovers (which is unlikely!), store your apple rings in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They can also be stored in the refrigerator, but they may lose some of their crispiness.

How to Reheat Without Losing Crispiness

To reheat your apple rings without losing their crispiness, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

The Health Aspect of Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings

Nutritional Information

While Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings are a treat, they’re not the worst indulgence out there. Apples provide fiber and vitamins, while the cinnamon adds a boost of antioxidants. However, due to the frying process, they do contain a fair amount of calories and fat.

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking to enjoy this treat in a healthier way, consider baking the apple rings instead of frying. You can also reduce the sugar in the batter or use a sugar substitute.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the Pan

One of the most common mistakes is overcrowding the pan during frying. This causes the oil temperature to drop, resulting in greasy and soggy apple rings. Always fry in small batches.

Using Cold Oil

Cold oil is another culprit for soggy apple rings. Make sure your oil is heated to the right temperature before frying, and use a thermometer to monitor it throughout the process.

FAQs

Can I bake instead of fry the apple rings?

Yes, you can bake the apple rings at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy, but they’ll still be delicious.

Which type of apples are best for this recipe?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are ideal for this recipe because they hold up well during frying and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.

How can I make the recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Can I prepare the apple rings in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the apples and the batter in advance, but it’s best to fry them just before serving for the freshest taste.

What’s the best way to serve Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings?

The best way to serve Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings is warm, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

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