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Crispy Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe That Tastes Like Mini Apple Pies

Golden cinnamon apple rings fresh from the pan, styled for a cozy Fall Apple Dessert Preparation moment.

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These cinnamon apple rings are golden, crisp, and coated in warm cinnamon sugar for a simple dessert that tastes like a cross between fried dough and apple pie. They are easy to make, fun to serve, and perfect for fall snacking.

Ingredients

Scale

For the apple rings

  • 4 large apples, Gala works well
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For the cinnamon sugar coating

  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon until the dry ingredients are evenly combined. Set this bowl aside.
  2. In a separate small bowl, beat the egg together with the buttermilk until smooth.
  3. In a third shallow dish, stir together the 1/3 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon to make the finishing coating. Keep that nearby so it is ready as soon as the apple rings come out of the oil.
  4. Slice the apples into 1/4-inch rounds. Use biscuit cutters in different sizes to cut the center out of each slice and create ring shapes. Remove and discard the core pieces from the middle.
  5. Lay the apple rings on paper towels and gently pat them dry. This step is important because excess moisture prevents the batter from sticking properly.
  6. Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or heavy skillet and heat it over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F.
  7. While the oil heats, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until the batter comes together. Mix just until smooth and fully combined. The batter should coat the apple rings without being too runny.
  8. Working one ring at a time, dip each apple slice into the batter and turn it so both sides are fully covered. Lift it out and let any excess batter drip back into the bowl. You can lightly tap the ring against the edge of the bowl if needed.
  9. Carefully place the battered apple rings into the hot oil in small batches. Do not overcrowd the pan, or the temperature will drop and the rings will fry unevenly.
  10. Fry the rings, turning them as needed, until both sides are golden brown and crisp.
  11. Remove the cooked rings from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels for just a few seconds to catch any extra oil.
  12. While the rings are still warm, transfer them one by one into the cinnamon sugar mixture and coat them thoroughly on all sides.
  13. Move the finished cinnamon apple rings to a wire rack and serve them warm.

Notes

  • You may not need every apple, depending on size. The recipe is flexible, so make as many cinnamon apple rings as you want.
  • Do not cool the rings on a plate. Use a wire rack instead. A plate traps steam underneath and can make the bottoms soggy. A rack keeps air moving around the rings, which helps them stay crispier for longer.
  • Cinnamon apple rings are best eaten fresh, while the coating is still crunchy and the centers are warm.